Got a Flat -- RMA Repair Guidelines?

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
I will bet you my week's pay that if you did not have that certificate, the store will insist that it is NOT repairable and you would have to buy a new tire on your own dime.


That probably should have been the approach. Then remember having some certificates in the glovebox and voila.

After seeing the pic, I agree with The Critic. Clear as day.

I'd send the picture of the damage with the RMA document to the CEO and state that they have lost your trust and this is why he will not be doing business any more.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Vikas
I will bet you my week's pay that if you did not have that certificate, the store will insist that it is NOT repairable and you would have to buy a new tire on your own dime.


That probably should have been the approach. Then remember having some certificates in the glovebox and voila.

After seeing the pic, I agree with The Critic. Clear as day.

I'd send the picture of the damage with the RMA document to the CEO and state that they have lost your trust and this is why he will not be doing business any more.

It will not work. When they enter his info their computer will show that he has warranty certificate !

 

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Guys,

I got a flat this morning ......They are stating that if the puncture has not compromised the belts, it is OK to repair.

Since I have their infamous free replacement certificates, I would prefer for them to replace the tire. But judging from the conversation, I see a uphill battle coming.

Thoughts?


Thanks for the photos. That was what I was going to ask for.

Technically, they are right about the repair. The whole idea behind the RMA document was to make sure repairs were not done near the belt edges. The photo shows that the puncture is not there and while it isn't according to the RMA guidelines, the repair will very likely survive the life of the tire. Even plugs have a fairly low rate of failure - although their failure rate is many time that of a patch/plug combination.

Side Comment: I find it funny that they would take the stance they are taking. We've had heated discussions here about legal liability - and in this case, a sharp lawyer ought to be able to make mincemeat. Since you seem to think this is an uphill battle, I'd recommend you try - and if you don't succeed, mark the tire with a paint stick so the repair is easy to find in the future, then monitor the tire throughout its remaining life.

 

[Errtt]

Might be a close call and they may lean on saving a tire when they can.
I send the wife in to deal with anything returned, exchange etc., because more often than not she blows up after awhile & makes a scene if things don't go her way. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[stephen9666]

I agree that the repair looks fine. I think the RMA guidelines are simplified to safely cover all tires. The problem is that it doesn't take into consideration the tread design or construction of a specific tire. But as Capriracer notes, this really isn't very close to the edge.

I would stop worrying about it.

 

[Stewart Fan]

Originally Posted By: stephen9666


I would stop worrying about it.


Exactly,I would have had it repaired and on my way.

 

[teddyboy]

Critic, I would definitely consider that to be in the safe to repair region and have had similar repairs performed by Discount Tire without ever having any incident whatsoever. While the RMA diagram shows the repairable area ending with the last sipe, that tire has more sipes with the last one being much farther into the shoulder. Your puncture is well short of the shoulder imo. Moreover, every Discout Tire store (and I'm guessing west coast counterpart too) has a tire in store showing repairable area. You are well within what they deem repairable. Finally, I've dealt with DT for almost 15 years and never sensed their decision was based on whether you have certificates. Realize west coast chain could be different but would be surprised. I agree with notion that you don't need to worry. Just my 2¢.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoRepairingTires.dos

 

[The Critic]

Thanks guys.

The tire was repaired successfully.

However, I also watched the America's Tire gorillas install lug nuts with their impact before threading them on by hand first. Not sure what's wrong with people these days...