So I had a nail in my right rear tire last week, I think it was Tuesday and I took the Jeep to Discount Tire where I also have a lifetime alignment. I figured I'd have them do both even though I didn't buy the MT/Rs from them. I picked up the KJ and all seemed OK until this morning when the same tire went flat on the way to work. OK, change it out for the spare but I don't see any nails or punctures, etc. in the flat so I figured the patch (and it was a patch, not a plug they said specifically) had failed... or maybe it was the valve stem I didn't know.
On my way into work, in Burbank CA, I drop the wheel off at the same tire shop where I had bought them to have the tire repaired and didn't think much of it. This shop I trust more for some reason than others around that I've used. Anyway when I went back to pick up the wheel the guy says he has something to show me. Immediately I knew it was not good. When do they EVER show you something good in situations like these? The pics are kinda crappy, so it may be a bit difficult to see but...
According to the guy, this happened at the other shop when the patch was done. I tend to believe this guy because when I bought the tires there they had a more difficult time than usual mounting them on the MOABs but they got it done successfully and all was well. Also I just feel like this shop isn't the kind to back away from a mistake with their palms raised as if to say..."wasn't us". Maybe I'm naive in the matter, there is that chance.
My question to those who know tires and how they are mounted is, how could this happen? I've seen tires put onto rims before but don't have first hand knowlege and I don't know what equipment the SIQ (shop in question) uses to do it.
I go back to the SIQ in the morning to discuss the matter with the manager, who is a very likable guy and seemed to know his stuff well. I'd bet the tech. who actually killed the poor MT/R (less the 5k on them!!) just swept it under the proverbial rug and hoped for the best.
My biggest issue is that the guy put my life in danger for the last week or so with his mistake and for that I wish for him nothing but what he deserves.
How would you all handle the situation? All opinions welcome. Thanks for reading the whole post.
-MojaveKJ...aka Tony.
