el punal
Well-known member
I have a Mazda CX-5 which is fitted with Goodyear tyres all round. In the last few days my ‘on board computer!’ stated that it was time to rotate the tyres front to rear. I booked my car in to a recommended tyre service outlet to have this done. I was told this could be done for free and they would check the alignment as well. The only cost would be if the wheel(s) alignment needed adjusting. This proved to be the case and I was going to be charged £47. The staff member who was dealing with it said he would only charge £40. Fine, I said, go ahead.
When it came to settle the bill the same person then said it was £47 as they had to add labour costs. I didn’t argue and paid that amount.
The following day I drove on the motorway and on reaching 50 - 70 mph the steering wheel was shuddering badly - wheel balancing at fault was my immediate thought. I phoned the tyre establishment that did the original job and complained about the problem. Bring the car in was the reply. Fair enough, they corrected the fault. Then informed me that for the wheel balancing the charge was £15. I protested and told the manager about the misleading charge on my original visit. He stated that when you change wheels there is a possibility that the wheels could be unbalanced. To ensure good will he waived the £15 charge.
So my point is this : Should the establishment have been up front and explained that there could be a likelihood of problems with wheel alignment and balancing when swapping front and rear wheels, and point out the costs involved?
When it came to settle the bill the same person then said it was £47 as they had to add labour costs. I didn’t argue and paid that amount.
The following day I drove on the motorway and on reaching 50 - 70 mph the steering wheel was shuddering badly - wheel balancing at fault was my immediate thought. I phoned the tyre establishment that did the original job and complained about the problem. Bring the car in was the reply. Fair enough, they corrected the fault. Then informed me that for the wheel balancing the charge was £15. I protested and told the manager about the misleading charge on my original visit. He stated that when you change wheels there is a possibility that the wheels could be unbalanced. To ensure good will he waived the £15 charge.
So my point is this : Should the establishment have been up front and explained that there could be a likelihood of problems with wheel alignment and balancing when swapping front and rear wheels, and point out the costs involved?
) a good garage should check your tracking at your service and adjust (and charge), if required.
