Tyre change **** up!
Discussion
Earlier in the week I booked the Monaro in for a new pair of Michelin Pilot Super Sports at a large nationwide chain. I went down this afternoon to have them fitted and it's all gone a bit wrong!
When the car was done the guy reversed it off the ramp and out onto the street so I didn't get a chance to check it over before driving off. I know, my mistake!
Anyway I get home and check the tyres out and find they've chipped one of the wheels:

But it gets better! They're not even Pilot Super Sports, they're Pilot Sport PS2s:

To say I'm pissed off is an understatement. I ordered the tyres over the internet and the order and the invoice I was given both say Super Sports so it's clearly their mistake. The branch was closed by the time I called (literally an hour after they were fitted) but I got through to the nationwide number on the website and logged a complaint. However, I've got to call the branch again when they open at 10am tomorrow.
I'm kind of just venting but I'd be interested to hear what you guys would be asking for in my position.
Cheers.
When the car was done the guy reversed it off the ramp and out onto the street so I didn't get a chance to check it over before driving off. I know, my mistake!
Anyway I get home and check the tyres out and find they've chipped one of the wheels:

But it gets better! They're not even Pilot Super Sports, they're Pilot Sport PS2s:

To say I'm pissed off is an understatement. I ordered the tyres over the internet and the order and the invoice I was given both say Super Sports so it's clearly their mistake. The branch was closed by the time I called (literally an hour after they were fitted) but I got through to the nationwide number on the website and logged a complaint. However, I've got to call the branch again when they open at 10am tomorrow.
I'm kind of just venting but I'd be interested to hear what you guys would be asking for in my position.
Cheers.
Forget the chip. It could have happened at any time before, as far as they are aware, and I doubt that you can be certain that they did it. Touch it in, and move on. For the future, draw the fitter's attention to the fact that the wheels are flawless before he starts, and that you expect it back like that.
As for the tyres, raise merry hell.
As for the tyres, raise merry hell.

The guy in the call centre did ask that I not drive the car until I've spoken to the local branch. A bit cheeky I thought.
As for the chip, if I'd done that on the way home there would be a mark on the tyre as well. It's easier to see in person but it's clearly a tool mark and not from a kerb, the exposed metal is obviously fresh/clean.
I've also wasted an afternoon (it took them over an hour to fit the tyres as they were "under-staffed") and petrol getting there and back.
As for the chip, if I'd done that on the way home there would be a mark on the tyre as well. It's easier to see in person but it's clearly a tool mark and not from a kerb, the exposed metal is obviously fresh/clean.
I've also wasted an afternoon (it took them over an hour to fit the tyres as they were "under-staffed") and petrol getting there and back.
Andy616 said:
The guy in the call centre did ask that I not drive the car until I've spoken to the local branch. A bit cheeky I thought.
.
More than a bit cheeky IMHO. .
If I was going back in for the tyres I wouldn't be able to stop myself highlighting the mark on th alloy too - as you say it doesn't look like a kerbing mark - more like something being squeezed against the rim.
Subaru garage damaged 2 of my alloys when I had my scoob - it was my word against theirs, but I was absolutely adamant (because I was Feckin seething - the wheels had been spotless for 3yrs before they had it). They swapped them for me - twice - as they damaged the new wheels swapping the tyres over.....
If the invoice says Michelin Pilot Supersports then that's what they should have supplied. No doubt they will tell you that as you ordered them on the internet they have fitted the equivalent tyre, same spec, same size as that's all they had in stock for that day, but kick up a fuss and demand that you get the tyre you ordered and tell them that you're happy to wait if they need to order them. As far as the damage on the wheel goes, I reckon they did it and they knew they did it hence the fact that the fitter reversed it off the ramp and out into the road for you so you wouldn't notice anything before you drove it away. I'd point out the condition of the rest of the wheels and the rest of the car, point out that you think they knew about the damage they'd caused, hence them reversing it off the ramp for you and complain and make a fuss about it as it seems to be the only way to get anything done these days with any sort of retailer, be it a car garage or a furniture shop, and I'm sure they'll cave eventually. Good luck what ever way you choose to go, but whatever happens regarding your wheel you should definatey get the tyres you ordered that you wanted not what they had in stock.
Behold81 said:
Likely they will look at a part refund to get you to keep what you have. Cheaper for them to do that. But that's an easy argument.
Unless they were really cheap (like £75 each), I'd insist on the ordered tyres. You're signing up to a year or more's driving on tyres that you really didn't want.Aitch 'H' said:
If the invoice says Michelin Pilot Supersports then that's what they should have supplied. No doubt they will tell you that as you ordered them on the internet they have fitted the equivalent tyre, same spec, same size as that's all they had in stock for that day, but kick up a fuss and demand that you get the tyre you ordered and tell them that you're happy to wait if they need to order them. As far as the damage on the wheel goes, I reckon they did it and they knew they did it hence the fact that the fitter reversed it off the ramp and out into the road for you so you wouldn't notice anything before you drove it away. I'd point out the condition of the rest of the wheels and the rest of the car, point out that you think they knew about the damage they'd caused, hence them reversing it off the ramp for you and complain and make a fuss about it as it seems to be the only way to get anything done these days with any sort of retailer, be it a car garage or a furniture shop, and I'm sure they'll cave eventually. Good luck what ever way you choose to go, but whatever happens regarding your wheel you should definatey get the tyres you ordered that you wanted not what they had in stock.
They would NOT allow the customer to reverse it off the ramp, their insurance wouldn't cover them if there was an accident, only employee's would be permitted, they should however park it in designated bays on their property for the collection by the customer, but of course if they are all taken then on the road it will be put. So unfortunately unless you looked at it while a fitter was present or you went and got one to show them before you drove it they will say it wasn't them. But as for the tyres then its a completely different ball game and they should replace them or refund some money.Behold81 said:
ARAF said:
Unless they were really cheap (like £75 each), I'd insist on the ordered tyres. You're signing up to a year or more's driving on tyres that you really didn't want.
Not saying allow it unless you want to accept them. But likely thier first step. I reckon their first offer would be to refund the difference in tyre prices.

paul450 said:
not good 
how did you get on with the garage today ?
The guy there seems like a decent bloke. There was an offer of a discount (as predicted!) but I didn't ask how much as I want the tyres I ordered and paid for. Unfortunately, they couldn't get hold of the suppliers (Michelin I assume) to find out if they have any stock of the Super Sports. I'll find out tomorrow.
how did you get on with the garage today ?

He's also said they will have a look at the chip. To be honest I'd be happy if they cover the cost of some touch up paint.
The chip is more than likely the tyre lever breaking the paint as the tyre is being removed. Done this myself on wheels I've painted for a customer! Easily done with ultra low profile tyres as the sidewalls are so stiff. I'm not disputing the damage was done by the fitter, but sometimes these things happen and cant be helped.
With these feet said:
The chip is more than likely the tyre lever breaking the paint as the tyre is being removed. Done this myself on wheels I've painted for a customer! Easily done with ultra low profile tyres as the sidewalls are so stiff. I'm not disputing the damage was done by the fitter, but sometimes these things happen and cant be helped.
As long as you don't try to shirk your responsibility to compensate for any damage to a customers car whilst in your care.Otherwise don't look for custom on here I'm betting.
Gassing Station | HSV & Monaro | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



