GM Question

[Hockey_MLnut]

Okay today was a fun day to have a car. First my tire blows out. Thank god it was just before i was about to get on the 401.

Then CAA shows up to help put my spare on since now magically my tire iron is gone. Then once we got the tire off the CAA guy tells me my bolts are all stripped and so are the prongs that the bolts go onto.

In his opinion (hes seen it before) the dealership (where i got my tires on in May) screwed up when they put my summer tires (with rims) on. He said the guy must have used the impact gun too much (dont know if thats possible)

Got my car towed to the nearest place that was open wal mart. Good thing my bro in law works at the auto centre. He gets my tire on basically just to get home (less them 5km). He also agreed with the CAA guy.

So my question(s) is/are is there a way I can prove that it is GM's fault since they are the last ones that did maintenance or put on my tires?

Could the stripping of the prongs(dont know technical name) come about any other way that makes it my problem?

Lastly even if it looks like GM's fault does anyone think they will fix it for free or at cost???

Thanks everyone

 

[hunter001]

Lastly even if it looks like GM's fault does anyone think they will fix it for free or at cost???

Depend on the dealer. It is doubtful.

 

[Keebler Elf]

You might have a decent case for small claims court. If you have paperwork showing the dealer did your tires in May, that's only a couple months ago and it's highly unlikely that you would have had your tires off since.

Showing a JP a bunch of stripped bolts is also pretty convincing evidence. Sure it would be your word against theres, but you've got some pretty good evidence and as Judge Judy says, "If it doesn't make sense, it's not true!"

You could even try and get an affidavit from the CAA driver (who I really doubt would show up in court for you) testifying to the fact that the bolts were stripped.

Really, it all comes down to how much you're out of pocket and how much it's worth to you. Whatever you decide, I would strongly recommend going to the dealer and explaining the situation. At least give 'em a chance to fix the problem. And when they won't, that's when I'd tell them I'll see them in small claims court.

 

[chazz_matzz]

Call the dealer and ask for the service manager.

Explain the situation.

If he doesn't help you then you should call GM Canada customer service

If they dont help you could sue them!

What dealer was it?

 

[Dodger]

Could the stripping of the prongs(dont know technical name) come about any other way that makes it my problem?

The technical term is "Studs" no joke intended

Another thing that could have happened is if the wheel was not properly tightened causing the wheel to wobble which will wear the studs down near the base. This is actually quite common on some of the newer wheel assemblies. They require being tightened a second or third time after the initial placement of the wheel on the hub. It is usually recommended that you check them after you have drive 5 or 10 km to snug them up, but then if you do not have a lug wrench. Well it would not be possible.

 

[dickydoem]

What are going to sue them for?

Even if they won't replace your studs and bolts for free, I doubt that it would cost much more than $100 anyway. (Get your brother-in-law to do it). Seems like a lot of trouble to go to small claims court for that. And doubt that they would pay for the tow either.

 

[Hockey_MLnut]

I went to the Dealership and explained what happened and they told me that the CAA guy could have stripped the bolts and studs when he was taking the tire off.

They looked at the other bolts and studs they are all 100%

What they did for me was I paid for the parts but no labour cost.

I got them to throw in an oil change and it was a deal. Minus 100 bucks for nuts and studs.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions

Cheers