Community Forums

chuckinthebus · 05-21-2012, 08:19 PM

Had 6 new tires put on through Michelin Advantage at TCI in Chattanooga. Asked before they started if they would use extra care not to scratch my wheels. Quick response was "We do this every day and take extra care on aluminum wheels. Got back home and cleaned up the goo they used to put tires on with as the dealer's employees left them in a mess after install. (Had 2 steers moved to tag and paid all extras on mount and balance for all 8.) Well....... all 6 of the aluminums now have some form of either scratch, scuff, ding, or gouge, some more than a little. I called the dealer and told them and will be going back in for them to look at it. They want to see if the damage can be buffed out. Called today, as truck tire mgr was out last week on vacation, and was given a "call before coming in to see if I will be in or out seeing customers" attitude.
Am I being to picky?
One they moved to the tag was installed inside out, but on same side and when I asked, was told that is no problem now with new radials. Am I looking for this one to come apart on the road because its direction of rotation has been reversed?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Chuck

Barlow46 · 05-21-2012, 10:57 PM

When you get there, ask them who their insurance carrier is? That much damage is just plain carelessness and not an "accidental" slip of the air gun. I would hold out for new rims or if you choose a rather large adjustment. You might also call your agent and ask for another opinion.
On Edit: I would also notify Michelin Advantage of the service you received and see what their attitude is.

Jim_HiTek · 05-21-2012, 11:09 PM

I'd also go to a different tire shop that sells your wheels and get an estimate of replacing or rebuffing. That'll give you an amount to use as leverage. Without seeing the actual damage, all we can do here is guess at what your costs might be and weather it's a repairable action or if replacement is needed. Small claims court action could be mentioned when you're talking to the original shop.

FLYING BUTCH · 05-22-2012, 05:08 AM

I had same problem with two tires that were replaced. It took a long time and a lot of pressure and calls on my part but got both wheels replaced. We should not be required to suffer because of someone's not taking the time to do a job right. Bet they wouldn't do it to there wheels. Stay on hem!!

Ed-Sommers · 05-22-2012, 08:03 AM

OK, here is my "Expert Advise" that you asked for.

If you did not take close up pictures in order to prove when, and where the PERCEIVED damage occurred, shame on you.

You indicated that you asked they use extra care on the install, but took no "due diligence" action yourself.

As you can tell, I am not one of those that just falls in line, and takes the original posters side. I think!

Ed

JimM68 · 05-22-2012, 11:43 AM

Most alcoa wheels used on late model motorhomes are clearcoated, they absolutely cannot ever be "buffed out"

steelheadbluesman · 05-22-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed-Sommers

OK, here is my "Expert Advise" that you asked for.

If you did not take close up pictures in order to prove when, and where the PERCEIVED damage occurred, shame on you.

You indicated that you asked they use extra care on the install, but took no "due diligence" action yourself.

As you can tell, I am not one of those that just falls in line, and takes the original posters side. I think!

Ed

Ed - I'm thinking that shaming the OP is a wee bit harsh. The man is simply asking for advice AFTER the fact....

cnkinthebus - I wouldn't like my wheels damaged by someone I employ, and I think we all have a right to certain expectations in conducting our business. I think you did fine alerting them about your concerns right up front, they just did it carelessly. I would look to small claims court if no other resolution in forthcoming. Good luck.

free-to-roam · 05-22-2012, 06:21 PM

As I read the Advantage program, there is a STRONG suggestion that you walk around the coach, and verify any existing damage, just to prevent this sort of thing.
I am going to have 6 new installed in a couple weeks, intend NOW, dur to your experience, take the photos, and, do a detailed walk around, and get the no damage declaration in writing before they start the installation.
Keep after them, insistent but reasonable civilized pressure will no doubt yield results.
Keep us informed...

Cat320 · 05-22-2012, 06:50 PM

I like the "take a picture" idea...think I'll do that when it comes time for tires.

RickO · 05-22-2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

I like the "take a picture" idea...think I'll do that when it comes time for tires.

Ditto. I've never had new tires put on my rig but I don't "think" I would have thought to take pictures either. But, thanks to your post I will now.

Best of luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

Rick

steelheadbluesman · 05-22-2012, 07:40 PM

Agreed, please let us know, we will all go through this stuff, one way or another....

89sandman · 05-22-2012, 09:22 PM

it is a pitty that people have little or no pride in thier work. i run my own auto repair business and treat my customers cars as if they were mine, and i take excellent care of everything i own. just had new tires put on my motorhome, don't do tires at my shop, had just buffed all the wheels the weekend before and asked them to please keep them clean. every wheel had goo, grease and fingerprints on them when i picked it up. pointed this out to the manager and made sure he knew i wouldn't be coming back for my next set...

ArmyMPFromMO · 05-23-2012, 11:56 AM

You can also report any business to the state Attorney General's office for assistance with your problems.

The Better Business Bureau is another watchdog to assist you.

chuckinthebus · 05-23-2012, 07:26 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I didn't think to take pictures, but did walk around the coach with the installers and manager when asking them to take extra care. Also informed them there were NO scratches, mars, gouges or dings and wanted to keep it that way ( I felt this was as close to my "due diligence" as possible). By informing them there were no marks on my wheels, I thought, would put them on notice that I was aware of the condition of the wheels. Not sure I would take any legal action, but should know tomorrow how they intend to handle this. They are clear coated. I have had several trucks with same style wheels and understand that once cut with a machine buffer, the clear coat is done, but also know that some of the scratches and gouges are to deep for buffing.
Again, thanks.
Chuck