Arrrrrgh! The roads on my drive to work have deteriorated due to the horrible winter Tulsa had, then followed by lots of spring rain.

Over the past couple months I hit two big potholes--hard! I expected my tire pressure sensor to come on, but no damage there, luckily. I did notice after the 2nd one that my car was pulling slightly to the left. I finally (3 weeks ago) decided to take it to the dealer to have it realigned. Even though this isn't a warranty item, I just felt better with having the dealership do it. This was my first trip to the dealer since purchase last July (my MINI has been wonderful and trouble-free!). Along with the alignment, I had the tires rotated and got my first free oil change. I was very happy I finally got it done, didn't too much mind the $165 charge, or having to take a day off work and drive the 90 miles to the dealer.

THEN----10 days later, I hit another stinking pothole! I knew it was coming up, but it was at the point where I had to exit the highway, and another car was entering. It was either take a chance and hopefully miss the thing, OR run another car off the road.

NOW, here's my dilemma.....do I take another day off work and drive to the dealer, or go to a shop in Tulsa, that does work on MINIs (not an official authorized shop) and just have them do the alignment? I'm the kind of gal that usually prefers the dealer do the work, especially when it's under warranty (even tho this isn't a warranty issue), but I don't really want to hassle with going to the dealer. (The other shop is just a couple miles from my house)

So what are some opinions of dealer vs. non-dealer repairs on a vehicle still under warranty?

 

jjbug, I would go with another day off. If for nothing else to get to ride your baby for a few more hours with your favorite music playing. Just my opinion.

 

I agree. Especially with the extra driving hours!

 

check for mushrooming! The car can still be aligned with mushrooming, but you may want to consider repair (ie, flatting) of the strut towers and other preventative measures for the future. That be being said, I'm still driving around with 'shroomed towers. Doh!

I do have fixed camber plates and the m7 srps waiting to be installed when I have a free moment. Alas, a 16-month old does keep one busy.

 

Thanks for the comments. (I would've replied sooner, but I've had a hard time getting on NAM this week at work)

Although I do enjoy putting miles on the MINI, the drive to the dealer is really boring--about a 75 mile turnpike. If I do decide to do the day trip thing, I may come home via the old Route 66, and at least see some different scenery, and a more interesting, yet slower, drive home. For now, I'm going to hold off a little while. It is only a slight pull, not near as bad as the problem I just had fixed. I really need to get 2 new tires before a big trip to Colorado this summer. One of the original killer potholes caused a small bulge in my runflat. The service manager wasn't too concerned, but I'm not that comfortable with it.

Thanks again!

 

I agree with you on not being comfortable with the small bulge on your tire. I'd be getting another tire.