Tyres 1 width smaller by mistake - worth changing?

[AndyACB]

I had my rear tyres changed and now a day later have just noticed they are 225/45/17 instead of the 235/45/17 that they should be.

Is it worth bothering taking it back to get them changed again? I was charged the right amount for the 225s so it's not like they were trying to rip me off.

I can't see it being a big deal but someone might have a compelling reason to get the right size fitted?

[fatboy b]

Need to tell insurance co. I guess.

[jbi]

rwd? how much HP do you have?

[Redbaron1973]

chances are the insurance would be "difficult" in the event of a claim if the new tyres are not to manufacturer spec.... are they also the correct speed and load rating for the car?

[AndyACB]

jbi said:

rwd? how much HP do you have?

Nope, FWD. It's just an Audi A4.

Didn't think of the insurance angle, I'll pop down and have a word tomorrow.

[AndyACB]

Redbaron1973 said:

chances are the insurance would be "difficult" in the event of a claim if the new tyres are not to manufacturer spec.... are they also the correct speed and load rating for the car?

Ta, didn't think of that. The tyres themselves are all good Michelin Pilot Sp3 all round same spec just the wrong tread width.

[GC8]

Some manufacturers 225s are wider than others 235s...

[TheEnd]

I wouldn't have thought insurance would be too concerned, they'll gladly take more money off you if you ask them though.

What size do you have on the fronts?

[jon-]

Shouldn't be a massive handling difference, but do tell the insurers!

[stuartmmcfc]

How did this happen though?
did you mistakeningly ask for that size or did they put the wrong tyres on by their mistake.

If it's your mistake then I wouldn't worry to much, although maybe have the narrower ones at the front (although I may be wrong on both counts!)

[AndyACB]

I just asked them to replace them, I only noticed when I was putting the receipt away that it said 225.

I guess I really should pop out and check what is on the sidewall! If they are 225s I'll pop in and have a word about getting them changed. Shouldn't be a problem as I've only done about 50 miles on them since.

[AndyACB]

TheEnd said:

I wouldn't have thought insurance would be too concerned, they'll gladly take more money off you if you ask them though.

What size do you have on the fronts?

235/45/17 on the front.

[stuartmmcfc]

if they didn't replace like with like then i would have thought it was their fault

[stuartmmcfc]

AndyACB said:

. Shouldn't be a problem

are you normally so optimistic

[davepoth]

stuartmmcfc said:

if they didn't replace like with like then i would have thought it was their fault

This. If they didn't have the right ones in stock they should have given you the option, not just gone ahead and done it.

[AndyACB]

stuartmmcfc said:

are you normally so optimistic

Yep - it'll be fine - I hope

[AndyACB]

davepoth said:

This. If they didn't have the right ones in stock they should have given you the option, not just gone ahead and done it.

Mmm, hoping this isn't the case. They were pretty busy, so I'm just hoping they made an honest mistake if such a thing exists at a tyre depot.

[McSam]

AndyACB said:

davepoth said:

This. If they didn't have the right ones in stock they should have given you the option, not just gone ahead and done it.

Mmm, hoping this isn't the case. They were pretty busy, so I'm just hoping they made an honest mistake if such a thing exists at a tyre depot.

Well, if they didn't tell you, technically they made your car no longer manufacturer specification without your say-so, and therefore invalidated your insurance, which makes your car illegal to drive. All without your knowledge.

This sounds like a rather good way to get a set of 235s ordered in and fitted for the same money as you paid for the 225s

[stuartmmcfc]

I think you're showing a very amiable attitude to this and if you go in to the depot like this you've probably got a much better chance of a positive resolution than if you go in swearing and clutching fire bombs

[noosh]

Had this happen to me, granted they were order and not fitted so still brand new but even such a small difference in width I really didn't want them and thats before the part about asking for one and getting another. It even had the wrong size on invoice.
Quick phone call, they instantly admitted their mistake and collected and re-sent no questions.

If you asked for a replacement, then it should be like for like.
At the risk of over exagerating, if you lost an arm and they gave you a prosphetic leg and foot to fit you would you a) be happy? and would it b) be your fault? Exactly.