Our services
First Stop Dealer is the specialist in everything to do with your tyres and rims. From tyre changes to choosing exclusive rims to tyre repair or alignment, you are always welcome at First Stop Dealer in Ghent.
Tyre fitting
Since 1948, we have specialised in fitting the following tyres:
- Tyres for passenger cars
- Tyres for SUVs
- Tyres for 4x4s
- Van tyres
- Tyres for electric vehicles such as Tesla, Cupra, Polestar,...
- Tyres for caravans, mobile homes or motorhomes
- Motorbike tyres
And this for lease drivers, individuals and firms alike.
Tyre repairs
A flat tyre is more common than you think. Once the harm is done, you can come to us for repairs.
Best not to drive any further
If you notice a flat tyre or the warning light on the dashboard lights up, it is best not to drive any further. This is very important to avoid heating the tyre's sidewalls to prevent the tyre from blowing. Because once the tyre bursts, repairing it is no longer an option.
Repair or replace?
Small leaks in the tread (the green part in the picture) are usually repairable. Damage such as punctures or holes in the sidewalls (the red part in the picture) are not repairable. Then the only correct solution is to replace the puncture.
Run flat tyres
If you don't want to get stranded on the side of the road, you can also opt for run flat tyres. These tyres allow you to continue driving for 80km at a maximum speed of 80km/h without pressure in the tyre.
Balancing
At our tyre centre in Ghent, we have professional balancing machines at our disposal.
Prevent vibrations in the steering wheel
20 grams of imbalance in the wheel due to a pothole in the road or wear can result in vibrations on the steering wheel or in the car. Balancing and possibly adding weight at a specific spot can solve this problem. As tyre specialists, we usually balance with black and silver adhesive weights.
Knock weights or sticky weights
Wheel balancing can be done with knock weights or adhesive weights. We always use adhesive weights if possible to reduce the risk of pressure loss. This does take a bit more time. Knock weights are quicker to apply, but the knock-on weight is between tyre and rim. If the knock-off weight oxidises with the rim, it can cause pressure loss.
Alignment
If your car keeps pulling to the left or to the right when you momentarily let go of the wheel on a straight road, it is urgent to have your car's alignment checked. We have a 3D alignment machine and extended lift bridge to align all types of vehicles.
Cause of rapid tyre wear
Alignment means adjusting the suspension front and rear. Misalignment causes tyres to wear too quickly and leads to additional safety risks.
Alignment vs balancing
Many people confuse alignment with balancing. However, there are major differences. Balancing is important to avoid vibrations on the steering wheel while alignment is a correction in which the wheels are adjusted so that they are perpendicular to the road surface and parallel to each other.
When aligning, we fine-tune three things: wheel camber, caster and toe-in. We fix the angles of the wheels until the toe and caster are correct.
Tyre hotel
In recent years, First Stop Dealer has invested heavily in its own tyre warehouse. When you purchase a new set of winter or summer tyres, we will then store your other set in our tyre hotel.
- No dragging heavy or dirty tyres.
- Each tyre is labelled with your details after inspection.
- We keep track of which tyres are stocked for you and their tread depths.
- Storage is done in ideal conditions, wheels(tyre+rim) are stored horizontally and loose tyres are stored vertically in the rack to prevent deformation.
- The wheels (tyre+rim) are balanced during storage to eliminate the risk of steering vibrations.
- When you make an appointment to change, the tyres are immediately ready to put under your car.
- If necessary, we provide new tyres by the next changeover.
Seasonal change
- Summer tyres from 15 March
- Winter tyres from 1 October
We can provide the seasonal change of summer and winter tyres for individuals, lease drivers and companies. It is recommended to fit winter tyres from 1 October and summer tyres from 15 March.
- Heated waiting room
- Free cup of coffee
- Free Wi-Fi
- Short waiting time
Free tyre check
Stop by with your car for FREE to have the wear and tyre pressure checked by us.
Free inflation
You can always visit our tyre centre to have your tyres inflated for free!
TPMS sensors
Tyre pressure monitoring system
If you notice a flat tyre or the warning light on the dashboard lights up, it is best not to drive any further.
This is very important to avoid heating the flanks of the tyre so that you prevent the tyre from blowing. Because once the tyre bursts, repair is no longer an option.
Obligation European Union
The introduction of TPMS sensors stems from studies conducted on the cause of various accidents. This has revealed that over 24,000 accidents occur every year due to tyre pressure.
By making TPMS sensors mandatory, the European Union aims to promote road user safety, reduce fuel consumption and optimise tyre wear.
Direct TPMS vs indirect TPMS
There are 2 systems: the direct TPMS and the indirect TPMS. With direct TPMS, the sensors that measure the pressure are directly behind the valve and the sensors cannot be seen from the outside.
Indirect TPMS, in turn, uses the car's software (ESP or ABS) to calculate the tyre pressure.
Assembly requires expertise
the advent of TPMS sensors requires even more expertise from tyre specialists. Reading the sensors correctly is very important to ensure the communication between the sensors and the receiver functions properly.
The sensors are often sensitive valves that can only be fitted expertly and involve some programming work.
Reading TPMS sensors
First Stop Dealer has a professional device to read new tyre pressure sensors. After inflating the tyres, we always perform a TPMS reset to prevent the warning light from lighting up for no reason.
Accessories
Rental
Going on a winter sports trip? Have fun! But are you also thinking about road safety?
Winter tyres
Winter tyres are compulsory in Germany and Austria, among other countries. There, you must adapt to weather conditions from 1 November to 15 April. You can hire winter tyres from us.
The cost per winter tyre set (each time with a minimum of 10 days):
- 14, 15 and 16 inches: € 15.00 per day
- 17 inch+: from € 20.00 per day
Snow chains
Snow chains are compulsory in all mountainous countries. If a mandatory sign indicates this, you must drive with snow chains when snow is present, otherwise a hefty fine awaits you.
You can also rent snow chains from us:
- Passenger cars: €3.00 per day
- SUVs: €6.00 per day
Holiday suitcases & ski boxes
On a winter sports holiday or just travelling? Extra luggage space is always handy. A roof box makes sure you can carry all your stuff comfortably and safely.
With us, you rent holiday suitcases as well as ski cases:
- Holiday coffer: €5 per day
- Ski box: €10 per day
Maintenance
Air conditioning service
Why is maintenance of your air conditioner important?
A well-maintained air conditioning system extends the life of your car and ensures that you can enjoy a pleasant temperature in both summer and winter. If the air conditioner is not maintained on time, unpleasant odours may develop or the system may even fail.
Prevent unpleasant odours and defects
Do you smell a musty odour when you turn on the air conditioner? This is often due to mould growth on the interior filter. Periodic maintenance prevents this problem and keeps the system working hygienically and efficiently.
Discover our services
To keep your air conditioning in top condition, we offer several maintenance and treatment options. Depending on the condition of your system and your driving habits, choose the service that best suits your car.
- A complete air-conditioning service
- An odour treatment including replacement of the interior filter
- An air-conditioning system check-up
- Truck
Maintenance
Batteries
Why a good battery is so important
The battery is not only responsible for starting your car, but also for powering all electrical accessories such as lights, radio and alarm system. With every start, the battery is strained - even more so in winter due to cold and moisture. This is why we recommend having your battery checked at the start of winter to prevent starting problems.
Recognising and checking battery problems
Symptoms of a weak or worn-out battery are:
- Difficult starting
- Engine does not start
- Battery warning light is on
- White deposits on the battery terminals
In doubt? We check your battery in just 15 minutes with special measuring equipment and give you a clear recommendation. If replacement is necessary, you can almost always have it done immediately. You only pay for the battery and get warranty on your new one at.
Contact us for more information!
Maintenance
Brakes & Shock absorbers
Safe driving starts with a well-functioning brake system as well as reliable shock absorbers. Both components ensure grip, stability and short braking distances. At First Stop Dealer, we test, replace and maintain these crucial parts of your car.
Brakes
You should always be able to rely on your brakes. Worn brakes increase braking distance and endanger your safety and the safety of others.
You can always come to First Stop Dealer for a free optical brake inspection and a professional brake test.
- Free inspection and test
- Expert replacement of brake pads and discs
- Reliable repairs on all brake system components
Shock absorbers
Shock absorbers not only increase driving comfort, but also safety by keeping your tyres in optimal contact with the road.
In our workshop, we have a modern test bench that allows us to accurately measure the condition of your shock absorbers.
- Free test without appointment
- Modern shock absorber test bench
- Fast replacement with quality brands at competitive prices
