[joep]

I recently picked up my first Porsche boxster just last week so I'm new to the needs of the car. The rear tires are in need of immediate replacement. Can I trust somewhere like NTB or Costco, to do the job OK or are there other concerns which they can't handle? I currently have Michelin brand tires.

Thoughts?

[jsaindc]

Costco is ok, I have had good experience with the one in Leesburg. Only thing is they may have to order what you want. If you have the time try Radial Tire in Silver Spring. They won't have to order what you want and their prices are as good or better than Tire Rack. Ask for Paul he is very familiar with Porsches. http://www.radialtire.com/

[OldTee]

Cosco, Sears, Sams all have very good prices but do not know how to handle Porsche wheels nor how to attach the balance weights. Go to Radial if you have the time. Toyos are a good tire, so is Michelin.
ARF

[Dr K]

X2 on Radial Tire. Spent 20 minutes with Paul yesterday as he looked at the various worn tires I have and is now trying to put together a set that will get us through one event (I bought 2 pairs of tires from Dorkis that turned out to be not as good as buyer or seller thought -- lesson learned ).

Paul is more than knowledgeable - he's honest. When I went in last spring to have one of the above pairs put on to replace the RA-1s I'd taken a huge gouge out of when it caught my fender, he told me it was fine and to keep driving on it. Unfortunately, he didn't look at the replacements, but I did get 12 more track days on those fronts!

Next up, 225/245's - it's only money.


Best way to deal with Radial Tire is with the wheels and tires OFF the car. Drop them off, and pick them up the next day. Depending on where you live in Virginia, it may still be quicker than waiting. Or, you could have DR take them over for you... Joking aside, post here and you might be able to share the 2 trips with another Dorki with similar needs.

Peter

[Mark in Baltimore]

I use the NTB near my house, and they are fine with mounting and balancing my Fikses. However, about eight years ago, I tried four NTB's around Baltimore when I was looking for a good place to balance my '99 4Runner's wheels which were notoriously hard to remain in balance and stay smooth over 90mph. I think most are fine as long as you are explicit about what you want done and how you want it.

[savowood]

Radial Tire...talk to Paul. Never take your car/wheels anywhere else.

-Michael

[Jase007]

Alternate opinion:

www.tirevan.net

They come to you .. give good advice on street tires. have used them for a few cars and mount / dismount race tires / wheels, etc...

Good luck.

[Landjet]

I agree with Jase. TireVan will match price, they come to your house, and they have the absolute best tire balancing machine made. Couldn't be easier. Not taking anything away from Paul, he is a great guy, but after buying a set of Michelins from him, I didn't like the balancing job he did {it was on the car}, so tried TireVan and that Hunter 9700 made my car smooth as glass. I will buy my next set of tires from them.

[88carrera]

Radial Tire in Silver Spring.

[joep]

Thanks all for your advice. I'm in Prince William County so I'll rule out radial tire for now, but tirevan seems interesting although their site needs some work.

I have some contacts to a local NTB. How would you explain this to them?

I think most are fine as long as you are explicit about what you want done and how you want it.