Couple of newbie questions re allows and spares

[bairn7]

Hi all

I'm pretty dense around cars so please bear with me!!...

I've recently bought a 12 plate Chrysler Delta from a reputable dealer. Really happy with the car. It's my first non-banger car so I'm happy! Just a couple of questions re the wheels though that I think I'll have to get looked at.

1. The alloys look dirty/scraped (i.e. big translucent streaks all over the alloys). The dealer called this 'pitting' but from a quick google I can't find similar examples. Pitting seems to be dents/imperfections in the surface whereas the surface of the alloys on the Delta are smooth and feel normal, but there are these streaks which are inherent in the alloys.

The dealer says that these can be replaced under warranty but my question is, do I need to get these replaced? I mean, is it a sign that structurally there could be an issue? Are they potentially dangerous if just left? (otherwise, the only reason to change would be cosmetic which I'm not fussed about).


2. The car came with a repair kit rather than a spare wheel. I'd prefer a spare wheel for peace of mind but the only things I can find online are either space savers (just no!) or whole 4-alloy sets which I don't want. Any recommendations for somewhere to purchase one single full size wheel?

Thanks guys

[valiant]

I'd say it's mainly cosmetic damage rather than anything potentially dangerous but if the dealer is willing to change it under warranty, why wouldn't you? You have a new car and if you're like me, everytime you look at it, it would bug you. Get it changed,

With regards to the spare wheel, this is how it is for most manufacturers nowadays. Main dealer is the best place for a full size or the likes of a scrappy or ebay but bear in mind you will reduce the boot space if you go this way.

Nice left field choice by the way. I quite like them!

[vanordinaire]

No need for your first sentence, the next two say the same thing. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/10.gif
Sorry that was just a nasty joke at your expense, I really have no experience of Chrysler Deltas.
The marking to the alloys sounds completely cosmetic, but why put up with this on a relatively new car and if the dealer is offering to have this rectified under warranty at no cost to you then why not?
It should be easy enough to pick up a full size spare on e-bay, but are you sure you really need this? A lot of manufacturers are doing this as it saves money, it saves space, punctures are a lot less common than years ago, the average driver has breakdown cover which includes punctures, and also the average driver nowadays would struggle to change a wheel at the roadside. It's been the subject of a number of topics on PH recently and as far as I can see, for car enthusiasts/ mechanically minded, a spare is a must have, but for Mr or Mrs Average, it's fine without.

[iva cosworth]

If you buy a full size wheel n tyre as a spare,is there anywhere to put it in the car apart

from taking up loads of boot space ?....

[Debaser]

The warranty isn't just for structural problems with your wheels - there's nothing wrong with getting a part changed under warranty because of a cosmetic issue.

Try your dealer for a full size spare.

[deeen]

Other reason to accept the dealer's offer to do the wheels is resale value.

Have another think about the spacesaver, it seems to me that the kit you have plus a spacesaver, jack, socket and lever covers all bases in terms of getting you home or to a tyre place after a puncture.

[bairn7]

valiant said:

I'd say it's mainly cosmetic damage rather than anything potentially dangerous but if the dealer is willing to change it under warranty, why wouldn't you? You have a new car and if you're like me, everytime you look at it, it would bug you. Get it changed,

With regards to the spare wheel, this is how it is for most manufacturers nowadays. Main dealer is the best place for a full size or the likes of a scrappy or ebay but bear in mind you will reduce the boot space if you go this way.

Nice left field choice by the way. I quite like them!

Thanks all

The Delta actually has space for a full size spare. All that's sitting in it just now is a tiny repair kit! I've read lots of horror stories of either the repair kit not working or of it making a tyre irreparable. I'm covered by Chrysler 'assistance' for the next year and will be on AA after that so if they cover punctures then I guess that would do. I'll price a full size spare just in case (makes me feel better!).

Thanks Valiant, I loved the Delta after driving it. It was a toss up between that and a Cruze (I prefer obscure!) but Delta is far superior to drive.

PS still need to actually check whether it will be replaced under warranty. Bought the car hundreds of miles away from home and the saleman mentioned that. As it wasn't a dealbreaker for me I just let it go without checking the accuracy of the statement (not that salesmen would lie of course). You're right though, will just get it done if it's available under warranty!

Cheers

[Will_P]

If you can get it replaced under warranty, get it done.
Then see if you can keep the cosmetically damaged wheel as the spare.