Changing from winter to summer tyres on the same rims
I bought winter tyres for the first time last winter, from Kwik Fit and used their "tyre hotel" storage service for my summer tyres.
On arranging to swap back to the summer tyres via their website, I find it is impossible to avoid being charged for a new set of valves, at a price of £19, even though I do not want them, as I did buy new valves when I bought the new winter tyres only last December.
This is a second car and had only done about 1700 miles since the previous tyre change. I phoned Kwikfit and spoke to the Customer Services Manager, but he was adamant that the company policy is to always fit new valves at every tyre change and insisted they must fit new valves.
At this rate, I will be forced to pay an additional £38 every year for valves I think I don't need. I think this is unreasonable. What is your opinion? (In order to get my tyres back I have already paid the extra £19)
On arranging to swap back to the summer tyres via their website, I find it is impossible to avoid being charged for a new set of valves, at a price of £19, even though I do not want them, as I did buy new valves when I bought the new winter tyres only last December.
This is a second car and had only done about 1700 miles since the previous tyre change. I phoned Kwikfit and spoke to the Customer Services Manager, but he was adamant that the company policy is to always fit new valves at every tyre change and insisted they must fit new valves.
At this rate, I will be forced to pay an additional £38 every year for valves I think I don't need. I think this is unreasonable. What is your opinion? (In order to get my tyres back I have already paid the extra £19)
Asked on 18 May 2012 by Automobilist
Answered by
Honest John
The answer is to buy another set of rims, then you do not have to swap the tyres twice a year with the inevitable risk of damage as well as the expense.
Tags:
wheels and tyres
winter tyres
Cold-snap snow-how: Advice on coping with the freezing weather, including videos, facts and winter driving advice.
Honest John's Guide To Winter Tyres
From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.
Tyre News And AdviceSimilar questions
I have recently taken delivery of a Lexus NX 450+ Sport with runflat tyres. I cannot find their winter equivalent but have been told (not convincingly) that I can fit non-run flat winter tyres. Is this...
My Kia e-Niro has Michellin Primacy 3 tyres which perform poorly in the wet (they also have just over 2mm tread). My other petrol cars all have all-season tyres which are phenomenal, but the cars all weigh...
I'm hoping you can offer some advice. My car needs new tyres to pass its MoT. I'm currently using Pirelli P Zeros. I do a lot of towing (up to max allowed for this car). What replacement tyres would you...
.jpg)
