Pirelli, who cater to Prestige and Premium vehicles with their advanced tyre technologies, understand that today we live in a world where driving enthusiasts seek nothing short of excellence, and where the quest for superior performance never ceases.
To ensure drivers have the opportunity to optimise their supercar's performance with cutting-edge Pirelli tyres, fitted with the same high levels of care and attention, Pirelli created Pirelli Performance Centres (PPCs). These form a network of carefully selected audited tyre dealers, with a core focus on providing the highest levels of technical proficiency and service.
Since the inception of the PPC concept in 1998, the objective has always been to raise standards within the tyre trade. Today, the PPC network prides itself on offering the latest cutting-edge technology and expertise in recommending, fitting and balancing high-performance tyres, all under one roof. In the UK, there are currently over 140 depots in the PPC network, making it possible for drivers of high-end vehicles, such as Porsche, to head to an established centre, right on their doorstep.
To find out more about how Pirelli continue to push the industry forward with PPCs, visit pirelli.co.uk/ppc.
Geoff Stone, Porsche Club GB member since 2015, had nothing but praise for Pirelli and their dedicated team at the flagship Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent.
Located in Burton-upon-Trent, the Burton Pirelli Performance Centre stands on land formerly owned by Pirelli as part of its huge, historical manufacturing presence in the town, neighbouring the UK head office and manufacturing facilities. As the flagship Performance Centre, this is a beacon of innovation, dedicated to honing the capabilities of high-performance vehicles with their ‘footwear’. It is here that Geoff has returned on more than one occasion to experience the high standards and first-class surroundings of the Burton PPC.
“We originally changed the tyres on our elderly, but cherished 25-year-old 986 Boxster, over to Pirelli around 3 years ago and they really suit both the car and our “aging” driving style! This is based on ‘the older I get the faster I was’ philosophy – I can say that as the last international rally I competed in was the Himalayan Rally in 1998!
“We continue to be pleased with both the wet and dry grip on the Boxster's tyres and since becoming aware of the links with Pirelli via the PCGB, including the offer of very competitive pricing at the Burton Pirelli Performance Centre on not only the supply and fitting, but also the full service of dynamic balancing and 4 wheel alignment checks, we have subsequently returned twice in recent times to have Pirelli tyres to our other vehicles.
“The service from the team at Burton PPC would be really hard to fault from start to finish: from booking in, to the handing over on completion, and including some more than half decent coffee while waiting for the work to be completed!
“On our last visit we actually took over our Q3 for a new set of tyres and opted for the Quattro-specific tyres offered by Pirelli – these form part of Pirelli’s ‘Perfect Fit’ strategy by working in collaboration with car manufacturers directly to deliver tyres designed specifically for each vehicle make and model.
“Due to some wear in the rear suspension bushes, there were some issues getting the rear alignment within the tolerance's they regarded as acceptable. The suggestion was we should have our local Audi specialist look at the bushes to see if they needed adjusting/replacing and book in again for another alignment check after that work was completed.
“Returning to the Burton PPC for a repeat of the 4-wheel alignment check, the car was driven straight on to the wheel alignment lift and was back off it in less than 20 minutes to be told that the front was fine and the rear was almost spot on, and only required a small adjustment to make it absolutely bang on the recommended settings. The service and full explanation of the initial problem from the team at the Burton PPC couldn’t have been clearer and was fully supported by the Audi specialists.
“What I hadn’t expected was that on my return visit to check the alignment, following fitment of the new suspension parts, was that the job would have been completed so quickly and the team at the Burton PPC said that it was free of charge because it had only taken a few minutes. This due mainly to the adjusting bolts being new, it was a quick job to complete! Can’t ask for better service than that!
Following a visit in 2023, this meant Geoff also qualified to take advantage of Pirelli’s member offer of a pre-paid Mastercard, available to be spent as if it was a gift card at various online retailers such as Amazon, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Argos to name just a few.
“The added bonus is the cash back pre-paid Mastercard that you can register to receive after completion, always useful for those bits of car-related kit you previously couldn’t really justify. However, as it was the car that provided the opportunity, it would have been rude not to use on something car related. It’s an easy to use process and in my case provided me with a real excuse to replace my elderly orbital polisher!
“It’s sufficient to say that I don’t go anywhere else for tyres these days!”
At Pirelli Performance Centres, it's not just about a quick turnaround fitment of your tyres; it's about providing a go-to hub for high-performance vehicles with the highest levels of customer care and attention at the very forefront.
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With his 2003 911 Carrera 4S leading the way, Wayne Darley, PCGB member since 2019, found his nearest Pirelli Performance Centre was Merityre Wantage.
Speaking on his experience at one of Pirelli’s audited centres, Wayne shared:
“I was delighted with my experience of ordering and fitment of my new Pirelli P Zero Rosso Assimetrico tyres through my local Pirelli Performance Centre, Merityre Wantage. The team there were a pleasure to deal with and were extremely sympathetic to the fact that it is a classic Porsche with very wide rear tyres (295/30 R18).
“They reassured me by showing me the fitment process and the equipment they were using to ensure the wheels were not compromised, especially as a prior refurbishment showed the potential for some paint lifting around the edge. Overall, I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any Porsche owner.
“The process for claiming Pirelli’s pre-paid Mastercard offer was quick and easy, with an online form to complete in 5 minutes and the ability to upload the invoice from the fitter. From then, it took just a few days to receive a confirmation email with instructions how to download the pre-paid Mastercard. Overall, very straightforward and a nice bonus to help with pre-Christmas shopping!”