Tire Trouble

Back in October, we had a flat tire on our way to Pittsburgh.  Luckily, my car came with a spare, so we were able to fix the problem and continue traveling.  We've been meaning to get the tire patched, but never made it a priority.  With our drive to Hilton Head ahead of us, we didn't want to put it off any longer.  I had a coupon for a free flat repair, so the store with the coupon received our business.  NEVER AGAIN!!!

Here is what my experience looked like:

I asked to have the nail hole patched.  The manager proceeded to tell me that I needed a whole new tire as the hole wasn't fixable.  Also, I needed to replace another tire, buy a new air filter and pay for an alignment.  Just once I'd love to take my car somewhere without dealing with the up-sell routine.  Anyway, I called Mate and we agreed to replace the tires.  Meanwhile, I did my best to keep the girls busy during our wait.  They were actually quite fond of the showroom full of tires.  Explore away ladies.

Here's where the real fun begins:  The manager comes back and gives me a total that was way more than the price I was quoted.  When I asked why it was so much, he started to explain about all the automatic fees.  Some of which could be removed.  Clearly, I was glad I asked.  I noticed a fee for tire disposal, too.  When I told him I'd just keep the tire, he got really nervous and said he'd take the fee off.  Red flag!!! I politely, but firmly, told him I wanted the tire back.  I started to feel very uncomfortable with this whole transaction.

I quickly packed the girls in the stroller and took them outside so we could watch the work being completed on my car.  I was determined to make sure this guy didn't do anything to the supposedly unfix-able tire.  It was clear all the mechanics were uncomfortable with me watching.  Sorry guys.  After a few moments, the manager came out to tell me the tire wouldn't fit in my car with the stroller.  Nice try, buddy.

I told him it would fit.  Then said, "To be honest, the way you responded to me wanting to keep the tire is making me uncomfortable.  I'm a girl, I look younger than I am, and your industry doesn't have the best reputation for being honest.  No offense." 

He offered to show me the hole.  I declined.  I knew there was a hole...a fixable hole.  Anyway, the next thing he said made the whole thing even worse.  He proceeded to tell me my husband could call him if there were any concerns.  The dishonesty was bad, but the sexist crap really put me over the edge. I don't need my husband to handle this situation for me.  I couldn't wait to get out of there!

Needless to say, we had the tire checked by two other people, both said it was fixable.  Back we went to the original store.  The manager said they would refund us for the tire if someone else could fix ours.  I wasn't too happy about having to waste more time correcting their mistake (I do have two toddlers on my hands), but I wanted the manager to be held accountable.  I'm looking forward to marching back in there this morning.

I tend to be little timid when it comes to sticking up for myself, but now that I have girls it seems like an important thing to do.  I don't know if I would have had the guts to call this guy out prior to becoming a parent.  I want my children to stand up for themselves, so I should, too.