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Here is an odd one: dealer was test driving my car after a repair, and informed me that they hit a rock and damaged both passenger side tires on the sidewalls, causing two flats to the non-runflat tires. They replaced all four tires with new runflats, performed an alignment, and claim that there was no damage to the wheels nor any other component. I have not seen the car yet, but assuming that the wheels look undamaged, how can I be certain that there isn't any unseen damage? If the car aligned OK, is that assurance enough that there isn't suspension damage?
get it in writing, then take it to independent for inspection. Something that can damage tire side walls could also bend the sway bar end links and rear control arms. If everything "checks out" OK watch your tire wear like a hawk for 6K to see if there's any odd wear. If you don't like the feel/ride of the run flats I'd ask for replacement of the tires you had. They may think they did you a fav by putting run flats on your MINI, but that's not a fav in my book.
Take very detailed notes and get names of everyone you talk to.
You can check the wheels right away. Raise the wheels on the side that received the damage, then rotate them slowly to observe whether the rims have been flattened. Position your eyes so that you are nearly looking parrallel to the tire and focus on a 2 to 3 inch section of the rim. Do this on the inside and outside of the wheel.
For what it is worth: my wife has damaged two run flat tires - but not at the same time. In both cases, she hit pot holes at high speed. In one case the wheel rim spit down the middle. I got rid of the run flats the second time this occurred. Now the auto is quieter and doesn't skitter around when driving across several bumps.
I'd venture to say the dealer's driver was not going slowly when he hit something to damage run flats. You also should look at the shock towers in the front for mushrooming.
I'd get them to put it on a lift at the dealership and I would inspect is closely myself for anything that looked damaged in any way. Then drive it with someone from the dealship and very carefully listen for anything different in the way it feels or sounds. Also look for any body damage that might have happened when they "hit the rock". They should have a printout of the alignment and you can tell how far off it was and what they had to do to align it. Talk to the person who actually did the alignment.
As someone else said, check the shock towers for mushrooming.
Maybe i'm just too trusting but my guess is it's OK.
I can understand that the dealer might think you wanted your MINI fixed right away, and four new tires and an alignment is likely all it needs.
First off, maybe the dealership just wanted to make sure they put it right asap. So they fixed everything right away. Some dealerships would have called you and said that your tires had gone flat and you needed four new ones, that'll be $1500... I know it's shocking to me that a dealership would take responsiblily right away but it's bound to happed at least once right???
As long as you've got a receipt that says the car was damaged and repaired while in their care you're probably covered if something else comes up damaged.
I say have the car checked out, but don't go in there accussing them of trying to dupe you. All you'll do is discourage them from providing good service in the future. Accidents happen, but it's always the way that they handle the accident that matters. If the independent shop finds something else damaged call the service manager and tell them that you've found something else that's possibly related to the damage and you'd like them to check it out.
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Dolmangar AKA Mike
06 MCS - HyperBlue/White
Chantilly, Va
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Sounds like you found a good dealership that actually owns up to their mistakes. They actually informed you that a problem occurred. Alot of people won't say anything, and will just cover up the issue. Instead of replacing just two of the tires, they replaced all four, and then did an alignment. If there appears to be no damage to the wheels, then I doubt there is any damage elsewhere.
Like was said before, as long as you get a receipt from them indicating that these repairs were done, then you will be covered down the line if you discover damage that may have been related to this rock that was hit. I'm sure if there was more damage done to the car they would have taken care of it. They don't need to release the car back to you with damaged suspension components, only to have you get in an accident later due to the damaged parts, as this would only increase their liability.
First off, maybe the dealership just wanted to make sure they put it right asap. So they fixed everything right away. Some dealerships would have called you and said that your tires had gone flat and you needed four new ones, that'll be $1500... I know it's shocking to me that a dealership would take responsiblily right away but it's bound to happed at least once right???
As long as you've got a receipt that says the car was damaged and repaired while in their care you're probably covered if something else comes up damaged.
I say have the car checked out, but don't go in there accussing them of trying to dupe you. All you'll do is discourage them from providing good service in the future. Accidents happen, but it's always the way that they handle the accident that matters. If the independent shop finds something else damaged call the service manager and tell them that you've found something else that's possibly related to the damage and you'd like them to check it out.
I'll have to add too, that it looks like you have a good dealer there...they immediately owed up to their responsibility,...didnt try to run from, or hide from, it...went the full route with all 4 tires,...alignment.....
and I feel sure if you were to find additional issues, they would take care of you.
With all the dealers out there who would try and put one over on you,..we have to give credit to those who at least try and make things right by doing the right thing.
Worst thing is that dealer test drives are driven on the SAME routes over and over. Lots of reasons for this and most dealers are very strict about it. They don't want their folks joy-riding customer's cars.
So, the mere fact that ths kind of damage happened rather suggests to me that your car may have been either driven hard or driven somewhere it was NOT supposed to be.
Sorry to be cynical but I would proceed with caution.
Well,...heres our situation. I work at a Honda dealer here,...our test drive takes us up the road, past about a half mile of slate bank, that slopes right down to within 10-15 feet of road at places....lots of rain can loosen the slate.....a few years back, one of our guys was victim to a loose rock coming onto the road surface just as he was passing by it....and yes, blew 2 tires on that side of car.
Same thing, we replaced tires. So, I know, things can happen.
Thanks everyone for all the thoughtful replies. Regarding the route, they were not on their regular route, as it wouldn't have reproduced the problem that the car was in the shop for, so I am comfortable that the rock scenario is possible. What has me skeptical is that two tires were blown at the sidewall with no other damage. I guess the first test will be the rims, which were in pristine condition prior to this. Would I need to examine the rims with the tires off to ensure that they weren't damaged? At least the fact that they put runflats on gives me an excuse to see the rims with the tires off, as I am going to insist that they put new non-runflats on.
When checking the wheels for dents, make sure to check inside as well as out. I had a friend recently hit some sort of debris in the road and afterwards, there was a slight shimmy. He checked the wheels by spinning them with the car on a jack, and did not see any problems. When I checked it, I found the inside lip of the front wheel with a sizeable flat spot.
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Maybe you can tell them you want to inspect the rims before they put the tires back on, as well as the undercarraige of the car.
I agree that some positive reinforcement will go a long way. Something like "Guys, I am really glad you owned up to the incident, and appreciate your efforts in making amends. As this car means a LOT to me, I'd like to inspect the rims before you put the tires on, as well as check out the underside of the vehicle while on a hoist. I'm really glad you're responsible enough to tell me, I just want some peace of mind, too. You're earning a repeat customer by being so forthright."
That last bit is important, as it's telling them you'll be back (whether you do or not is a different story), and that any long term issues from this incident will be on them to handle.
Also make sure you don't get suckered into signing anything that says "Because we replaced this this and this, we're not responsible for anything else that may have happened".
