Help, Tesla wants me to buy a new tire after a failed tire patch job

[hlin07]

Had the tire repaired by Mr.tire location close by, mechanic told me that the initial repair did not seal the inside of the tire hence the leak.
60 miles later and no leak so far, hopefully it stays that way.

Lesson here, don't let Tesla repair your tire, they not only charge more, but might not do a good job for ya. On the other hand, can't beat roadside assistance replacing damaged tire with loaner and then replace it later with fixed tire by mobile ranger. Then again, if they mess it up, Tesla will blame you for damaging tire and urge you to buy a new one.

YMMV.

 

[afadeev]

Had the tire repaired by Mr.tire location close by, mechanic told me that the initial repair did not seal the inside of the tire hence the leak.
60 miles later and no leak so far, hopefully it stays that way.

Lesson here, don't let Tesla repair your tire, they not only charge more, but might not do a good job for ya. On the other hand, can't beat roadside assistance replacing damaged tire with loaner and then replace it later with fixed tire by mobile ranger. Then again, if they mess it up, Tesla will blame you for damaging tire and urge you to buy a new one.

I'm happy to hear your story had a happy conclusion.

I'm appalled that incompetent Tesla wrenches (1) Botched the initial repair. (2) Try to extort you for a new tire.

a

 

[JWM3]

Has anyone checked to see if Costco can do Tesla tire repair/change?

I just got flat last week, went to Costco and they say they don’t repair continental tires. Then I went to America’a tire, free repair, quick service.
BTW, I always carry a portable air compressor in my car, so I was able to drive around to find tire shops.

 

[Jason_G]

I've heard this, have not actually read anything about it .
Would be interested to know either way.

I carry a set of four lifting pucks in my vehicle at all times for peace of mind.

 

[Jason_G]

Also, anyone can botch a tire repair. I got a puncture on my 400 mile old VW GTI, and took the car to discount tire. After a long wait, the associate comes out to me in the waiting lobby like an ER doctor informing me of bad news. The tech had severed the tire with the puller. So, that was fun.

Results may vary. At another discount tire location, I witnessed a mother come in complaining of noises from her car. They looked at the car, and all the tires had tread separating. She broke down crying because she had a family emergency that caused her to drive out of town, and she had no money. The store manager comped her for a set of tires that they could use on her car. That store is in my good books... the other one, not so much.

 

[hlin07]

Also, anyone can botch a tire repair. I got a puncture on my 400 mile old VW GTI, and took the car to discount tire. After a long wait, the associate comes out to me in the waiting lobby like an ER doctor informing me of bad news. The tech had severed the tire with the puller. So, that was fun.

Results may vary. At another discount tire location, I witnessed a mother come in complaining of noises from her car. They looked at the car, and all the tires had tread separating. She broke down crying because she had a family emergency that caused her to drive out of town, and she had no money. The store manager comped her for a set of tires that they could use on her car. That store is in my good books... the other one, not so much.

True that anyone can botch a tire repair, did Discount Tire make it up somehow?

 

[BrokerDon]

I'm currently driving with a loaner wheel, and Tesla has my wheel/tire. The best they are offering now is waive labor to replace my tire. I don't think I have any other option besides to buy the new tire now, they're literally holding my tire hostage.

I'm going to do the following:

1. File a complaint with NJ Consumer affair
2. File a complaint with Better Business Bureau
3. File in small claim court

Even if this doesn't work out, we'll learn the process and hopefully future owners will have an easier time. Also, Tesla needs to understand "Great car is how you get customers but Great Service is how you KEEP customers."

WOW

Just WOW

Social media & Entitlement at their worst

 

[SMAlset]

Had the tire repaired by Mr.tire location close by, mechanic told me that the initial repair did not seal the inside of the tire hence the leak.
60 miles later and no leak so far, hopefully it stays that way.

Lesson here, don't let Tesla repair your tire, they not only charge more, but might not do a good job for ya. On the other hand, can't beat roadside assistance replacing damaged tire with loaner and then replace it later with fixed tire by mobile ranger. Then again, if they mess it up, Tesla will blame you for damaging tire and urge you to buy a new one.

YMMV.

I’ve read plenty of posts on TMC of Tesla repairing their flats successfully. Just because someone at one location couldn’t, you’re blowing things out of proportion. Just like filing claims and lawsuits. And btw most people know that dealership type locations charge more for parts and services.

 

[Jason_G]

True that anyone can botch a tire repair, did Discount Tire make it up somehow?

They did order me a new tire.

 

[chinnam3]

One special thing with Tesla tires we might be missing is, these tires has foam inside, esp the area they used a plug. I suspect they used plug because it can't be patched cleanly from inside. Now plug is not holding. This could happen with any tire shop.

Mine had a slow leak with a long nail(not visible). It is in the last rib of the tire. Les Schwab said, they can't repair because it is in the last rib. Now I know the location, I removed 2 1/2 steel nail from the rib and patched with tire repair kit which I bought as a back during long drive. It has been several months now, and it is working great.

If I were you, simply take it to different place and get it done instead of replacing tire. Most likely it is repairable, but it is also possible because of size the patch, you may need a tire.

 

[Uncle Paul]

the liability for fixing a tire is quite extreme. Far above what little profit can be gleaned by putting in a plug.

 

[hlin07]

They did order me a new tire.

Now that's customer service.

 

[hlin07]

WOW

Just WOW

Social media & Entitlement at their worst

Have you read the original post?
I would really really appreciate you tesla fanboys stop treating Tesla like a little spoiled child. And I completely agree with your WOW entitlement at the worst - for Tesla fanboys to assume everything Tesla does is right and they have the rights to get away with anything.

I’ve read plenty of posts on TMC of Tesla repairing their flats successfully. Just because someone at one location couldn’t, you’re blowing things out of proportion. Just like filing claims and lawsuits. And btw most people know that dealership type locations charge more for parts and services.

My friend, I agree that most tire repairs are done correctly and I do appreciate the convenience of tesla loaner wheel and ranger service. But, if someone mess up a simple tire repair and then wants you to buy a new tire as the only option you have, what would you do? If it was a really irreparable job, I wouldn't even start this thread. I had two roadside assistance person look at the tire and both said Tesla screwed up. Trying to reason with the service specialist was of no help, so at the time of frustration I brought up the possibility of government agency complaint and possible small claim lawsuit.. Maybe over the top, but definitely not out of the options.

1. Tesla screwed up the repair, and the only option they're offering is telling me to buy a new tire.
2. Tesla service center at Springfield NJ did not answer calls, return voicemails for an entire week. They only called me when my scheduled appointment was up the following day.
3. Tesla told me the tire is UNFIXABLE.
4. Tire was fixed by another shop and 200 miles later, it's still running strong.


I understand Tesla is still growing and we're willing to tolerate a little, for example the long wait time for service appointment, misinformed employees (we on this forum probably know more than they do), etc. Zero complaints there.

What we Tesla supports need to do is to share the message of cleaner future, better driving experience to all non-Tesla owners. Also we need to stand up and address what is wrong with Tesla so they can fix it.

My fellow Tesla owners, a business will only do what is required/demanded from customers. If we continue to tolerate some of the incompetency from Tesla, Tesla will not improve. If Tesla doesn't improve, how can we get Tesla into the hands of more and more people.

We are already seeing an increase of complaints on this forum, this is likely due to non-fanboys getting their hands on Tesla. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 bring Tesla loyal and 1 being ICE die hards. I'm speculating that now Tesla is getting into hands of 5 ~7, I'm probably a 7. How can Tesla get the car into the hands of people that are below 5? Not with the service that they are providing.

FWIW, I am actively selling Tesla to friends and colleagues, offering test rides, etc. I have no problem with the car itself, but I do have a problem with customer service that Tesla provides.

 

[BrokerDon]

Have you read the original post?
I would really really appreciate you tesla fanboys stop treating Tesla like a little spoiled child. And I completely agree with your WOW entitlement at the worst - for Tesla fanboys to assume everything Tesla does is right and they have the rights to get away with anything.

Yes I read your original post... and your subsequent shocking "spoiled child" response for your disagreement with how Tesla handled your punctured tire:

I'm going to do the following:

1. File a complaint with NJ Consumer affair
2. File a complaint with Better Business Bureau
3. File in small claim court​

... which is why I replied:

WOW

Just WOW

Social media & Entitlement at their worst
​

Tesla is well within their rights to decide a tire isn't repairable... as is any tire shop. Fortunately you seem to have calmed down and listened to the sound advice of other Tesla "fanboys" who said just take your tire to another tire shop. See how easy that was?

FACT: Tires get flats. How you react to getting your flat tire is up to you.

FACT: Tesla is slammed with the flood of new Tesla owners, mostly Model 3. Tesla is currently NOT a good choice to handle flat tires since there are alternative tire repair shops / stores everywhere.

FACT: Optimum tire "road hazard" strategy is to buy:

• air compressor and tire plug kit (ViAir 84P and Safety Seal are what we have in each of our Teslas)
• "Tire Certificates" from Discount Tire (America's Tire on the West Coast) which cover 100% replacement cost

WHEN you have a flat, either:

1. pump it back up if it is a slow leak and drive to your tire shop to get your tire repaired / replaced
2. plug it yourself if your tire shop is closed or far away... or roadside assistance will take hours (happens when the weather is nasty, weekends, holidays)
3. have it towed to your tire shop
4. have Tesla put on a loaner tire... and take your flat tire to your tire shop for repair / replacement

The time for your do #1 or #2 above would have been less than the time for your posts... and defend your actions.

We've had MULTIPLE flats in our 2015 Model S P85D's with EXPEN$IVE staggered 21" Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 44,000 miles of driving... including the last flat during a record torrential downpour with a full passenger load. My passengers and wife took an Uber to their destination, I had Tesla Roadside Assistance tow our Tesla towed to America's Tire, and 2 hours later left with a new tire (sidewall damaged from unseen pothole filled with rainwater) for only the cost of another Tire Certificate. No drama, no social media posts, no worries. Just another pothole on the road of life.

 

[Xminus6]

I know that Tesla service location, it's far from being well managed.

For any tire or wheel work, the LAST place I would go is a dealer.
ANY dealer of ANY car brand.
As other stated, take the tire to a reputable tire shop, and they will fix it right.




I'm in your area, and have successfully used the following tire shops in the past:
Rolf's Auto Craft: Google Maps
Eurosport of Westfield: Google Maps

Every DiscountTire franchise in our area is manned by rabid baboons with aggressive aversion to using torque wrenches.





A lift is a lift, and Costco's is no worse than anyone else's. Tesla's have the same jacking spot geometry as all other cars.
However, Costco has historically resisted working on tires that they themselves have not installed.
They are weird that way.


Good luck!
a

The story I got from Costco is that Tesla hasn’t given them an OFFICIAL set of instructions on how to lift the car without damaging the battery pack. So while Costco obviously knows how to do it, they won’t accept the liability unless they have the procedure in writing from Tesla. I got this information after one Costco location refused to sell and install tires on my Model X even after a different location had done so for my Model S only a few months earlier. While some locations might just go ahead and do it, that’s the official reason I got from one of my Costco Tire locations.

 

[mswlogo]

I wish there's discount tire store near me, seems like it's a favorite tire store for a lot of folks on the forum. Of course there are other tire stores here and that's an option I should've done at the beginning.

Good idea, I'm going to ask tesla to see if they can give me my tire back. The only concern is the hole that Tesla SC drilled to patch is now too close to the tread wall, the AAA roadside assistance person was not sure if it can be patched now. View attachment 400378

This is why I plug tires myself. You get this tiny nail or something and they drill (ream) a monstrous hole in them. I often peel the plug material down and I almost never ream it. I Try not to make the hole any larger. It has worked every time for the life of the tire. If the hole was as large as the plugs they put in, I’d probably get a new tire. It can be a real chore getting the tool and plug into a hole the size of finish nail.

To them it’s one size fits all and they ream it out until it’s large.

In the tread is better than between the treads. Just more sealing surface and it seals it off nice driving directly on it.

If they put a huge patch plug from the back and messed it up, it might not be repairable any more.

 

[mswlogo]

Had the tire repaired by Mr.tire location close by, mechanic told me that the initial repair did not seal the inside of the tire hence the leak.
60 miles later and no leak so far, hopefully it stays that way.

Lesson here, don't let Tesla repair your tire, they not only charge more, but might not do a good job for ya. On the other hand, can't beat roadside assistance replacing damaged tire with loaner and then replace it later with fixed tire by mobile ranger. Then again, if they mess it up, Tesla will blame you for damaging tire and urge you to buy a new one.

YMMV.

Well you can get a bad tech anywhere. So I would not make a blanket statement that Tesla can’t repair tires.

 

[SMAlset]

....My friend, I agree that most tire repairs are done correctly and I do appreciate the convenience of tesla loaner wheel and ranger service. But, if someone mess up a simple tire repair and then wants you to buy a new tire as the only option you have, what would you do? If it was a really irreparable job, I wouldn't even start this thread. I had two roadside assistance person look at the tire and both said Tesla screwed up. Trying to reason with the service specialist was of no help, so at the time of frustration I brought up the possibility of government agency complaint and possible small claim lawsuit.. Maybe over the top, but definitely not out of the options.

1. Tesla screwed up the repair, and the only option they're offering is telling me to buy a new tire.
2. Tesla service center at Springfield NJ did not answer calls, return voicemails for an entire week. They only called me when my scheduled appointment was up the following day.
3. Tesla told me the tire is UNFIXABLE.
4. Tire was fixed by another shop and 200 miles later, it's still running strong.


I understand Tesla is still growing and we're willing to tolerate a little, for example the long wait time for service appointment, misinformed employees (we on this forum probably know more than they do), etc. Zero complaints there.

What we Tesla supports need to do is to share the message of cleaner future, better driving experience to all non-Tesla owners. Also we need to stand up and address what is wrong with Tesla so they can fix it.

My fellow Tesla owners, a business will only do what is required/demanded from customers. If we continue to tolerate some of the incompetency from Tesla, Tesla will not improve. If Tesla doesn't improve, how can we get Tesla into the hands of more and more people.

We are already seeing an increase of complaints on this forum, this is likely due to non-fanboys getting their hands on Tesla. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 bring Tesla loyal and 1 being ICE die hards. I'm speculating that now Tesla is getting into hands of 5 ~7, I'm probably a 7. How can Tesla get the car into the hands of people that are below 5? Not with the service that they are providing.

FWIW, I am actively selling Tesla to friends and colleagues, offering test rides, etc. I have no problem with the car itself, but I do have a problem with customer service that Tesla provides.

To answer your initial question as to what I would do, it wouldn't be to blast Tesla as a company on social media. It was one tire repair at one shop. So someone at that location did a poor repair job and could have handled it better. There's a way to relay a poor experience without interjecting a number of rather negatively charged words about Tesla IMO. I'm not so sure these social media complaints do anything to help Tesla do better. You told people on here "don't let Tesla repair your tire, they not only charge more, but might not do a good job for ya." Did you send feedback to Tesla directly to whomever is responsible for overseeing the Service Centers? Do you think Tesla reads this forum for complaints like yours and then looks into them? I don't. Not even sure how it helps owners here. Don't get me wrong some threads discussing issues do help owners, this one about a bad tire repair not sure what the point of it is really other than giving you a forum to vent your frustration and unhappiness.

I just posted the other day that my Starbucks barista commented that she heard there were lots of problems with Teslas. Found out she's never even been in one but clearly feels fine to repeat negative stuff about the cars she heard from somewhere (I offered to take her on a ride during the week when she's off work and maybe even let her drive my Model 3 so we'll see). Elon has said that he's willing to close down locations that aren't performing well. If Tesla HQ doesn't directly get feedback from owners about their experiences, positive or negative, not sure how they are able to really assess the situation and verify the problem. I have no doubt that Tesla is aware they have room for improvement. We have two Teslas and have to say have not had any real issues with our cars. Even had a body shop repair that took less than a week so I know that this is not a wide spread issue across the country. I do think Tesla could use more staff in the back office and having a better communications path for customers would go a long way to helping improve some of the issues people are experiencing. I have to say I do miss having someone like Jon McNeill around who I think was helpful to owners in many ways.

 

[afadeev]

The story I got from Costco is that Tesla hasn’t given them an OFFICIAL set of instructions on how to lift the car without damaging the battery pack. So while Costco obviously knows how to do it, they won’t accept the liability unless they have the procedure in writing from Tesla. I got this information after one Costco location refused to sell and install tires on my Model X even after a different location had done so for my Model S only a few months earlier. While some locations might just go ahead and do it, that’s the official reason I got from one of my Costco Tire locations.

I've had a very hit-and-miss experience with Costco tire centers. Some are great, some are incompetent and obnoxious.
For example, most will not mount non-OEM sized tires or Brands of tiers on your car (citing safety, which is pure BS). Some will still mount non-OEM tires on the wheels if you bring the wheels alone, without the car.

Policies vary from location to location, as seams to be their attitude towards mounting tires on Model S.
Tesla's jack points are at the identical location to that of all other vehicles, about a foot behind front wheel, and a foot in front of rear wheel. They are also published and illustrated in Tesla's online manuals. If anyone cared to look those up (Costco or an owners), they are easy to find, and plain to see and comprehend.

Tesla is well within their rights to decide a tire isn't repairable... as is any tire shop.

First of all, it wasn't some universal "Tesla" decision, it was a local service center whose mechanics were incompetent.

And no, there was NOTHING right or reasonable about that Tesla service station botching puncture repair, and then trying to rip the customer off by selling him a new tire on top.

Bottom line - OEM car dealers do relatively little tire work, and thus get little practice to get good at it.
They also all over-charge for both labor and parts (tires).
Tesla is no different.

Professional tire shops get more practice, and tend to be better at it, yet some still mange to suck.
It pays to read the reviews, or ask on local car clubs forums (SCCA, BMW, Porsche, etc).

Yet many people like to believe their dealer will do right by them, all the time.
So did the OP.
Now he knows better.

a

 

[hlin07]

Yes I read your original post... and your subsequent shocking "spoiled child" response for your disagreement with how Tesla handled your punctured tire:

I'm going to do the following:

1. File a complaint with NJ Consumer affair
2. File a complaint with Better Business Bureau
3. File in small claim court​

... which is why I replied:

WOW

Just WOW

Social media & Entitlement at their worst
​

Tesla is well within their rights to decide a tire isn't repairable... as is any tire shop. Fortunately you seem to have calmed down and listened to the sound advice of other Tesla "fanboys" who said just take your tire to another tire shop. See how easy that was?

FACT: Tires get flats. How you react to getting your flat tire is up to you.

FACT: Tesla is slammed with the flood of new Tesla owners, mostly Model 3. Tesla is currently NOT a good choice to handle flat tires since there are alternative tire repair shops / stores everywhere.

FACT: Optimum tire "road hazard" strategy is to buy:

• air compressor and tire plug kit (ViAir 84P and Safety Seal are what we have in each of our Teslas)
• "Tire Certificates" from Discount Tire (America's Tire on the West Coast) which cover 100% replacement cost

WHEN you have a flat, either:

1. pump it back up if it is a slow leak and drive to your tire shop to get your tire repaired / replaced
2. plug it yourself if your tire shop is closed or far away... or roadside assistance will take hours (happens when the weather is nasty, weekends, holidays)
3. have it towed to your tire shop
4. have Tesla put on a loaner tire... and take your flat tire to your tire shop for repair / replacement

The time for your do #1 or #2 above would have been less than the time for your posts... and defend your actions.

We've had MULTIPLE flats in our 2015 Model S P85D's with EXPEN$IVE staggered 21" Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 44,000 miles of driving... including the last flat during a record torrential downpour with a full passenger load. My passengers and wife took an Uber to their destination, I had Tesla Roadside Assistance tow our Tesla towed to America's Tire, and 2 hours later left with a new tire (sidewall damaged from unseen pothole filled with rainwater) for only the cost of another Tire Certificate. No drama, no social media posts, no worries. Just another pothole on the road of life.

Yes I read your original post... and your subsequent shocking "spoiled child" response for your disagreement with how Tesla handled your punctured tire:

I'm going to do the following:

1. File a complaint with NJ Consumer affair
2. File a complaint with Better Business Bureau
3. File in small claim court​

... which is why I replied:

WOW

Just WOW

Social media & Entitlement at their worst
​

Tesla is well within their rights to decide a tire isn't repairable... as is any tire shop. Fortunately you seem to have calmed down and listened to the sound advice of other Tesla "fanboys" who said just take your tire to another tire shop. See how easy that was?

FACT: Tires get flats. How you react to getting your flat tire is up to you.

FACT: Tesla is slammed with the flood of new Tesla owners, mostly Model 3. Tesla is currently NOT a good choice to handle flat tires since there are alternative tire repair shops / stores everywhere.

FACT: Optimum tire "road hazard" strategy is to buy:

• air compressor and tire plug kit (ViAir 84P and Safety Seal are what we have in each of our Teslas)
• "Tire Certificates" from Discount Tire (America's Tire on the West Coast) which cover 100% replacement cost

WHEN you have a flat, either:

1. pump it back up if it is a slow leak and drive to your tire shop to get your tire repaired / replaced
2. plug it yourself if your tire shop is closed or far away... or roadside assistance will take hours (happens when the weather is nasty, weekends, holidays)
3. have it towed to your tire shop
4. have Tesla put on a loaner tire... and take your flat tire to your tire shop for repair / replacement

The time for your do #1 or #2 above would have been less than the time for your posts... and defend your actions.

We've had MULTIPLE flats in our 2015 Model S P85D's with EXPEN$IVE staggered 21" Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 44,000 miles of driving... including the last flat during a record torrential downpour with a full passenger load. My passengers and wife took an Uber to their destination, I had Tesla Roadside Assistance tow our Tesla towed to America's Tire, and 2 hours later left with a new tire (sidewall damaged from unseen pothole filled with rainwater) for only the cost of another Tire Certificate. No drama, no social media posts, no worries. Just another pothole on the road of life.

We can agree to disagree. More than half of your statements here, I completely agree.There are some truth to your criticism on my choice of words, though I still can't agree with you on Tesla Springfield's handling of this situation. I'm not targeting Tesla specifically, I'm targeting a car repair shop that screwed up my repair and refuse to admit their mistake. This repair shop just happen to be a local Tesla SC.

The purpose of this thread was to find solutions to my flat tire problem. A lot of people chipped in and offered great advice, those of you who offered advices, I really appreciate it.

I do apologize to my *fanboy* rant, it was only meant for a small tiny percentage of Tesla owners.

Through this experience, I've learned that.

1. Tesla service location is just like any Car dealership service location. YMMV here, there will always be people that are happy and some are not happy.
2. Get a mobile air pump and put it in car.
3. Get a tesla jack lift adapter in the car
4. Get a tire repair/plug kit
5. Get lost (myself), last post on this thread.

Again, thanks for those who helped.