Changing from winter to summer tyres on the same rims

I bought winter tyres for the first time last winter, from Kwik Fit and used their "tyre hotel" storage service for my summer tyres.

On arranging to swap back to the summer tyres via their website, I find it is impossible to avoid being charged for a new set of valves, at a price of £19, even though I do not want them, as I did buy new valves when I bought the new winter tyres only last December.

This is a second car and had only done about 1700 miles since the previous tyre change. I phoned Kwikfit and spoke to the Customer Services Manager, but he was adamant that the company policy is to always fit new valves at every tyre change and insisted they must fit new valves.

At this rate, I will be forced to pay an additional £38 every year for valves I think I don't need. I think this is unreasonable. What is your opinion? (In order to get my tyres back I have already paid the extra £19)

Asked on 17 May 2012 by Automobilist

Answered by Honest John
The answer is to buy another set of rims, then you do not have to swap the tyres twice a year with the inevitable risk of damage as well as the expense.
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