Bracknell Tyre & Battery - still there/still any good?

[ewand]

When I lived in Wokingham, I'd brave the queues at BT&B but last time I went, I noticed they'd been taken over by ProTyre (aka Micheldever) and the prices had gone up a noticeable amount (ie enough to not make it worth the hassle of showing up and waiting for hours to have the tyres fitted). I note they aren't listed on the Protyre site now, though - just wondered: are they still going? Are they still so cheap?

The Missus' Audi Barge managed to separate a 275/35/20 Dunlop from its rim on the M4 tonight, and given the full size spare (255/??/18) is supposedly only rated for 50mph (wtf?) I'd like to find somewhere near Reading that isn't going to take the p&ss. And I fancy a couple of Yokohama fronts for my weekend plaything, so could be worth finding someone that's reliably a bit less than the going rate.

Any thoughts?

ta
Ewan

[john_r]

Hmmm... unfortunately the 'name & shame' clause prevents me from commenting on the damage to my alloy last time I went there.

I've heard 'rumours' that they may not always take much care with tightening wheel nuts.

[Blues]

If you are not fussy about a 50% margin of error on tyre pressure, use them. I'd did, then I didn't and won't again

[Paul v8]

a few friends have used bracknell tyre in th epast with no probs, i've used top gear tyres in reading for years with no probs.

[billynomates]

Blues said:

If you are not fussy about a 50% margin of error on tyre pressure, use them. I'd did, then I didn't and won't again

I guess you decided to go there as they quoted you cheap?

So the tyre pressures were out big deal ..no?

So were mine when I had all four corners fitted.. but hey ho air costs nothing

[Lubermans]

Used to use Warfield Garage when based in Binfield for tyres - no complaints from me. Last time round used Event Tyres to come and fit at home when required a full set of Falkens - great prices and good service.

[NormanD]

Martins Tyres
Brentmoor Road
West End
Surrey GU24 9QG

01276 856846

Just off the A322 2 miles south of J3 of the M3

[theboyfold]

I had no issues with them when I went...

...just popping out to check my pressure and if the nuts are still tight

Edited by theboyfold on Tuesday 25th January 22:06

[jeremyc]

Event Tyres

Keen prices, take great care (in my experience) and they come to you.

[nonuts]

They're not as good as they were, but as long as you check tyre pressures / bolts after I'd still be happy using them. They've not damaged a wheel of mine so far and they're helpful enough.

Whoever was delivering they're tyres (I think from the chain) was ste last time I was there meaning I ended up getting different tyres to those that I wanted but got them for a bargain price.

[ewand]

thanks chaps, some good recommendations there. I'll do a spot of phoning round tomorrow to see what can be arranged.



[Mrs called me to say she'd had a blow out by M4 J11 - I arrived ~20 mins later having called the Highways Agency to advise. Wombles showed up 10 mins later and did naff all but stand around watching me change the wheel (lending a steadying hand at one point when attaching the spare). Get ready to head off, and guess what? Her battery doesn't have enough juice to start the fecking engine (since it's been sitting for 30 mins with headlights etc on).

Arse. Call to AA to come with jump start kit since Wombles can't touch anything mechanical, in case it all goes boom. Apparently. Sods law really as her Audi's battery is in the boot, and if I'd been in a front-engined car and been carrying the jump leads I had with me today, I'd have been able to get it going...

[don4l]

I used ALS at Warfield. They did a very good job.


Don
--

[Blues]

billynomates said:

Blues said:

If you are not fussy about a 50% margin of error on tyre pressure, use them. I'd did, then I didn't and won't again

I guess you decided to go there as they quoted you cheap?

So the tyre pressures were out big deal ..no?

So were mine when I had all four corners fitted.. but hey ho air costs nothing

Yes, its a big fking deal when they put 37 psi into two rear wheels instead of 27. Had me bouncing all over until I realised what the halfwits had done Air costs nothing? Then why don't they use it to tighten wheel nuts properly? And, too much air can cost one hell of a lot. They USED to be cheap, but since they "sold out" are nowhere near as competitive, and Event tyres will come out to me for almost the same price. After using BT for years, I'm done hanging around for hours at their shed.
All based on my own, and others' experience. HTH

[MX-5 Lazza]

Wherever I go, however good they might be, I always check (and usually have to adjust) the tyre pressures and always take a wheel brace with me to make sure the nuts are tight. I also ask them to use a wheel brace and not an air-ratchet. The only place that have ever got the tyre pressure right across all 4 wheels was Costco of all places! I wouldn't trust anyone - if there is a problem it could kill me and/or someone else so why not spend 5 minutes double-checking them?

p.s. I always do this in full view of them which sometimes draws some comments and if/when I have to adjust something I tell them about it.

[NormanD]

Martin's Tyres alway (on my cars at least) check the nuts by hand

[5harp3y]

NormanD said:

Martin's Tyres alway (on my cars at least) check the nuts by hand

great tyre place

[hondrdave]

what car have you got with just 27 psi in the back cos thats what goes in my sisters ka

and also the BT+B boys have been good to me over the years and still are the cheapest around.

they once (years ago) scuffed my wheel, told me about it staight away and had if repainted within 1 week at no extra cost to me

Greadt service I'd say use them

[Blues]

hondrdave said:

what car have you got with just 27 psi in the back cos thats what goes in my sisters ka

Interesting first post and welcome to the forum. I see you have joined just to contribute to this thread. I hope you don't work at BT&B

My Tuscan rears run at 27, the Chim at 25. Not quite a KA I know
I've used them for about 8 years. They used to be cheap and reliable, but now their prices can be matched by several others. I'm not going to breach name and shame by discussing my opinion of their reliability, but i won't be back unless i am absolutely desperate.

Edited by Blues on Thursday 27th January 10:09

[Soovy]

jeremyc said:

Event Tyres

Keen prices, take great care (in my experience) and they come to you.

This. 10000%

[5678]

I've used BT&B once since they changed hands. I haven't and won't be going back either.

I've been using http://www.3ttyres.com/ since though and they have been excellent. A decent mobile fitter service that will fit stuff supplied by blackcircles. The cars tend to be at home with the wife during the days and they have always kept her updated on times and treated her with respect.