My wife has a Toyota Tacoma that's less than two years old. She took it in for scheduled maintenance and they found a nail in the sidewall of one of the tires. The tire has to be replaced, but they're telling her that all 4 tires have to be replaced. (They claim it'll screw up the differential otherwise)

I have three questions... First, shouldn't the damaged tire be under warranty? The vehicle only has 29,000km on it. Second, can one make an argument that all four tires be replaced under warranty, being as the dealer is recommending it? Third, can they void the warranty on the drive train if she chooses not to replace the tires? For the moment, she's told them to put the spare on until she gets a second opinion.

Anyone out there have any experience with this sort of thing? I'm very reluctant to cooperate with this dealer as they've been absolutely useless since they got her money in their pocket.

 

I had a tire go bad on my 2003 Corolla, same thing. The dealer asked if I had extended warranty...said no, then they referred me to the tire warranty booklet in my car and sent me on my way. Warranty only covers defects, which ironically my tire had since it should have been patchable since a nail went through it. A nail going through it caused a leak all the way around the tire, the tire distributor/rep proclaimed that the tire was fine and it was the nail that did. I gave up and just bought a tire. What a rip.

In terms of replacing tires on a AWD, I have heard that the differentials don't like to see different diameters of tires. With only 29,000 kms of wear on the tire, I really can't see the diameter being too far off from a new tire but honestly I have only been in 2WD cars, so I have no idea.

 

Depending on tire wear, usually replacing tires in pairs is fine.

Damage from punctures probably isn't covered in your new car warranty. It's often an optional add-on.
Standard warranties usually only cover defective parts.

Sorry...

Edit:
Is the car full-time 4WD?

 

No, it's not full time 4WD. It spends most of it's time in 2WD, but as we get closer to winter that will change.

 

Had a look at the tire. I don't know what made the guy say the damage was in the sidewall. It's right in the tread and probably two inches from the edge of the tread. As well, I checked my wife's warranty, and she has "Tire Road Hazard Protection", which includes:

Road Hazard protection...for up to 36mos/36,000kms coverage of original tires:
tire repair or replacement
100% reimbursement
no pro-rated adjustments
installation and balancing

I'm going to go back to the dealership on Saturday and let 'em have it.

 

Doesn't matter on your tacoma, It can reak havok on your diffs at a rapid rate mostly if you have 2 different sized tires, In your case I doubt that 29,000 is anything of a concern 2 32nds lmao, As far as changing all 4 that is a crock of **** unless it is stated in their warranty that it would void it. I would take that tire to another place before you go back to the dealer and have a second opinion. I spent 6 years in the tire bussiness and think that is just plain ***. Good luck man

 

I would also highly recomend to anybody when they buy tires to look closely for a good road hazard warranty, It could save you a couple hundred dollars and comes at no cost on most major brand tires.

 

I had a nail in the sidewall of one of my tires. They replaced the tire with just a labour fee (which coincidentally was the cost for a patch job). Tire was brand new. My car only had 310kms on it when it happend. No questions asked really.

 

well, I think they just tried to screw you over. No way in hell will treadwear differences affect a diff on a 4WD vehicle, otherwise, they'd break every time you tried to turn a corner in 4wd! Even with AWD vehicles, all 4 tires need to be really close - but not identical. And if the damage isn't even in the sidewall, then it's probably /quite/ repairable.

Now, here's your chance to screw them!

Go in and talk to the guy.. be like, OH, OK! all 4 have to be repalced then? ok, go ahead and do that.

Once they're done, provide the warranty paper, THEY get to eat the bill of the 3 extra tires!

 

That's exactly what I'm going to do. I spoke to Toyota Canada and they suggested I talk to the service manager to give him an opportunity to make it right. If not, they will see what they can do from their end.

I have it in writing that the dealership recommends replacing all four tires, and I have all the documentation for the "Extra Care Protection" program, which indicates the tires are covered.

 

Nice job. Don't let them get away w/crap like that!

 

See, this is what happens when you go guy a Toyota instead of a Mazda.

 

What? You get automatic tire coverage at Toyota in their Extra Care Package and not at Mazda? How do you know Mazda doesn't cover tires in their extended warranty?

 

I just had to buy 2 new front tires.... Neither Race city or or hankook covers massive flat spots I found out... Note to myself, drive slower...

 

Who needs brakes, they only slow you down. Actually Max, your note should read "Brake sooner, with less force" *lol*

Shaun0: Is Grace going to make a stay at the Garage Mahol? Just wondering because I have several others asking for space and I'm nearly spaced out (although my friends swear I was "spaced out" years ago......)

 

Erik,

I think you'd best let someone else take my spot. We probably won't be breaking ground until at least February, so I might as well keep her here until then. I really, really appreciate the offer though.


Shaun

 

first of all i would like to say that i work at kal tire second of all unless ur tires are bald or worn ont he inside or outside they shouldnt have to be replaced there trying to get u to buy new tires so they can make money. the nail in the side wall depending where it is if its on the shoulder it can be fixed but if it is lower like in the middle the tire cannot be fixed garunteed blowout= not good. there is no way this can effect anything mechanical unless ur tires are really out of balance my bet is there looking to make some money

 

The tire is perfectly repairable. I've taken it to two tire shops and both agreed that there's no scarring on the sidewall, so the tire shouldn't be replaced.

They the way, the dealership has offered to replace the damaged tire and one other. I'm going to discuss it with Toyota Canada this morning.

 

Make a big stink man, Get something for the heartache and stress.