Going to the tyre shop: the answers

Bring the vehicle registration document, to check size, load index and speed code, the anti-theft bolt key if you have one, and the tyres or the wheels, depending on the service. Say whether you want summer, winter or 4-season tyres and how much you drive. If you have already bought the tyres, bring the proof of purchase. That way you avoid size mistakes and the job is quicker.

See whether it gives a clear written quote with all the items, whether it explains choices and alternatives, whether it uses suitable equipment (tyre changer, balancer, alignment check) and whether it checks compatibility with the registration document. Be wary of those who don't say what is included. Reviews, availability and timing matter, but transparency on the quote is decisive. Also ask how it handles a defective tyre.

It normally includes removing and refitting the tyres on the rim, wheel balancing and often the valve. For new tyres an environmental contribution is also paid, shown separately on the invoice; used tyres stay with the tyre shop and are collected by authorised operators. What is included varies from workshop to workshop: ask in the quote. At Pneumatici SuperStore the WhatsApp quote includes fitting, balancing and disposal.

Sources: ecopneus.it

PFU stands for end-of-life tyres (pneumatici fuori uso): tyres that have reached the end of their function and can no longer be used safely. Once removed from the vehicle they become waste. The environmental contribution is paid on the purchase of each new tyre, varies by type and weight (for cars roughly from 1.80 to 3.70 euro) and is shown separately on the invoice. It funds collection, transport, treatment and recovery. Replaced tyres stay with the tyre shop and are collected by authorised operators.

Sources: ecopneus.it

Check make and model, size, load index and speed code, quantity, production date (DOT) if stated, and the service items: fitting, balancing, valves, disposal. The PFU environmental contribution must be shown separately on the invoice. Check whether the price is per tyre or per set and whether other jobs are included. A written, detailed quote lets you compare offers on equal terms.

Sources: ecopneus.it

It depends on the type of vehicle, number of wheels, type of rim, additional services and the workshop's workload. For a motorcycle, for example, Pirelli indicates from one hour to more than two hours, depending on the mechanic's experience, equipment and type of tyre. In seasonal changeover periods waits get longer. The surest way to know is to ask the workshop when you book.

Sources: pirelli.com

Yes, many tyre shops fit tyres bought elsewhere, but ask first whether they do and on what terms. When you buy online check size, load index and speed code against the registration document and, if possible, have the tyres shipped directly to the workshop. On delivery check the DOT date and that there is no damage. Some tyre shops apply different conditions to tyres they did not sell.

Look at the DOT code on the sidewall: the last four digits indicate week and year of production (for example 3524 = week 35 of 2024). Do it on delivery, before fitting. As a reference, Michelin recommends precautionary replacement of tyres 10 years after production and an annual check after 5 years of use. If the date doesn't convince you, contact the seller before fitting.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it

Replacing a complete wheel can be done with a jack, suitable wrenches and tightening the bolts according to the manufacturer. Fitting tyres on the rim is another matter: specific skills and equipment are needed for demounting, fitting and balancing, and a badly fitted tyre can cause problems. Michelin recommends going to a specialist, because it is easier, safer and quicker.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it

Go to the tyre shop: there are tools to remove anti-theft bolts without the original key, and often with the code shown on the packaging or in the documents a new key can be ordered. Do not force the bolts yourself so as not to damage the rim. If you have anti-theft bolts, always bring the key when you change tyres.

Tyre fitting is similar, but alloy rims are more delicate and need care with scratches, adhesive weights and tightening. Steel ones are sturdier and cheaper. Bolts or nuts may differ: compatibility with the type of rim is needed. Tell the tyre fitter the type of rim when asking for the quote.

Check the contract: it often sets the type of tyres, authorised service centres and the costs borne by each party. Before changing tyres ask the leasing or rental company, because some contracts include the service on defined terms. Keep invoices and job reports and use tyres with the size and indexes specified on the registration document.

Clean, indoors, in a dry, temperate and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and solvents. If mounted on rims they are stored upright, hung or stacked at most two by two; without rims they should be kept upright, without stacking or hanging them. Many tyre shops offer storage. At Pneumatici SuperStore, if you have your tyres fitted with us, storage of the off-season set is free.

Sources: michelin.it

When you notice uneven tyre wear, when the car's behaviour or steering changes (for example it pulls to one side) and every time you fit new tyres. Misadjusted alignment worsens road holding, wears tyres out sooner and increases fuel consumption. Pneumatici SuperStore carries out the alignment check.

Sources: michelin.it

If the hole is in the tread, in most cases it can be repaired, except for damage that is too large or a tyre damaged by driving flat. On the shoulder it cannot be repaired and on the sidewall usually not. The best repair is done by demounting the tyre, inspecting it on the inside and inserting a mushroom plug from the inside. For run-flats each manufacturer decides whether to allow repair: ask the tyre fitter.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it

Air is made up of about 79% nitrogen, and most tyres can be inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as the manufacturer's pressure is respected. With nitrogen the pressure is maintained longer, but leaks remain possible (bead, valve), so periodic checks are needed anyway. Pneumatici SuperStore offers pressure checks with nitrogen or air.

Sources: michelin.it

Check the cold pressure and that the bolts were tightened to the torque given by the manufacturer; if the tyre fitter or manufacturer recommends it, recheck the tightness after the first kilometres. While driving there must be no vibrations or abnormal noises: if you notice any, go back to the tyre fitter for a balancing and fitting check.

The size is written on the tyre sidewall and on the registration document, where several permitted sizes may appear. The Pneumatici SuperStore site has a size finder by car or motorcycle model, with factory load index and speed code where a source states them. Always check against the registration document before buying.

The Pneumatici SuperStore shop in Milan is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30, Saturday from 8:30 to 13:00. It is closed on Sundays and national public holidays. For a quote you can write on WhatsApp: it includes fitting, balancing and disposal.

Yes: besides cars, SUVs and vans (run-flats too, with steel or alloy rims), Pneumatici SuperStore handles motorcycle tyres and prepares quotes for lorries and HGVs in which you choose the axle (steer, drive, trailer). It also offers wheel alignment, puncture repair and pressure checks with nitrogen or air. The site is available in 10 languages.

Yes: Pneumatici SuperStore was born from experience in motor racing and is also specialised in motor racing, with a pit box for pit stops and tyre changes on track for racing and competition cars. We bring that culture of precision to the care of road cars.

Yes: we are aimed in particular at those who look for the utmost attention to detail and precision in set-up, such as owners of premium and sports cars. We also work on alloy wheels and run-flat tyres, and the model finder shows the original sizes, with load index and speed code where available.

The Pneumatici SuperStore concierge service brings the work to where you want it: we do it directly in your garage, at home, in the office or at the place you name, without you having to bring the car to the workshop. Place, day and work are agreed by writing to us on WhatsApp or calling us.

Yes: we offer fleet contracts for company cars, with seasonal tyre management, storage of off-season tyres and the concierge service. The terms are defined together according to the fleet: tell us how many vehicles there are and what type.

No: there is only one workshop, at Via Enrico Cosenz 63/1, in Milan. With the concierge service, though, we work wherever you prefer, in your garage, at home or in the office, and with fleet contracts we look after companies across the city, with no sites in other districts.

If you have your tyres fitted by us, we keep your off-season set free of charge at the workshop: washed, catalogued in your name and ready to collect by appointment at the next changeover. For company fleets the terms are agreed.

Yes: with the concierge service we do the work directly where you prefer, in your garage, at home or in the office, without you having to bring the car to the workshop. Write to us on WhatsApp or call to agree the place and the day.

Yes: we are also specialised in motor racing and set up a pit box to carry out pit stops and tyre changes on track, for racing and competition cars. To organise assistance at an event, write to us on WhatsApp or call.

Racing and competition cars. Write to us with the event, the date and the cars: we agree together how to set up the assistance and the terms, which depend on the event.