the insider
Well-Known Member
Whenever you have to remove tires from alloy rims you risk the chance of damaging the the finish of the rim and even the tire. Newer tire changers minimize this. All balancers have a large threaded rod that goes through the center of the wheel (as do some older style changers). Its very easy to rake the center hole of the rim over the threads - especially with larger, heavier tires. Its an awkward, blind lift that's hard on the lower back to get them on the balancer. Once on the balancer, the wheel is held in place with a cup or cone - these can also potentially damage the face or center hole of the rim. The center caps should be popped out from behind when possible as prying can also cause damage. I always run winter rims and tires.I have the same issue going on with my 2012 Si wheel cap. And I noticed it around the time I changed my tires to winter tires (along with the scratches around the face of the rims from the idiot body shop that installed them).
What would that have to with changing tires, out of curiosity (I'm legitimately interested, because I figured it was premature wearing myself!)
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