Took my wheels to the local tire shop

[Annahra]

Is asking for them to use a certain wrench something that will label you a difficult customer? Sounds like a good idea, but I have all work done at the dealership and I want to stay on their good side for easy warranty repairs!

OP, good luck getting everything settled to your satisfaction.

 

[Mach1USMC]

The underlined statement is what will likely escalate the shop to getting an attorney involved.(if it was my shop) Before you threatened to "share your experience" this was a matter of the business possibly taking a sub $1k hit to replace some wheels and appease an unhappy customer. Now you've put them on notice that their shop's reputation is on the line, if they have a reputation worth defending they may invest $1k several times over in the interest of protecting it.

It's only slander or lible if it can't be proven. The shop in this case would look like fools if they tried to suggest what Brad was saying is inaccurate, because they did in fact eff up his wheels and he can prove it.

 

[cfiiman]

So this begs the question, if you have really nice, expensive aftermarket rims, how do you avoid this situation from happening b/c everyone can accidentally make a mistake. Do you guys that have these types of rims make it a point of speaking with a manager about your concerns before they touch them? I'd be worried if I did that they might just tell me to leave or something, but at the same time I would want to "warn" them nicely to put a careful tech on the job to avoid something like this right?

 

[BradsDetailing]

I just read like 115 posts, so I feel the need to weigh in. I agree 100% with the shop owner. Sorry.

How so?

This sucks no matter what the wheels are, OEM's or aftermarkets. I've had gashes put into the barrels of aftermarket wheels and asked "why did they have to use an air chissel to remove the weights?". IMO there has to be a better way, even on $110 a piece aftermarket wheels. I told the manager about this and was cool about and told him "hey, what if these were some BBS' or Volks?". He did offer to pay for a refurbish and I didn't want the tech to get into trouble so I blew it off because it was on the barrel and not the face but said you guys should bring this sort of thing up at the next meeting.

One other thing I do is ask them to use the torque wrench and/or 4 way and NO impact. I will surely be doing this with my Abarth as I have factory forged wheels on it.

Sent from my SPH-M930 using Tapatalk 2

I'll be looking for a reputable business near me, hopefully a local one, and talk to them and let them know what I am looking for.

Is asking for them to use a certain wrench something that will label you a difficult customer? Sounds like a good idea, but I have all work done at the dealership and I want to stay on their good side for easy warranty repairs!

OP, good luck getting everything settled to your satisfaction.

In today's world I would be a difficult customer for asking for the norm. But in actuality it is a burden for me to have to ask that in the first place in fear of something like this happening because of people not doing what they are supposed to do.

Thanks for the support!

So this begs the question, if you have really nice, expensive aftermarket rims, how do you avoid this situation from happening b/c everyone can accidentally make a mistake. Do you guys that have these types of rims make it a point of speaking with a manager about your concerns before they touch them? I'd be worried if I did that they might just tell me to leave or something, but at the same time I would want to "warn" them nicely to put a careful tech on the job to avoid something like this right?

I can see something slipping when a mechanic is taking his time. Maybe then I would say a repair for a scratch is fine. Unfortunately in this case, it was an extreme case of carelessness. I know now from talking with others to talk with a manager first to put the mechanic on alert when doing his job. I'm not one to stand over someone's shoulder or be a mean gene, but in todays day and age you have to wake people up a bit unfortunately.

 

[custmsprty]

Regardless of the job being performed, when paying a business to perform a service you should expect to have the vehicle, item, machine etc. returned to you in the condition it was before the service. That's what your paying a professional for. Nothing less is acceptable. I had purchased a new washer and had it installed by Best Buy, the guy climbed on top of it and dinged up the top. Did I pay $800.00 for a new washing machine to have it damaged during installation, no. And yes, I got a new one.
I have $1000.00 worth of wheels on my car and I darn sure expect that they not be damaged when I buy new tires. When I bought my GC the 2 of the oem wheels had been damaged when they guy took it off the hauler. I didn't see it until the next day when I was washing it as it was getting dark when I took delivery. Guess what, got two new wheels the next day taken off another coupe on their lot.

 

[mg6045]

i knew it when i opened the thread. its a shame.

I only go to shops that use hunter road force mounting and balancing machines. they are touch free machines. just google the shops in your area using them. there is no other way around this problem of hacks laying waste to your wheels.

 

[phens82]

How so?

Since you asked, because in my opinion, your expectations aren't in line with reality. You happen to be an extreme enthusiast/perfectionist, but the legal system is not generally set up to rule in your favor on a practical matter. The wheels still work, check, and can be made to look "like new" by a refurbishing professional, check, so if I was the judge, I'd rule that a fair resolution is for the shop to professionally repair any cosmetic damage. You won't be able to see any difference, or at least a "reasonable" person wouldn't be able to see any difference.

If someone delivered a couch to your house and scratched your wood floor during delivery, do you think the judge would rule that the vendor should replace your whole floor with the exact same flooring you had? Or would she rule that your floor should be repaired by a professional to the point where a normal/reasonable person would not notice the damage?

I'm not trying to be a jerk, and I'm not a lawyer or a judge. This is my opinion, and you probably hope the judge has a different opinion than I do. So, good luck. :dblthumb2:

 

[BradsDetailing]

Since you asked, because in my opinion, your expectations aren't in line with reality. You happen to be an extreme enthusiast/perfectionist, but the legal system is not generally set up to rule in your favor on a practical matter. The wheels still work, check, and can be made to look "like new" by a refurbishing professional, check, so if I was the judge, I'd rule that a fair resolution is for the shop to professionally repair any cosmetic damage. You won't be able to see any difference, or at least a "reasonable" person wouldn't be able to see any difference.

If someone delivered a couch to your house and scratched your wood floor during delivery, do you think the judge would rule that the vendor should replace your whole floor with the exact same flooring you had? Or would she rule that your floor should be repaired by a professional to the point where a normal/reasonable person would not notice the damage?

I'm not trying to be a jerk, and I'm not a lawyer or a judge. This is my opinion, and you probably hope the judge has a different opinion than I do. So, good luck. :dblthumb2:

1=1 is how I see it. It is the reality of the situation. Brought my wheels in, I should get them back the same way. Too many people let these things go by, people get used to it and when someone expects something fair to be done, it is now considered an extreme act of kindness or going "out of the way", because it is not the norm any more.

All the damage would not be repaired, per the owner.

It's not my fault they damaged the rims.

A floor is entirely different.

If I had to take them to get repaired, I would not take them to a wheel guy that the owner knows. More than likely that person will not do a good job or use the same paint as oem etc.

Also, I am considered a perfectionist by those who do not take care of their stuff. I like to. I like to condition all the rubber on my car. Most people don't. To them I am an extremeist. To me I am not. And in reality, I'm taking care of my things. All judges are different. I'm sure judges will disagree on my case and what I am asking for. But, my case and explanation to the judge, as I said before, is that I am asking for what I had. I did not have repaired rims before. Not even a scratch. 3 of 4 valve caps were stolen; that's theft, or it shows how careless the mechanics are. I should not walk into a shop, get my tires mount and if I get them back how I gave them I should not be impressed. It should be expected.

 

[BradsDetailing]

i knew it when i opened the thread. its a shame.

I only go to shops that use hunter road force mounting and balancing machines. they are touch free machines. just google the shops in your area using them. there is no other way around this problem of hacks laying waste to your wheels.

I am fairly certain the sam's club near me has one, or a different touch-less brand. However, they only mount tires if you buy them from the store.

But, thanks for the information. I will use it in the future when I get another set.

 

[phens82]

1=1 is how I see it. It is the reality of the situation. Brought my wheels in, I should get them back the same way. Too many people let these things go by, people get used to it and when someone expects something fair to be done, it is now considered an extreme act of kindness or going "out of the way", because it is not the norm any more.

All the damage would not be repaired, per the owner.

It's not my fault they damaged the rims.

A floor is entirely different.

If I had to take them to get repaired, I would not take them to a wheel guy that the owner knows. More than likely that person will not do a good job or use the same paint as oem etc.

Also, I am considered a perfectionist by those who do not take care of their stuff. I like to. I like to condition all the rubber on my car. Most people don't. To them I am an extremeist. To me I am not. And in reality, I'm taking care of my things. All judges are different. I'm sure judges will disagree on my case and what I am asking for. But, my case and explanation to the judge, as I said before, is that I am asking for what I had. I did not have repaired rims before. Not even a scratch. 3 of 4 valve caps were stolen; that's theft, or it shows how careless the mechanics are. I should not walk into a shop, get my tires mount and if I get them back how I gave them I should not be impressed. It should be expected.

Your rims weren't new, they were the same age as the car. Three to four years, judging by the model year in your signature. I doubt you'd want true 1=1 replacements, you want brand new ones. And really? Silver tire stems are a big deal? On some level, I get it, but c'mon, man.

I'm bummed it happened to you, nonetheless.

 

[Black Bowtie]

Again the big red flag would be going to a used tire shop to have new tires installed? Most places I have seen that sell used tires, I would not even let them check the air in my tires let alone mount and balance a set.

 

[BradsDetailing]

Your rims weren't new, they were the same age as the car. Three to four years, judging by the model year in your signature. I doubt you'd want true 1=1 replacements, you want brand new ones. And really? Silver tire stems are a big deal? On some level, I get it, but c'mon, man.

I'm bummed it happened to you, nonetheless.

Hey, the only difference I am paying for is the tires being switched out. They damaged my rims. I put myself in there shoes and to be that careless, I do not feel bad.

I detail my car every weekend. These oem wheels from Honda are nice. They were perfect. They have been sealed since I owned the car.

If the tire stems are not a big deal, then how hard is it to put them back on after taking them off. Carelessness. I should have them. They are mine. So yes it is a deal. If you think it isn't that is you. But it matters to me. No matter how small. It's just carelesness on their part. I point it out more so to show the carelessness involved and the type of people I am dealing with. And quite frankly I prefer the look of the silver metal caps over the generic plastic ones.

I just know these things all add up over time in more ways than one.

I hope this doesn't happen to anyone here and everyone learns something from it.

 

[BradsDetailing]

Again the big red flag would be going to a used tire shop to have new tires installed? Most places I have seen that sell used tires, I would not even let them check the air in my tires let alone mount and balance a set.

I hear you. I just wanted my tires installed that day after work and they were open.

 

[BradsDetailing]

Went to mediation today.

I explained my case to the mediators and all of the details. The defendant, owner of the tire shop, has stated the rubber tire had caused the scratch/scuffs/chips on the outside of the tire when mounting. He also said there was more damage on the underside if I had looked closer. He stated the swirl or spiraling marks on the inside of the lug nut holes could have already been there and then stated that it is also not preventable and that would happen whenever you take lug nuts off a painted wheel. He still offered to fix the damage, on the outside of the wheels and not inside of the lug nut holes or the damage near the tires, with his tire guy. I stated I want what I had and that repairing them would not bring them back to that condition.

We went back and forth. His stance was that I am the only one who complained, even though the day I went there there was someone with a b,w with the same issue.

He also was laughed at the idea of replacing the valve covers and that they were $.02. He stated they always put new valve caps on and put the other ones in a bucket. Why would he keep them then? Why do I still have one of my old ones?

All of what he was saying was not factual and basically that I was being picky, my pictures are not good enough. He didn't cause the spiraling yet he also stated that you can not take them off or on without doing so. That does not make sense.

There were two mediators. One newer to the volunteer work and one not so new. The one seemed pretty to side with the defendant more and that they are 4 year old rims. My stance was so what? If I showed a picture of these rims and said they were brand new without and previous knowledge of this conversation I bet no one would have questioned it. She also stated that if she took her car in with repaired wheels that it would not affect the resale value compared to oem originals. I stated it does not matter. Money is not the issue here.

I stand by wanting what I had. Not anything less.

We go back to mediation, again, in about a month due to the defendant having to leave early.

 

[BobbyG]

Good for you!

Please keep us posed as to the final decision....:dblthumb2:

 

[BradsDetailing]

Good for you!

Please keep us posed as to the final decision....:dblthumb2:

Thanks for the support and I will. I always look forward to your posts.

 

[builthatch]

i like your pursuit. it's the principle at this point.

the worst thing is when people lie. business people that lie? terrible.

he's full of crap re: removing lugs and damage that "it it is also not preventable and that would happen whenever you take lug nuts off a painted wheel."

that's insane. everyone knows it's not only possible but required if you are running a legit business working on other people's property, particularly if it comes in the shop in perfect condition. you work carefully, you wrap the thin wall socket in electrical tape or something....and also, doing it by hand doesn't hurt! breaker and ratchet off...ratchet and torque wrench on.

the jerk who runs the shop in my sig damaged my wife's brand new Audi on top of doing a terrible job overall and he cost me mounds of money and time in the process. i didn't pursue it past getting money back because my lawyer said for the costs to pay for him to assist me and time spent to meet for any sort of mediation, etc., i'd be upside down. but for you, it sounds like it's not terribly inconvenient or costly to prove the point you need to make.

good luck. keep it up.

 

[af90]

Good to see you going through with it. It's a matter of principle, hope you're posting reviews on numerous websites about them.

 

[DaveT435]

Went to mediation today.

I explained my case to the mediators and all of the details. The defendant, owner of the tire shop, has stated the rubber tire had caused the scratch/scuffs/chips on the outside of the tire when mounting. He also said there was more damage on the underside if I had looked closer. He stated the swirl or spiraling marks on the inside of the lug nut holes could have already been there and then stated that it is also not preventable and that would happen whenever you take lug nuts off a painted wheel. He still offered to fix the damage, on the outside of the wheels and not inside of the lug nut holes or the damage near the tires, with his tire guy. I stated I want what I had and that repairing them would not bring them back to that condition.

We went back and forth. His stance was that I am the only one who complained, even though the day I went there there was someone with a b,w with the same issue.

He also was laughed at the idea of replacing the valve covers and that they were $.02. He stated they always put new valve caps on and put the other ones in a bucket. Why would he keep them then? Why do I still have one of my old ones?

All of what he was saying was not factual and basically that I was being picky, my pictures are not good enough. He didn't cause the spiraling yet he also stated that you can not take them off or on without doing so. That does not make sense.

There were two mediators. One newer to the volunteer work and one not so new. The one seemed pretty to side with the defendant more and that they are 4 year old rims. My stance was so what? If I showed a picture of these rims and said they were brand new without and previous knowledge of this conversation I bet no one would have questioned it. She also stated that if she took her car in with repaired wheels that it would not affect the resale value compared to oem originals. I stated it does not matter. Money is not the issue here.

I stand by wanting what I had. Not anything less.

We go back to mediation, again, in about a month due to the defendant having to leave early.

I ran one of the busiest tire stores in the country for years. I can tell you exactly what caused the scratches around the lugs. It was the plastic cup used to tighten the wheel against the plate on the balancer. They sell rubber rings that go on them so this doesn't happen.
A. The rubber ring was worn to the point that the hard plastic could make contact with the wheel. or
B. the more likely scenario the rubber ring was never put on the cup.

If you go to the shop and take the black plastic cup and put it on the scratches I can almost guarantee it will line up perfectly

 

[Jaretr1]

I ran one of the busiest tire stores in the country for years. I can tell you exactly what caused the scratches around the lugs. It was the plastic cup used to tighten the wheel against the plate on the balancer. They sell rubber rings that go on them so this doesn't happen.
A. The rubber ring was worn to the point that the hard plastic could make contact with the wheel. or
B. the more likely scenario the rubber ring was never put on the cup.

If you go to the shop and take the black plastic cup and put it on the scratches I can almost guarantee it will line up perfectly

YEP!

It was obviously also carelessness and rushing by the employee that caused this to happen.

I just found this thread so time for my .02.

Being anal about your car, why would you take it to a shop like that and if anything not watch what was happening? You should have seen the way the guy was handling your wheels and it should have been obvious he was being careless.

But like what was mentioned, it is totally possible to dismount and mount and balance tires without causing any damage. Even with crappy equipment, its possible if the technician is careful. I have dismounted and mounted my wheels on my cars probably a hundred times and never scratched the barrells of the lugs as long as I was being careful.

I have aftermarket wheels on my car and I will only take them to a shop where I know the technician is going to treat my wheels like they are his own. It happens to be a Goodyear store with old outdated machines, but as long as the guy is careful, he wont damage my wheels. Its not so much the equipment as the technique.

With all thats been said, I know I would want new wheels to. But the reality is I would have to accept that probably wont happen. However, I would want my wheels professionally repaired, and like any good body work, if they are, they should be just as good as they were before the damage.

I guess like everyone else we are looking forward to seeing the outcome and hopefully it will be to the OP's satisfaction.