Scottish Elises

Hi,

Unfortunately I ended up with a puncture last night. Bird had pooped on my car and I decided to stop off at the local 24 hour car wash before heading home. Car felt fine before I took it in, guy washing car pointed out that my tire was looking flat. I only live about 3/4 mile from the car wash and decided to just limp home. Soon as I got it out of there the car was pulling to the left. Apparently the place was being refurbished at the time and a bit rough to get into with a few dodgy ramps. So, maybe it was a nail or something. But I am 99% certain that it happened on the approach to the car wash or in there. Anyway....

I need to get it fixed. I live in Shawlands, Glasgow. Could anyone recommend anywhere I could take it nearby to get it fixed?

There is a kwick fit just down the road from me but I don't think they will have any yoko ad07's. Although I will give them a call anyway. I'm wondering if I might have to source the tyre myself on eliseparts and get someone to fit it.

Thanks
p

As long as the puncture is in the tread, not the tyre wall, it should be a straightforward job for any competent tyre shop.
Speaking from personal experience, I'd avoid Kwik and head to a Tom Farmer if there's one nearby. I went there last time. Great guys and no trying to con me into buying 4 new tyres, brakes and an exhaust (juts make sure they know where the jacking points are).
The repair should be as strong as the rest of the tyre. I've been on the track a couple of times since the repair with no issues.

Get it repaired unless it is damaged sidewall or its near the end of it life.

You might also have damaged it by running it home if it was completely flat.

Contrary to what Duggie says, I'd avoid Farmers.

I guess the service depends on the particular branch- the one near me was ok but they did slightly damage an immaculate rim the last time they fixed a puncture for me. The tyre machine had run out of gas (I think that's what he said anyway!) and the guy insisted he could stretch the tyre on without it- he managed but took a knick out of the rim that I didn't notice until a couple of days later.

My main bugbear was price though- that was about 3 or four years ago and it cost £20 for a puncture repair.
I got one done last week at an independent tyre place for a tenner (and they did a great job too).

Called the Farmers auto place, the guy said they charge £12.50 for a tyre repair. He couldn't quote me a price for a replacement tyre at the time, just said he would need to check with his supplier.

Had a look at the tyre in the daylight today. There is a nasty looking nail embedded in the tyre. I haven't pulled it out yet, but it looks like a roof nail.

Has anyone else had a nail puncture their tyre at a certain 24hr car wash in Glasgow next to an Ice Cream joint and Car repair garage? Or maybe I'm just being a bit paranoid here.....

I use Performance Tyres in Carmunnock to fit and swap over my winter/summer tyres, but they aren't that close to Shawlands. They won't have the correct yoko ad07s if it can't be repaired and you need to replace it though. Where about are you as I haven't spotted and other starlight black S2 about Shawland?

I know the car wash but haven't used it since I got the elise as I didn't think they would be too careful with the jetwash and I'd end up soaked as it sprayed in the corner of the windows!

Sorry for the thread drift but what's the going rate now for removing a tyre?
I was charged 8£ a corner, I can buy all the equipment for not too much money so was wondering about heading the DIY route for future?

£10 seems to be about the going rate for fitting a new tyre unless you have a friendly garage which I have.

tut

ps:- what are you doing today?

Cam belt on an S1

robin wrote:Cam belt on an S1

Yep, thanks for the help robin. Bloody hell it was tight, once it knew it was standard thread a hammer with tension taken up with someone's foot, in 5th we managed to jolt it free. Put the new belt on, set the timing and all seemed well. Then went to put the main pulley back on only to find the belt was 2mm wider and was catching the pulley! Belt was exact except for that so not sure why they have different widths.
So tut, today did a small bit of work to smee's car, little bit to mine, attempted a change of Tony's cam belt ( to fair he got stuck and I said its not too difficult....) then started plumbing in my caravan before our flit! So had a good day.

Was going to come round, but tied one on too much last night and was feeling fragile.

tut

I use R D Tyre Service

Have had a few bad experiences with tyre fitters in the past so used these guys on a recommendation. Good job and you can go upstairs to the cafe for a roll & sausage and a cup of tea while you wait.

Quick update on this...

Unfortunately, the tyre couldn't be saved. Initially the guy at farmer auto said he could source the yoko tyre for me but then called the day before to say they don't have an account with them so cant get me the tyre. So I had to order from eliseparts and get it sent there. They were kind enough to fit the new tyre for 15 quid but did stress it was a one off.

I got my car back. But they did mention my brake pads dont look in good nick. So I have had to order some again from eliseparts - getting front and back pads replaced. Trying to get a hold of Ali-sls to fit them for me this weekend !!! Tough man to get a hold of but he does a good job once you do get him