Tire shop wrecked my tires!

[kevcruiser]

Hey guys, I would like a little input here. I dropped off five wheels and tires at a local shop to have them removed and replaced. The tires removed were 37" BFG mud terrains with 99% tread. Three of these tires were damaged along the side wall (one bad and two along the rim guard) and the shop said that it was not their fault as the tires were SOOO BIG. No one warned me of possible damage when I left them at the shop. Does this happen or was the tire guy just inexperienced/careless??? These tires were as good as sold and now I'm not sure anyone would buy them. Cheers for your thoughts...
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6803/8e49.jpg

 

[Off Duty]

Unless the shop had a written disclaimer, and at the very least, said something regarding potential issues prior to doing the work, I'd say they're on the hook for the replacement or average retail of the tires.

If they had any reservations regarding mounting/dismounting the tires, they should have said so up front. Most of the tire shops I've dealt with over the years, have had written warnings regarding mounting/dismounting oversized tires, and/or custom rims. Even the shops that specialize in them have the waivers (thanks to all the attorneys).

Frankly, if the technician knew what they were doing and had the correct equipment, there shouldn't have been a problem, much less damage like that.

So the million dollar question, is what would you like them to do?
Do you do business with them often? Have you spoken to the shop owner yet?

You very well may have options, but a lot will depend on your states laws, the waivers in place by the shop (maybe some obscure posting on a wall that you missed?), and how far you want to push the matter, and whether you intend to do business with them in the future? Some of the options are rather unpleasant.

OD

 

[TXLX100]

Seems excessive to me. I've seen some tires destroyed when mounting or dismounting, but are usually run flats or sport tires which are extremely rigid. What is the actual age of the tires, based on DOT, are they dry rotted at all? X2 on if they have proper equipment (at least a rounded tire pry bar) shouldn't be a problem. If they didn't have the equipment, they shouldn't take the work.

 

[kevcruiser]

Tires were perfect/like new with about 1000kms on them. I'll give them a call tomorrow to voice my displeasure. Thanks for the input!

 

[Off Duty]

If it were me, I would go by for a face to face with the owner.
That would also give you a chance to look around for any posted signage regarding waivers of damage as stated above.

Besides, if done correctly, face to face meetings tend to sometimes work out better for you. The owner can see that you mean business and are not just trying to be a dick.

Just my $.02

 

[Bodean]

Any tire shop that is reputable should be able to mount 37" tires! We have a club member "wct49" that owns a tire shop and he does them all the time. Shouldn't have been an issue for any tire shop really. Just my .02. I'd hold them accountable for sure.

 

[AKcruzr]

I had the same thing happen to a 37 Goodyear MT/R years ago. Luckily I was standing by and witnessed the supposed tire tech destroy the bead of my tire. He claimed it was damaged when I dropped it off, I threw down the Bull**** flag and the tire shop replaced the tire free of charge. I would take that damage up the chain, all the way up until they replace the damaged tires. That tire tech should not be handling customer tires without adult supervision.

 

[Kief]

Sounds like they should have stopped at the first one they messed up. I wouldn't talk to anyone but the owner or manager.

 

[FastCarGuy]

Just my $.02 but 37" tires are getting to be very common. I can't imagine any "newer" tire machine not being able to handle them. Lack of training IMHO. Get the owner involved. Good luck. Post up what they do.