Hi guys i just got some new volks and dont want them getting damaged in the tire mounting process. just wondering if anybody has any suggestions for mounting tires avoiding any damage on the lip of the rim.
I was thinking of taping the upper and outer edges of the lip before installing the tires to add a protective barrier...

 

Look around in your area for shops who have high end customers. They probably have a "touchless" machine. These tire machines can change a tire without actually touching the wheel.

Might be more expensive, but cheaper than a scratched or bent wheel.

 

Usually installing brand new tires on new wheels is no problem, unless you have no idea what you are doing. Usually the hard part is dismounting a old tire off a wheel without damaging it

 

Look for places that use the plastic covers on the clamps. I believe for the Volks, tires are mounted from the back of wheel, taping the outer edge might help. Just need to find someone skilled, I'm usually straight up with the tire tech and ask if they are confident enough to mount/dismount without scratching my wheels. If not I'll find a new place.

 

Just checked with costco said they use a machine that doesn't even touch the wheel and use nitrogen to fill up the tires. Told me to request for a more experienced tech too. And at $15/wheel, can't beat that!

 

Hit the nail on the head. I would also like to add that it is especially more so if you have low profile tires with stiff sidewalls.

 

You're right. They installed the tire with the wheels facing down. Wheels came out scratch free +1 for la habra costco.