Swapping tires between 2 sets of rims?

[Ryan328i]

Is it a bad idea to buy new rims and put old tires from other rims on them. I know that it won't hurt anything and as long as the tires fit you're fine, but do most people do it this way? I want to get new rims and keep my tires which will fit fine but I'm afraid to get the tires taken off. I don't trust any place not to scratch up the rims and I don't know if it's bad for the bead on the tire. How much would something like this cost?

[HOOJ]

Shouldn't be a problem unless the tire bead from your current tire isn't stuck to the rim due to the heat molding it to the metal.... then you will have to cut the tire and rim damage might ensue. You're better off selling the rims with tires if you no longer want them to finance your new set.

[Ryan328i]

Well the thing is I have some S03's on now with only a few thousand miles on them. I thought I'd save some money by keeping them instead of buying brand new tires. Taking them off would be the ideal situation, has anyone done this?

BTW - Nice M-Parallels on your car.

[HOOJ]

Thanks man, you too! If they're fresh, you can take them off no problem. A tire shop usually will charge about $6 to $12 per wheel to take them off and most Hunter tire machines are designed not to produce any scratches on the lip. Just make sure you tell them beforehand - you scratch them, you buy them.

[Ryan328i]

They still have good tread so I wouldn't guess that they're really bonded to the rims. I just don't want tires that leak if I do end up swapping them over. Doesn't tirerack have a list of good installers? I don't know if they'll have anything up by me but I don't trust any shops near me.

[HOOJ]

They shouldn't leak. The 35-40psi of pressure will seal them pretty well if adequate tire sealant is used. You're kind of going to have to suck it up and have some shop do it, just make sure you talk to the owner beforehand and ask if he is able to take the tires off and guarantee no damage to either rim or tire.

[Ryan328i]

BUMP, anyone else with some input? Jim@tirerack maybe?

[HoJo]

Every tire that I have put on my car (at least 5 sets) has been on at least one other wheel. I have used tires that I take off customer's cars for the past three years and never had a problem. As long as you don't tear the bead tires can be mounted numerous times.

[Rich V]

I've had tires go between 2-3 sets of wheels no problem. There is absolutly no problem in doing this. Having worked in the shop before, the only tires that EVER gave me problems were Hoosier R-Compounds.