Need Help Determining source of Damage to Wheel (dealer rotated)

I took my 5 month (I purchased it used, from the dealer,) old Prius 2010 and for its first oil change.

This service included an oil change and a tire rotation. This is standard for that dealer, so I thought why not.

When I got the car back, the tire pressure warning light was on. I immediately brought it to their attention, and they took it back into the bay and checked all the tire pressures. They said everything was fine and turned off the light.

When I got home and turn the car off then back on for another trip, the tire pressure warning light came back on. I thoroughly inspected all the tires and noticed damage to one of my wheels. I've included a photo and it looks like the plastic has been cut into or somehow fractured.

I'm not sure how a tire rotation is done or if this damage could occur from that, and was looking for opinions. Of course the dealer denies they had anything to do with it.

I would really appreciate feedback on both these problems. The wheels and tires otherwise seems okay. The tire pressure is normal, I checked it.

Thank you experienced Prius owners!

Also, when I purchased the car in May, used, from this dealer, it came with new tires. I know this damage to the wheel didn't exist then (reviewed my photos,) and even a week ago when I washed and waxed it. To me, it looks like "pinchers" have been used to make two "cuts" in the plastic like material. No way could a 'rock' do this.

Opinions? Thank you again!

 

The tires actually appear ok, I will recheck tomorrow just to be sure.

I can't remember the last time I parked next to a curb. Between two driveways, parallel parking at work and shopping, I would have had to do curb parking long before several hand washes... I would think those jagged edges would have caught on my rags and sponges or I would have noticed it.

Also, if you look at the edges, it's like someone literally cut into the cover. I realize the cover needs to be removed to rotate the tires, and since the warning light and this damage occurred immediately after a tire rotation, I'm strongly suspecting the dealer being the source of the problem. Perhaps that tire has a slow leak, that would be really disappointing if true.... Yikes.

I don't see any damage to any of the tires, here is a wider view.

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it!

iPad ? HD

 

Thank you so much! Lots of great ideas I hadn't thought of, thank you everyone!

Also, my friend explained to me that "curbing" happens when driving, ie: taking a corner too tight. I didn't realize that is what you guys meant. I hope the dealer wasn't driving my car around when it was being serviced, since I can guarantee that I sure as heck have never ever remotely come close to curbing that vehicle. I think I've put the story together that someone tried to pry off a cover or piece of wheel that shouldn't have been pried off (thank you for pointing out exposed lug nuts,) and thus the damage. I'm going back in to have this cleared up this week and will let you know. (I've only put on less than 200 miles in the 5+ months I've owned it.)

 

I've only hand washed it, the dealer might have run it through a car wash during the service, since it came out wet... this new photo includes some other "bending outwards" of the cover, near the "cut" area. (In the photo below, it appears "above" the "cut" area. In the close up photo, its slightly to the bottom.) It almost looks like some device was inserted to pull the cover/rim off and bent it outwards here too. Maybe before the mechanic tried more strongly in the area the cover broke.

I inspected and took photos of the other wheel covers and wheels, even moving the car to look at all angles. Only this cover shows any sign of separating from the tire/wheel base. The others are all on snug, not bent, not damaged.

I hadn't thought of a car wash, very interesting thought.

 

Here are some additional photos...

I know I might come across sounding slightly defensive and upset (and I am not very happy about this situation,) but I do appreciate everyone's input and ideas. Thank you again.

 

Hi all, I'm at the dealer now waiting for a ride to work. The tire pressure light still on even though I checked all tire pressure and it seemed 39 in front and 35 psi in back. The pressures were even numbers and matched. This dealer likes to use nitrogen in the tires for filling them up.

I did check for leaks with soapy water on only the one tire, moved the car slightly and checked again. I didn't see any, and did not check other tires.

Of course I'm accused of curbing the vehicle and the shop manager will be looking at it. This dealer has a VIP program and all this extraordinary customer service -- ha ha.

My only hope is that this is the least of the damage that occurred during the service.

I hadn't thought of the cover being dropped, especially since everything is bent outward. Another great idea, thank you.

 

The dealer reset the light twice, and it keeps coming back on. Hopefully third time is the charm!