Rim Grip? Center Post? Help....

[Cortez]

I having trouble finding a reputable shop around my area to mount my new tires. I did a installer search on Discount Tire Direct and found a few shops further out that offer "rim grip mounting" and "center post mounting". I'm not sure what "center post" is and "rim grip" just sounds painful. Is center post the machine that doesn't touch the face of the wheel? Whats my best bet at not getting hacked up wheels?

Thanks guys.

[RTexasF]

This may help: MotorWeek: Auto Basics: Goss' Garage

The article is about nitrogen in tires but also talks about what type equipment to look for when mounting expensive wheels.

[Trbogolf]

Also check on tirerack.com for their recommended installers. Hunter has some of the best mounting machines available. They use rubber "pads" that protect the rims surface from damage.
I think that the rim grip mounting will be either a 3 or 4 point machine that will hold the outside of the lip. They'll grip the rear of the wheel(side that is not seen) so the face of the wheel won't be damaged.
I've not seen a center mount so not familiar with that one.

[Cortez]

Thanks guys. I checked out tireracks list of installers and found a few shops with touchless machines. Funny thing is though the shop near my home supposedly has a touchless machine but somehow still managed to screw up two of my wheels. Staff did seem like idiots though. Thanks again.