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Problem with tires (30K miles service)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by zak.kapoor, Nov 19, 2010.

  1. zak.kapoor

    zak.kapoor Junior Member

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    I own a 2008 Prius with touring package. The car is running fine and gives great mileage. Both my wife and I are cautious drivers. We have not had any accidents or run into curbs.

    I recently took it for the 30K miles service. The dealer told me that the car was in great shape other than the tires. He told us that two of the tires (LF and RR) had bubbles on the sidewalls and if we did not change them immediately we were putting our lives at risk :eek:. He was generous enough to offer a quote for replacement tiles: $750. This includes wheel balancing.

    I am not a car whiz but not a dummy either. I have a good idea of what a bubble on the sidewall would look like, even a small one. I have thoroughly inspected all 4 tires (outside sidewall only) and did not see any signs of a bubble.

    I was wondering if anyone else has had similar problems with tires? The tread on the tyres is in good shape according to the dealer and would last another 15K miles. I am planning to take the care to a tire store to get a second opinion.
     
    #1 zak.kapoor, Nov 19, 2010
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what is going on with all these rip off's? be careful out there people, must be their way of trying to make a buck in a bad economy. $750.?
    he should be prosecuted for grand theft!:rockon: whereever you take it, don't mention the bubbles, just ask them how many miles they think are left on the tires. should be interesting.:rolleyes:
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 19, 2010
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    I would take it to a tire dealer and get them to do a check. Don't tell them what the Toyota dealer said. I do note that you checked 1/2 of the tires (outside only) so you DO need a second opinion. Also the touring package uses a almost unique tire size. It's best to upgrade to a 205 width and save some money.
     
    #3 xpcman, Nov 19, 2010
  4. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Most tires have high spots on them, especially when we press them a little high for FE! I would go to a reputable tire store and have them check your tires. If they are Goodyear then go to a Goodyear store. If they are bad there could be warranty? H
     
    #4 Hal W, Nov 19, 2010
  5. krg03

    krg03 Not expert, just experienced

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    as said above take it to whatever manuf the tire is. Goodyear, Goodyear. I had an honest bulge in mine. Usually they prorate. I argued and got the tire for free. I did some other business with them because of the good deal.
     
    #5 krg03, Nov 19, 2010
  6. zak.kapoor

    zak.kapoor Junior Member

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    Thanks for all your suggestions.

    I took the car to a local tire shop: Les Schwab. They checked the tires thoroughly and did not find any bubbles. There was a nail in one of the tires and that was all. I still cant believe the dealer sent me home with a nail in the tire. He did not even give me the option of fixing the flat. Les Schwab fixed it for free and even offered to rotate my tires for free.

    Guess where I will be getting my next set of tires?
     
    #6 zak.kapoor, Dec 18, 2010
  7. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Now, that is service!!! H
     
    #7 Hal W, Dec 18, 2010
  8. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Please tell us who the dealer is so others can avoid those crooks. Dealers like that is what gives car dealers in general a bad name.
     
    #8 paprius4030, Dec 18, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Ok this dealer has proved to you without a shadow of a doubt there total rip off artists. They did you a big favor. Now you know.
    Some are ok some are like this. You found out in a good time when you really didn't need them.

    But they really tried to rip you hard. I would immed send a letter and email to Toyota documenting this entire event. Toy dealers live and die by customer satisfaction or unsatisfaction. I would be pissed.
     
    #9 edthefox5, Dec 18, 2010
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