Recourse for F'ed up Tire replacement? Suggestions...
 

After only 1,800 miles on my MINI I decided to ditch the runflats (will try and sell them on craigslist). I considered the Tire Rack, but would still have to find a place to put them on. I checked around and found a place nearby that would get me the tires I wanted at a decent price. When I raised the issue of taking care of the wheels I was assured that they have the latest equipment and are experienced at using it.

The guy I was dealing with said they would have the tires by 9am on Saturday and they would give me a call to come in for the installation. I never got a call, so I called them at 9:30 am told they have them, but they say to not come until after 1 since they have a backlog that should clear by then. I get there at 1pm and I'm told it'll be 3 before they get to it. (Should have gone running at that point).

I make sure to tell the guy at the counter about the ignition button, the shift pattern and the fact that I want to keep the runflats. The guy at the desk assures me that they've seen everything and are experienced.

• The kid I finally see get into my MINI takes over a minute to get it started and going in the proper direction. :eek2:
• When I'm told its done, I ask about the runflats he calls back to the shop and they hadn't put them in the car.
• Relieved that its done (nearly 4pm by that point) I head home.
• After getting out and taking the runflats out of the boot, I do a quick walk-around and notice that one of the tires is bulging at the bottom - check the pressure and it's only 10lbs. :mad: I used my trusty air compressor and bring it up to match the others (which I also checked).
• Next day I look the wheels over more closely and there isn't a single one that doesn't have either a nick or a scratch. One has a distinctive scratch that goes the entire circumference of the wheel near the lip. :mad:

What, if any, recourse do I have??? I've been stewing over this for the past two days. How should I handle this?

* I should note that because of a snafu with ordering, I just got the bridge-spoke wheels on Wednesday of last week, so they'll have trouble arguing that I've done that much/type of damage on my own in two days.

make em fix it or replace the wheel. Likely the plastic guide slipped when they dismounted the rock hard sidewall RFs..

Now that is a nightmare. I would go back and ask to see the manager/owner show him/her the damage and politely ask who they are insured with for this type of damage. They should refinish all the wheels and replace the one which sounds like it is scored all around.

Bring your proof of recent wheel exchange. From your description, you got a newbie and the shop trained him at your expense.

You should also relate the experience with the tire pressue, they may not be aware they have a slacker working at the shop. Quality control is not apparent at this shop.

Makes me growl just thinking about it. Orig. MINI wheels cost a bunch and I cannot image what they might have done to a nice set of forged after-market. :mad:

Thanks for the empathy. I'll definitely be talking to a manager tomorrow.

Don, I hadn't thought about asking them for what kind of insurance they had for this sort of thing. I tend to have trouble asserting myself, but I have a feeling that with Samwise the "motherhood" instinct will kick in. :wink:

I hope it works out to your liking. Which tire place did you go to?

I know trying to get this problem solved is a PITA, but when you go try and be calm and cool and don't go in with a chip on your shoulder. Talk to the manager or owner if possible, and explain your problems in a business like manner but don't back off untill you get it solved to your satisfaction. Good luck and may the force be with you!!!

agree...be calm. He may offer to have it fixed. Just make it clear that if the repair is not acceptable, you will expect a new wheel. I think that is quite reasonable.

You have got to be like a rental car company. Show them every wheel beforehand and have them sign off that there are no scratches .... BEFORE they touch your car. That SUCKS man .... Good Luck. I'm off to purchase new wheels tomorrow. Luckily I personally know my tire guys. We shoot trap together. I'm in the shop helping them when I get my tire work done.