I had two new tires put on the front of my car two years ago, Winston Winners. They were recommended by the sales guy, and should have lasted several years because I don't drive much. Just after Christmas, I had a major blowout on an interstate while driving in a center lane. Before I knew what was happening, I lost control of the car. Thank God other cars were able to avoid me, and I managed to maneuver the car to the shoulder. The tire was in shreds and smoking. My daughter and I were badly shaken, but uninjured. A highway incident management trucker came along, took off the mangled tire and put on my spare. He inspected the thing, and said he couldn't see anything other than it just being a "bad tire" with a manufacturing defect that caused it to go like that. A few days ago, the same thing happened with that tire's twin while on a rural road. Nothing looked abnormal on the outer tread, but it was ruined. My warranty's expired, but I feel ripped off. Is there anything I can do?
2007-03-05 02:07:05 · 7 answers · asked by joe friday's grrl 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Unless you can prove the tyres had dangerous manufacturing defects, no, you cant do anything. Next time use different tyres (as if you wouldn't!).
2007-03-05 02:13:13 · answer #1 · answered by cuddlyclaud 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all find out if there are any recalls or bulletins on your tires. You can find this out by Googling (tire recall Winston) If there is print it out and take it to the tire dealer and see if he will make it right. If there is no recall you need to file a claim with the company. Get this information from the dealer. (just so you know most claims are denied) But in the interest of good company relations they might give you credit towards the purchase of two new tires. Lastly if you get no satifaction there is small claims court. You will need an independent witness/tire expert to testify that the tires were defective. Take pictures /save the tires/ and document everything even phone calls to the dealer and company. I did some searching and the Winston brand is owned and sold by Heafner Tire Group, Inc.
2007-03-05 03:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by I drive fire trucks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to say. 2 Years is along time and it's not like they are a name brand tire. It could have been under inflated. I would tell you to go back to the place you bought them and talk to the owner/manager. Give him the tire (or what's left) and tell him the milage you put on the tires. If you can back this up you all the better for it.
If the mialage is really low and they can't tell if it's been driven on with low pressure, you might get a discount on new ones.
Best of luck
2007-03-05 02:25:00 · answer #3 · answered by Dent Doctor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you only had tires two years and warrant's expired thy must not be very good tires. But as to blowout you need to check with a lawyer, they don't charge unless you win case, then it's 40 - 60 % of the amount you get.
2007-03-05 02:17:06 · answer #4 · answered by James B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the tire is destroyed, the proof is also destroyed, im sure the guy that stopped to help was qualified but im also sure he did not say the tire was defective given the damage that gets done when getting a flat on highway, sorry to hear about your trouble....
i dont think u have any recourse, sorry
2007-03-05 02:42:59 · answer #5 · answered by zengelic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen, call the Winston at 1-800-222-1167 get in touch with their customer service dept. Let me stress this point, Be polite and nice...it goes along way in resolving any issues you may have.
2007-03-07 05:03:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Provided the tires had been properly maintained before they failed, you might try contacting the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
2007-03-07 05:00:12 · answer #7 · answered by 4mrakn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋