Dealership favor...or.....
10-01-2007, 09:50 AM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Dealership favor...or.....
So this morning I dropped my car off at the dealership, but before I got there, I noticed my tire pressure was low in the front drivers side tire. I think around 24psi, not that big of a deal since I was about a few blocks from the dealership. So I told them to change my oil/filter and also put some air in the tire while it's there.
Got to my office and received a message from the service manager "We noticed a small nail so we went ahead and fixed it. The cost is $33 for the fix." WTF? Since when do dealerships decide to fix something (without alerting the customer), and then tell them later on about the cost?
I asked the service manager, and he said "Well, it was a safety concern, and it was in a good location, so we went ahead and fixed it. We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." I told him that I could have easily patched it myself for a few bucks and I also had full set of new tires/wheels at home, and besides, these tires were going to be replaced for a winter set of tires.
He then said "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." I'm wondering whey he didn't just "eat the cost," he probably didn't expect an argument. Customer Service FTL.
I did notice in the early bird drop-off envelope there was a line for me to sign to authorize any fixes that the dealership found, and NO, I didn't sign it.
Anyways, my rant for the morning... I know it was only $30, but it was the principal that kinda annoyed me...
Got to my office and received a message from the service manager "We noticed a small nail so we went ahead and fixed it. The cost is $33 for the fix." WTF? Since when do dealerships decide to fix something (without alerting the customer), and then tell them later on about the cost?
I asked the service manager, and he said "Well, it was a safety concern, and it was in a good location, so we went ahead and fixed it. We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." I told him that I could have easily patched it myself for a few bucks and I also had full set of new tires/wheels at home, and besides, these tires were going to be replaced for a winter set of tires.
He then said "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." I'm wondering whey he didn't just "eat the cost," he probably didn't expect an argument. Customer Service FTL.
I did notice in the early bird drop-off envelope there was a line for me to sign to authorize any fixes that the dealership found, and NO, I didn't sign it.
Anyways, my rant for the morning... I know it was only $30, but it was the principal that kinda annoyed me...
10-01-2007, 10:32 AM
#2
Go Big Blue!
I agree that's highly unusual that they would initiate a fix that you didn't authorize. Technically you didn't even bring it in for that problem! Clearly, a lapse of judgement on their part.
Having said that; I'd cut em a break. It was a a Monday morning and the service manager probably hadn't had his first cup of coffee yet
Having said that; I'd cut em a break. It was a a Monday morning and the service manager probably hadn't had his first cup of coffee yet
10-01-2007, 10:57 AM
#3
Senior Moderator
Yeah, they should've asked you first. Give them some kudos for finding the problem, though.
10-01-2007, 11:20 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Yeah, they should've asked you first. Give them some kudos for finding the problem, though.
10-01-2007, 11:34 AM
#5
Go Big Blue!
man, that's another wierd story. I guess this stuff happens all the time.
Regarding that "safety" argument. That's BS. They're not responsible nor liable for my safety. They just wanted to sell her tires rather then her shopping around for the best price. Scum bags.
Regarding that "safety" argument. That's BS. They're not responsible nor liable for my safety. They just wanted to sell her tires rather then her shopping around for the best price. Scum bags.
10-01-2007, 02:35 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
The dealership was simply CTA. They could have noted the tire hazard and the lady could have signed a waiver (to avoid a later lawsuit) and she could have been on her way to a possible blowout if she delayed getting new tires. Bubbles in tires are something you do not want to take a chance on. The same goes for the nail in the tire story.
Yes, dealerships make lots of money in the service area, and there are many service managers that like to take advantage of customers, like $50 windshield wiper changes and the real money maker--the 30,000 service, but I am willing to give the dealership in this case the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, dealerships make lots of money in the service area, and there are many service managers that like to take advantage of customers, like $50 windshield wiper changes and the real money maker--the 30,000 service, but I am willing to give the dealership in this case the benefit of the doubt.
10-01-2007, 02:50 PM
#7
Trolling Canuckistan
I'd have to lean to the dealers side here. If they were truely scumbags, they would have jammed the nail into the side wall and told you that you needed a new tire.
Tire pressure is a safety issue, this is why it is a Government requirement that a certain percentage of a manufacturers vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system.
They should have called you first and got authorization (maybe you don't like a patched tire and you would prefer to replace it), but they were looking out for your best interests.
Tire pressure issues are what led to Ford Explorers rolling over.
Tire pressure is a safety issue, this is why it is a Government requirement that a certain percentage of a manufacturers vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system.
They should have called you first and got authorization (maybe you don't like a patched tire and you would prefer to replace it), but they were looking out for your best interests.
Tire pressure issues are what led to Ford Explorers rolling over.
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10-01-2007, 03:14 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by black label
They should have called you first and got authorization (maybe you don't like a patched tire and you would prefer to replace it), but they were looking out for your best interests.
Tire pressure issues are what led to Ford Explorers rolling over.
Tire pressure issues are what led to Ford Explorers rolling over.
The dealership should have called first, no questions asked.
10-01-2007, 03:15 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Rexorg
The dealership was simply CTA. They could have noted the tire hazard and the lady could have signed a waiver (to avoid a later lawsuit) and she could have been on her way to a possible blowout if she delayed getting new tires. Bubbles in tires are something you do not want to take a chance on. The same goes for the nail in the tire story.
Yes, dealerships make lots of money in the service area, and there are many service managers that like to take advantage of customers, like $50 windshield wiper changes and the real money maker--the 30,000 service, but I am willing to give the dealership in this case the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, dealerships make lots of money in the service area, and there are many service managers that like to take advantage of customers, like $50 windshield wiper changes and the real money maker--the 30,000 service, but I am willing to give the dealership in this case the benefit of the doubt.
10-01-2007, 03:19 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by synth19
So this morning I dropped my car off at the dealership, but before I got there, I noticed my tire pressure was low in the front drivers side tire. I think around 24psi, not that big of a deal since I was about a few blocks from the dealership. So I told them to change my oil/filter and also put some air in the tire while it's there.
Got to my office and received a message from the service manager "We noticed a small nail so we went ahead and fixed it. The cost is $33 for the fix." WTF? Since when do dealerships decide to fix something (without alerting the customer), and then tell them later on about the cost?
I asked the service manager, and he said "Well, it was a safety concern, and it was in a good location, so we went ahead and fixed it. We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." I told him that I could have easily patched it myself for a few bucks and I also had full set of new tires/wheels at home, and besides, these tires were going to be replaced for a winter set of tires.
He then said "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." I'm wondering whey he didn't just "eat the cost," he probably didn't expect an argument. Customer Service FTL.
I did notice in the early bird drop-off envelope there was a line for me to sign to authorize any fixes that the dealership found, and NO, I didn't sign it.
Anyways, my rant for the morning... I know it was only $30, but it was the principal that kinda annoyed me...
Got to my office and received a message from the service manager "We noticed a small nail so we went ahead and fixed it. The cost is $33 for the fix." WTF? Since when do dealerships decide to fix something (without alerting the customer), and then tell them later on about the cost?
I asked the service manager, and he said "Well, it was a safety concern, and it was in a good location, so we went ahead and fixed it. We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." I told him that I could have easily patched it myself for a few bucks and I also had full set of new tires/wheels at home, and besides, these tires were going to be replaced for a winter set of tires.
He then said "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." I'm wondering whey he didn't just "eat the cost," he probably didn't expect an argument. Customer Service FTL.
I did notice in the early bird drop-off envelope there was a line for me to sign to authorize any fixes that the dealership found, and NO, I didn't sign it.
Anyways, my rant for the morning... I know it was only $30, but it was the principal that kinda annoyed me...
You know, Discount Tire will patch your tire for FREE. YES, FREE. 
10-01-2007, 03:21 PM
#11
RANT about service
I live 300 miles from the nearest Acura dealership so service was a big issue. I had been overcharged at the 300 mile dealership one to many times and so I called a Service shop about 320 miles away, but was told that my "problems" didn't effect the car so it would be 2 weeks before they could get me in so I called the 450 mile dealership, made an appointment for 4 days later and thougth to myself that it may be farther but at least I got a response.
Four days later, after driving 8 hours, I showed up at my appointed time only to find that the Service department had no record of any appointment for me. I had made a note of the person i spoke to and they remembered the conversation. The Service Manager said he was booked and to bring the car in the next day and they would try to get to it. I explained that I did have an appointment, had just driven 450 miles and expected them to start on my car. The SM said "get a hotel and we'll get to your car as soon as we can", which was a brush off statement. I asked who his immediate supervisor was and he said the General Manager so I went to see the GM and waited about an hour. I explained the situation and the GM politely told me that there was nothing he would do. i asked if there was a phone where I could call a toll free number and he escorted me to their waiting lounge. I asked if he knew the toll free for ACS and he said he didn't but would get that number for me right away. Half an hour later I went to look through literature, found the number, called and to let ACS exactly what I thought of the situation. Ten minutes or so laler the GM comes in mad at me for calling ACS because they were "doing EVERYTHING in their power" to resolve the problem.
The end of the story, they started working on my car at 4PM the next day, charged me $200 extra for "Customer requested Express Service" and did little more than change the fluids and ignore my list of requested fixes.
Never went back and disputed the charges on my AMEX.
Those of you who have a gem of a Service Department, I am envious.
Four days later, after driving 8 hours, I showed up at my appointed time only to find that the Service department had no record of any appointment for me. I had made a note of the person i spoke to and they remembered the conversation. The Service Manager said he was booked and to bring the car in the next day and they would try to get to it. I explained that I did have an appointment, had just driven 450 miles and expected them to start on my car. The SM said "get a hotel and we'll get to your car as soon as we can", which was a brush off statement. I asked who his immediate supervisor was and he said the General Manager so I went to see the GM and waited about an hour. I explained the situation and the GM politely told me that there was nothing he would do. i asked if there was a phone where I could call a toll free number and he escorted me to their waiting lounge. I asked if he knew the toll free for ACS and he said he didn't but would get that number for me right away. Half an hour later I went to look through literature, found the number, called and to let ACS exactly what I thought of the situation. Ten minutes or so laler the GM comes in mad at me for calling ACS because they were "doing EVERYTHING in their power" to resolve the problem.
The end of the story, they started working on my car at 4PM the next day, charged me $200 extra for "Customer requested Express Service" and did little more than change the fluids and ignore my list of requested fixes.
Never went back and disputed the charges on my AMEX.
Those of you who have a gem of a Service Department, I am envious.
10-01-2007, 03:25 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Benush
I live 300 miles from the nearest Acura dealership so service was a big issue. I had been overcharged at the 300 mile dealership one to many times and so I called a Service shop about 320 miles away, but was told that my "problems" didn't effect the car so it would be 2 weeks before they could get me in so I called the 450 mile dealership, made an appointment for 4 days later and thougth to myself that it may be farther but at least I got a response.
Four days later, after driving 8 hours, I showed up at my appointed time only to find that the Service department had no record of any appointment for me. I had made a note of the person i spoke to and they remembered the conversation. The Service Manager said he was booked and to bring the car in the next day and they would try to get to it. I explained that I did have an appointment, had just driven 450 miles and expected them to start on my car. The SM said "get a hotel and we'll get to your car as soon as we can", which was a brush off statement. I asked who is immediate supervisor wa and he said the General Manager so I went to see teh GM and waited about an hour. I explained the situation and the GM politely told me that there was nothing he would do. i asked if there was a phone where I could cal a toll free number and he escorted me tot heir waiting lounge. I asked if he knew the tool free for ACS and he said he didn't but would get that number for me right away. Half an hour later I went to look through literature, called and let ACS exactly what I thought. Ten minutes or so alter the GM comes in mad at me for calling ACS because they were "doing EVERYTHING in their power" to resolve the problem.
The end of the story, they started working on my car at 4PM the next day, charged me $200 extra for "Customer requested Express Service" and did little more than change the fluids and ignore my list of requested fixes.
Never went back and disputed the charges on my AMEX.
Those of you who have a gem of a Service Department, I am envious.
Four days later, after driving 8 hours, I showed up at my appointed time only to find that the Service department had no record of any appointment for me. I had made a note of the person i spoke to and they remembered the conversation. The Service Manager said he was booked and to bring the car in the next day and they would try to get to it. I explained that I did have an appointment, had just driven 450 miles and expected them to start on my car. The SM said "get a hotel and we'll get to your car as soon as we can", which was a brush off statement. I asked who is immediate supervisor wa and he said the General Manager so I went to see teh GM and waited about an hour. I explained the situation and the GM politely told me that there was nothing he would do. i asked if there was a phone where I could cal a toll free number and he escorted me tot heir waiting lounge. I asked if he knew the tool free for ACS and he said he didn't but would get that number for me right away. Half an hour later I went to look through literature, called and let ACS exactly what I thought. Ten minutes or so alter the GM comes in mad at me for calling ACS because they were "doing EVERYTHING in their power" to resolve the problem.
The end of the story, they started working on my car at 4PM the next day, charged me $200 extra for "Customer requested Express Service" and did little more than change the fluids and ignore my list of requested fixes.
Never went back and disputed the charges on my AMEX.
Those of you who have a gem of a Service Department, I am envious.
10-01-2007, 03:30 PM
#13
Originally Posted by gbriank
Where the heck are you at? There has to be a better choice. You know you can take your Acura to a local Honda dealer for the basics.
Ended up taking it to Spokane, Washington (300 miles) where I'm always nickel and dime overcharged and they had it for a week.
10-01-2007, 03:37 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Benush
Montana. I do take it there (local Honda dealership)for fluids, etc, but my list of other fixes they didn't feel comfortable trying to work on (door handles - both sides, Nav/XM snafu and warning chimes not chiming)
Ended up taking it to Spokane, Washington (300 miles) where I'm always nickel and dime overcharged and they had it for a week.
Ended up taking it to Spokane, Washington (300 miles) where I'm always nickel and dime overcharged and they had it for a week.
10-01-2007, 03:54 PM
#17
Originally Posted by gbriank
Hmmm....sounds like Great Falls.... Have you tried Boise...or Salt Lake City? I know those are really far, but it sounds like the Washington dealers just stink.
Helena actually and SLC (Mike Hale) was where I got the run around, Boise always seems to want to put you on a two week wait list and so I'd go back to Spokane where they would do the work, but ALWAYS find something more to charge for. Sold my RL last December (after getting the doors, etc. fixed) to a friend in Phoenix but still have my Integra GSR and dread taking it back to Spokane since I know they will give me a quote and then find 50% more to do (though with the Integra I'll just say no)
I love Hondas and Acuras, but feel more comfortable at Billy Bob's greasy spoon and midnight car fix it then any Acura Service department that I've been to.
10-01-2007, 03:56 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Benush
Helena actually and SLC (Mike Hale) was where I got the run around, Boise always seems to want to put you on a two week wait list and so I'd go back to Spokane where they would do the work, but ALWAYS find something more to charge for. Sold my RL last December (after getting the doors, etc. fixed) to a friend in Phoenix but still have my Integra GSR and dread taking it back to Spokane since I know they will give me a quote and then find 50% more to do (though with the Integra I'll just say no)
I love Hondas and Acuras, but feel more comfortable at Billy Bob's greasy spoon and midnight car fix it then any Acura Service department that I've been to.
I love Hondas and Acuras, but feel more comfortable at Billy Bob's greasy spoon and midnight car fix it then any Acura Service department that I've been to.
10-01-2007, 04:08 PM
#19
Senior Moderator
Thank goodness I can work with my dealer. I mean, wow, Benush, I'd be PISSED if I had your experience.
I'm even more thankful that my dealer is a leisurely 7-minute drive from my house and a more frenetic ten minutes from my office.
I'm even more thankful that my dealer is a leisurely 7-minute drive from my house and a more frenetic ten minutes from my office.
10-01-2007, 04:20 PM
#20
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Thank goodness I can work with my dealer. I mean, wow, Benush, I'd be PISSED if I had your experience.
I'm even more thankful that my dealer is a leisurely 7-minute drive from my house and a more frenetic ten minutes from my office.
I'm even more thankful that my dealer is a leisurely 7-minute drive from my house and a more frenetic ten minutes from my office.
PS. Sorry I never did scan those HP charts from the 07 brochure. That was months ago so I can't blame it on Chemo brain
10-01-2007, 04:27 PM
#21
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I called my dealership while on the road and told them i was on my way in to fix a nail in my tire on my NSX, they said come on it. When I got there, my tech stopped what he was working on and repaired the tire RIGHT away, they did NOT charge me. I often get top level service, beyond my expectations.
10-01-2007, 05:44 PM
#22
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To the OP....
I have mixed emotions on this one. One of the most precious things in my life is time, certainly more valuable than money. I would not want to have to take my car out to get the tire repaired after I picked it up from the dealer. It's just a waste of my time. I can't imagine you can get to the tire place, wait in line, wait for the tech to fix the tire, pay the bill and whatever needs to happen in less than 2 hours.....
Would it have been reasonable for them to call you first? Sure. Would it have been prudent, that I don't know. I trust the person working on my car for decisions like that. I don't need to be bothered at work for that trivial crap. But it does assume you have a relationship (read trust) with the guys working on your car.
Are you really taking the tires off your car for the winter? Are they then going into the trash? If so it may have been a bad call for them. And they then did the right thing by eating the repair. But I have to believe that vast majority of customers would have appreciated them taking care of the problem so they didn't have to. And as such it’s better for them (time wise) just to do it and eat the off one or two that they get called on. If the tires aren’t going into the trash and you just called them on it to make a point… then shame on you.
I do have a big problem with dealer coments like: "We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." and "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." They work for you and should treat you accordingly.
I have mixed emotions on this one. One of the most precious things in my life is time, certainly more valuable than money. I would not want to have to take my car out to get the tire repaired after I picked it up from the dealer. It's just a waste of my time. I can't imagine you can get to the tire place, wait in line, wait for the tech to fix the tire, pay the bill and whatever needs to happen in less than 2 hours.....
Would it have been reasonable for them to call you first? Sure. Would it have been prudent, that I don't know. I trust the person working on my car for decisions like that. I don't need to be bothered at work for that trivial crap. But it does assume you have a relationship (read trust) with the guys working on your car.
Are you really taking the tires off your car for the winter? Are they then going into the trash? If so it may have been a bad call for them. And they then did the right thing by eating the repair. But I have to believe that vast majority of customers would have appreciated them taking care of the problem so they didn't have to. And as such it’s better for them (time wise) just to do it and eat the off one or two that they get called on. If the tires aren’t going into the trash and you just called them on it to make a point… then shame on you.
I do have a big problem with dealer coments like: "We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." and "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." They work for you and should treat you accordingly.
10-01-2007, 06:26 PM
#23
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Originally Posted by dwboston
An Asian woman had her TL in for service and left to get coffee. The service manager comes out later and sees another Asian woman sitting in the waiting area - he tells her that she has bubbles in the sidewalls of 2 tires and they need to be replaced, and they can't allow her to leave without getting the fix done because it's a safety issue. When she went up to pay (several hundred dollars) they handed her the keys and she said "these aren't mine". Much hilarity ensued as the service manager figured out he had asked the wrong woman to authorize service. When the actual owner came back she was none too pleased to find out what had happened. They ended up splitting the cost of the service with her.
The service manager should have addressed the lady (or any person for that matter) by name, Ms. XYZ or Mr. XYZ. That would have eliminated any confusion and would have been more courteous (and professional). The service manager (Darron) at the Honda dealer I use for our Odyssey and Accord (DCH Paramus in NJ) always addresses customer's by Mr. or Ms. XYZ. He's the main reason I drive a little further to get my car serviced there.
Another service advisor who was at DCH Paramus Honda is now (was there last time I asked about him) at DCH Montclair Acura. Carlos Reyes. Once I asked him what other service my Accord needed and he mentioned tranny fluid change. He didn't notice it was changed about 1 year prior. They changed the tranny fluid before he realized my car didn't need it. Didn't charge me a penny.
10-01-2007, 06:57 PM
#24
Trolling Canuckistan
Originally Posted by dwboston
Actually defective Firestone tires led to Ford Explorers rolling over. My old roommate had one with recalled tires. The tread would actually separate from the tire.
The dealership should have called first, no questions asked.
The dealership should have called first, no questions asked.
Check out fordrollover.com
10-01-2007, 07:24 PM
#25
07 RL (non-tech)w/06 Nav
Originally Posted by synth19
So this morning I dropped my car off at the dealership, but before I got there, I noticed my tire pressure was low in the front drivers side tire. I think around 24psi, not that big of a deal since I was about a few blocks from the dealership. So I told them to change my oil/filter and also put some air in the tire while it's there.
Got to my office and received a message from the service manager "We noticed a small nail so we went ahead and fixed it. The cost is $33 for the fix." WTF? Since when do dealerships decide to fix something (without alerting the customer), and then tell them later on about the cost?
I asked the service manager, and he said "Well, it was a safety concern, and it was in a good location, so we went ahead and fixed it. We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." I told him that I could have easily patched it myself for a few bucks and I also had full set of new tires/wheels at home, and besides, these tires were going to be replaced for a winter set of tires.
He then said "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." I'm wondering whey he didn't just "eat the cost," he probably didn't expect an argument. Customer Service FTL.
I did notice in the early bird drop-off envelope there was a line for me to sign to authorize any fixes that the dealership found, and NO, I didn't sign it.
Anyways, my rant for the morning... I know it was only $30, but it was the principal that kinda annoyed me...
Got to my office and received a message from the service manager "We noticed a small nail so we went ahead and fixed it. The cost is $33 for the fix." WTF? Since when do dealerships decide to fix something (without alerting the customer), and then tell them later on about the cost?
I asked the service manager, and he said "Well, it was a safety concern, and it was in a good location, so we went ahead and fixed it. We figure owners of 50k vehicles don't mind paying $30 for something minor." I told him that I could have easily patched it myself for a few bucks and I also had full set of new tires/wheels at home, and besides, these tires were going to be replaced for a winter set of tires.
He then said "Well, if you're going to make a big deal about it, we'll eat the cost." I'm wondering whey he didn't just "eat the cost," he probably didn't expect an argument. Customer Service FTL.
I did notice in the early bird drop-off envelope there was a line for me to sign to authorize any fixes that the dealership found, and NO, I didn't sign it.
Anyways, my rant for the morning... I know it was only $30, but it was the principal that kinda annoyed me...
You should be ashamed of yourself...a $35 repair to remove a wheel from a car...remove the tire from the rim (the right way) install an inside patch (the right repair, not some cheap plug) rebalance the wheel and install it back on the car complete without even pestering you with an estimate.
You will have to take the car to a tire place, with a "tire mechanic" who may not take as good of care of your wheel...will likely install the lead balance weights on the outside rim of the wheel (unsightly) and they will charge you at least $16.
This dealership did you a favor to repair the tire (while a little expensive) was very convenient. They also did you a favor by waving the bill. Its ashame that you can't see that.
10-02-2007, 09:17 AM
#26
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
hahaha...You need to carefully read threads before you post such nonsense. You don't know the extent of what the dealership did, nor did I post it. But, I LOVE your assumptions. When I arrived at the shop the service guy told me it was a quick patch job and only took a few minutes to do. There is no way they removed the wheel/tire and rebalanced it (along with an oil change) in under an hour (received a message from the service manager about an hour after dropping the car and he said I can pick it up whenever I was ready).
Not sure if they used "fix-a-flat," or something on the shelf. They certainly did not remove the wheel or tire. Anyways, the point of the thread was doing something without checking with the customer. With your logic, I bet you don't mind spending $100 on wiper blades to avoid being "pestered."
Not sure if they used "fix-a-flat," or something on the shelf. They certainly did not remove the wheel or tire. Anyways, the point of the thread was doing something without checking with the customer. With your logic, I bet you don't mind spending $100 on wiper blades to avoid being "pestered."
Originally Posted by larrynimmo
You should be ashamed of yourself...a $35 repair to remove a wheel from a car...remove the tire from the rim (the right way) install an inside patch (the right repair, not some cheap plug) rebalance the wheel and install it back on the car complete without even pestering you with an estimate.
You will have to take the car to a tire place, with a "tire mechanic" who may not take as good of care of your wheel...will likely install the lead balance weights on the outside rim of the wheel (unsightly) and they will charge you at least $16.
This dealership did you a favor to repair the tire (while a little expensive) was very convenient. They also did you a favor by waving the bill. Its ashame that you can't see that.
You will have to take the car to a tire place, with a "tire mechanic" who may not take as good of care of your wheel...will likely install the lead balance weights on the outside rim of the wheel (unsightly) and they will charge you at least $16.
This dealership did you a favor to repair the tire (while a little expensive) was very convenient. They also did you a favor by waving the bill. Its ashame that you can't see that.
10-02-2007, 11:01 AM
#27
AcurAdmirer
I'm with you, synth. No way should have the dealer done that repair without asking - "safety issue" or no safety issue. Using that logic, they could have justified all kinds of things - replacing your tires, installing a new windshield, etc.
It's not the dealer's responsibility to shield you from all danger. It might be their responsibility to NOTIFY you of potential safety issues, but it's your call on how to deal with those issues. They should have called you, advised you of the puncture, quoted you a price to repair it, and asked what you wanted to do about it.
Shame on THEM!
As for "cheap plugs", I've put tens of thousands of miles on plugged tires, and actually put 30,000 miles on one specific tire with 3 plugs in it. It was when we were building our house, and I got 3 nails in that brand new tire inside of a week. I plugged every one of them myself, and they never leaked a pound of air or caused a minute's trouble. Just be sure to use the right plug for radial tires (the waxy, leathery ones), and they'll vulcanize to the tire within an hour's driving.
I have a tire plugging kit and small 12v compressor in every one of my cars and they've saved the day for me (and a couple of other drivers) more than once!
.
.
It's not the dealer's responsibility to shield you from all danger. It might be their responsibility to NOTIFY you of potential safety issues, but it's your call on how to deal with those issues. They should have called you, advised you of the puncture, quoted you a price to repair it, and asked what you wanted to do about it.
Shame on THEM!
As for "cheap plugs", I've put tens of thousands of miles on plugged tires, and actually put 30,000 miles on one specific tire with 3 plugs in it. It was when we were building our house, and I got 3 nails in that brand new tire inside of a week. I plugged every one of them myself, and they never leaked a pound of air or caused a minute's trouble. Just be sure to use the right plug for radial tires (the waxy, leathery ones), and they'll vulcanize to the tire within an hour's driving.
I have a tire plugging kit and small 12v compressor in every one of my cars and they've saved the day for me (and a couple of other drivers) more than once!
.
.
10-02-2007, 12:27 PM
#28
Trolling Canuckistan
Originally Posted by Benush
Montana. I do take it there (local Honda dealership)for fluids, etc, but my list of other fixes they didn't feel comfortable trying to work on (door handles - both sides, Nav/XM snafu and warning chimes not chiming)
Ended up taking it to Spokane, Washington (300 miles) where I'm always nickel and dime overcharged and they had it for a week.
Ended up taking it to Spokane, Washington (300 miles) where I'm always nickel and dime overcharged and they had it for a week.
Did you live there during the days of "reasonable and prudent" speed laws? Those were the good old days when Montana gave a big
to the Feds. If only some of those roads had curves.
10-02-2007, 01:19 PM
#29
Originally Posted by black label
Sorry to go in another direction, but I always wanted to ask a Montana Acura owner what they do about gas. My Mom used to live in Montana, when ever I visited, it always struck me as odd how low the octane was at the pump. It seemed like Premium was 87 or 88 octane. The only place I remember seeing anything over 91 was at a Sunoco station.
Did you live there during the days of "reasonable and prudent" speed laws? Those were the good old days when Montana gave a big to the Feds. If only some of those roads had curves.
Did you live there during the days of "reasonable and prudent" speed laws? Those were the good old days when Montana gave a big
to the Feds. If only some of those roads had curves.
10-02-2007, 04:35 PM
#30
Originally Posted by black label
Sorry to go in another direction, but I always wanted to ask a Montana Acura owner what they do about gas. My Mom used to live in Montana, when ever I visited, it always struck me as odd how low the octane was at the pump. It seemed like Premium was 87 or 88 octane. The only place I remember seeing anything over 91 was at a Sunoco station.
Did you live there during the days of "reasonable and prudent" speed laws? Those were the good old days when Montana gave a big to the Feds. If only some of those roads had curves.
Did you live there during the days of "reasonable and prudent" speed laws? Those were the good old days when Montana gave a big
to the Feds. If only some of those roads had curves.Yes as an old fart I was part of the reasonable and prudent phase. If you were caught speeding up to about 90 mph the patrolman stopped you, you handed him $5, he wrote you your receipt and waited about 10 minutes til you were down the road to resume you 90 mph trip. Under 90 mph they would flick on their lights to warn you to slow down but hardly ever turned around to give you a ticket. Not the same anymore.
10-02-2007, 05:23 PM
#31
tire repair with plugs is illegal in many states. I doubt if dealer repaired with plug because of liability. Can easily remove wheel from car and repair tire correctly in less than 1 hour.
I'd say $30 well within reason - my local gas station charges $25. So, they did not call you - were you going to say no?
I'd say $30 well within reason - my local gas station charges $25. So, they did not call you - were you going to say no?
10-02-2007, 05:53 PM
#32
AcurAdmirer
Originally Posted by getakey
tire repair with plugs is illegal in many states.
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10-02-2007, 06:21 PM
#33
Racer
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Originally Posted by synth19
There is no way they removed the wheel/tire and rebalanced it (along with an oil change) in under an hour (received a message from the service manager about an hour after dropping the car and he said I can pick it up whenever I was ready).
However, I agree with you and Mike that they should have asked first. It's not their responsibility to do whatever they can to eliminate any dangers, just advise you, ask you for your consent. If you refuse, they note it on the service record, which you'll sign after the other work is done, then all is done. It's the principle and not necessarily the dollar amount.
Legally, you don't have to pay for the repair. Also, the service manager's attitude stunk, from the way you described it. I imagine if the service manager apologized for not asking and it was his mistake for not asking perhaps you wouldn't be as ticked off?
10-02-2007, 06:31 PM
#34
Originally Posted by synth19
hahaha...You need to carefully read threads before you post such nonsense. You don't know the extent of what the dealership did, nor did I post it. But, I LOVE your assumptions. When I arrived at the shop the service guy told me it was a quick patch job and only took a few minutes to do. There is no way they removed the wheel/tire and rebalanced it (along with an oil change) in under an hour (received a message from the service manager about an hour after dropping the car and he said I can pick it up whenever I was ready).
Not sure if they used "fix-a-flat," or something on the shelf. They certainly did not remove the wheel or tire. Anyways, the point of the thread was doing something without checking with the customer. With your logic, I bet you don't mind spending $100 on wiper blades to avoid being "pestered."
Not sure if they used "fix-a-flat," or something on the shelf. They certainly did not remove the wheel or tire. Anyways, the point of the thread was doing something without checking with the customer. With your logic, I bet you don't mind spending $100 on wiper blades to avoid being "pestered."
gotta agree with synth on this one....my CLS was in for a new tranny and one of my motor mounts was busted and needed to be replaced...they called me first and quoted me a reasonable price before doing anything (i took the offer) but yea, bottom line is, if they're going to charge you for something, they should ask first, whether its 30 dollars or 300 dollars, same priniciple.
10-02-2007, 07:18 PM
#35
found this quickly:
http://www.tirereview.com/?type=art&id=2319&
does not address legality, but certainly states that manufacturers will not approve tire rating with a pug repair
http://www.tirereview.com/?type=art&id=2319&
does not address legality, but certainly states that manufacturers will not approve tire rating with a pug repair
10-02-2007, 07:56 PM
#36
07 RL (non-tech)w/06 Nav
Originally Posted by getakey
found this quickly:
http://www.tirereview.com/?type=art&id=2319&
does not address legality, but certainly states that manufacturers will not approve tire rating with a pug repair
http://www.tirereview.com/?type=art&id=2319&
does not address legality, but certainly states that manufacturers will not approve tire rating with a pug repair
what a great article on tire repairs....my company uses 10,000# work trucks and we make it mandatory that all tire repairs to be inside patches unless there is less than 5k miles left to the tire life.
10-02-2007, 08:10 PM
#37
Did a little more searching on plugs. Looks like the tire manufacturers void any warranty if its only a plug repair
10-02-2007, 08:35 PM
#38
sorry - not to keep going on about this, but the key issue is making a repair without removing the tire form the rim. This is deemed an improper repair since the inside of the tire is not inspected for damage. Apparently, there have been numerous lawsuits associated with "improper tire repair" where a plug is used without removing tire from the rim. So, it is certainly a liabilty issue that all dealerships would be aware of. I cannot believe they would use a plug without an inside patch as well.
I actually had a somewhat similar situation that happened to me today. Not sure if I got bad karma responding to this thread, but I got bolt in my tire today. Went to tire store and actually wanted to go ahead and replace the tires because was nearly at wear indicators (55K miles). Unfortunately, because of our rare sized tires, none in stock. Then tire shop refused to patch because of low tread. They claimed it was liability issue and no way they could do it. I then went to another shop that agreed to patch if I replaced tires with them the next day when they could get from warehouse.
I actually had a somewhat similar situation that happened to me today. Not sure if I got bad karma responding to this thread, but I got bolt in my tire today. Went to tire store and actually wanted to go ahead and replace the tires because was nearly at wear indicators (55K miles). Unfortunately, because of our rare sized tires, none in stock. Then tire shop refused to patch because of low tread. They claimed it was liability issue and no way they could do it. I then went to another shop that agreed to patch if I replaced tires with them the next day when they could get from warehouse.
10-02-2007, 09:53 PM
#39
AcurAdmirer
Maybe we're over-analyzing, but your linked article doesn't say the tire's warranty is voided, it merely says if a tire been repaired, they no longer honor the speed rating. That's been the case for years. And that article is directed at dealers, so it's not surprising they err on the side of their lawyers.
I had a Goodyear tire repaired at a Goodyear dealer a few years back, and even though he did the inside-the-tire, cone-with-a-base patch, he advised me the speed rating would no longer be the same. Not a biggie, since the tires were rated for extended running at 130mph.
And BTW, one of those GY tires was replaced under warranty later with a plug in it, so it obviously didn't void the warranty.
HERE is a link to an article on about.com/auto repair that says in part:
"Now we have plugs that are designed to repair radial tires and are self-vulcanizing. That is to say after they heat up from driving, they "melt" into the tire and become one piece. This is again the preferred method because it is much faster to do. If, as in the old days, a tire was cut then patching is the best way to go."
I'm not saying the plug inserted externally is ideal ... but then, NO tire repair is ideal. It's just a mistake to think the inside-the-tire repair is bulletproof, since ALL tire damage weakens a tire and all repair types are subject to failure.
But I will say this: Tire plugging can be a lifesaver when you pick up a nail on a desolate stretch of road out in the middle of nowhere, or on a cold, nasty night on the side of some road somewhere at 10:00 at night, or any time you don't have 4 hours to wait for some roadside assistance truck to get to you (and even then, they won't do anything but help you put on the donut spare ... which I consider more dangerous than a tire plug).
For those reasons, I'm a real fan of plugging and will continue to be. If my tire loses one speed rating increment because of a repair (of either kind), I'm not really going to lose any sleep over it.
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I had a Goodyear tire repaired at a Goodyear dealer a few years back, and even though he did the inside-the-tire, cone-with-a-base patch, he advised me the speed rating would no longer be the same. Not a biggie, since the tires were rated for extended running at 130mph.
And BTW, one of those GY tires was replaced under warranty later with a plug in it, so it obviously didn't void the warranty.HERE is a link to an article on about.com/auto repair that says in part:
"Now we have plugs that are designed to repair radial tires and are self-vulcanizing. That is to say after they heat up from driving, they "melt" into the tire and become one piece. This is again the preferred method because it is much faster to do. If, as in the old days, a tire was cut then patching is the best way to go."
I'm not saying the plug inserted externally is ideal ... but then, NO tire repair is ideal. It's just a mistake to think the inside-the-tire repair is bulletproof, since ALL tire damage weakens a tire and all repair types are subject to failure.
But I will say this: Tire plugging can be a lifesaver when you pick up a nail on a desolate stretch of road out in the middle of nowhere, or on a cold, nasty night on the side of some road somewhere at 10:00 at night, or any time you don't have 4 hours to wait for some roadside assistance truck to get to you (and even then, they won't do anything but help you put on the donut spare ... which I consider more dangerous than a tire plug).
For those reasons, I'm a real fan of plugging and will continue to be. If my tire loses one speed rating increment because of a repair (of either kind), I'm not really going to lose any sleep over it.
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10-02-2007, 10:28 PM
#40
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Mike_TX
I'm with you, synth. No way should have the dealer done that repair without asking - "safety issue" or no safety issue. Using that logic, they could have justified all kinds of things - replacing your tires, installing a new windshield, etc.
It's not the dealer's responsibility to shield you from all danger. It might be their responsibility to NOTIFY you of potential safety issues, but it's your call on how to deal with those issues. They should have called you, advised you of the puncture, quoted you a price to repair it, and asked what you wanted to do about it.
Shame on THEM!
As for "cheap plugs", I've put tens of thousands of miles on plugged tires, and actually put 30,000 miles on one specific tire with 3 plugs in it. It was when we were building our house, and I got 3 nails in that brand new tire inside of a week. I plugged every one of them myself, and they never leaked a pound of air or caused a minute's trouble. Just be sure to use the right plug for radial tires (the waxy, leathery ones), and they'll vulcanize to the tire within an hour's driving.
I have a tire plugging kit and small 12v compressor in every one of my cars and they've saved the day for me (and a couple of other drivers) more than once!
.
.
It's not the dealer's responsibility to shield you from all danger. It might be their responsibility to NOTIFY you of potential safety issues, but it's your call on how to deal with those issues. They should have called you, advised you of the puncture, quoted you a price to repair it, and asked what you wanted to do about it.
Shame on THEM!
As for "cheap plugs", I've put tens of thousands of miles on plugged tires, and actually put 30,000 miles on one specific tire with 3 plugs in it. It was when we were building our house, and I got 3 nails in that brand new tire inside of a week. I plugged every one of them myself, and they never leaked a pound of air or caused a minute's trouble. Just be sure to use the right plug for radial tires (the waxy, leathery ones), and they'll vulcanize to the tire within an hour's driving.
I have a tire plugging kit and small 12v compressor in every one of my cars and they've saved the day for me (and a couple of other drivers) more than once!
.
.
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