TPMS - The price of convenience

[TurboWagon]

Okay, I know there are a few threads already about how annoying the TPMS can be but I will go ahead and share my story.

I was driving home one day and the sensor light came on. I soon noticed it was a nail in my right-rear tire and in an easy, fixable location. So, I took it to the local Discount Tire where I had many tires put on my GTI so in the end, the tire plug was free.

I was hanging around with a bunch of friends later that day and we noticed the valve stem was fairly bent, however it did seem to hold and take-in air without problem. However, when I went to get my first oil change, the Mazda mechanic was nice enough to inform me it is indeed broken (something they can fix for about $141.53....how convenient they know exactly how much). Yet logic tells me to take it back to Discount Tire.

So I take it back, show the manager the damage and he says he has two solutions: 1. try and bend it back and if that doesn't work 2. Replace the sensor. So, obviously, #1. doesn't work and in the long run, causes #2. to be the outcome. This is where they took the tire off the wheel again to remove the broken sensor and put in a regular valve stem. I am informed I will get a call when the piece comes in.

This is where I take some blame for the situation. I should have noticed the scratch on the wheel from where the sharp part of the tool used to remove the TPMS probably hit the rim but I didn't until this morning when I went to get the replacement installed. I just showed it to the guy working on my car today and told him to please be a bit more careful than the last guy when you are removing the wheel and tire. The scratch isn't too bad, just about 1.25 inches in a slightly circular angle around the TPMS but noticeable for me. I know they were the ones that did it but I am honestly tired of dealing with it.

For all the convenience of the TPMS, two things "grind my gears" (Thanks Peter Griffin) about the whole situation:

1. This regulatory law for TPMS is pretty lame. If you can't check your own tires then you should not be allowed to drive, pure laziness if you ask me. I know I could take them off and be done with them but since I paid for them I might as well keep them than having to go through this crap again.

2. It is Discount Tire's business to repair tires! This also includes caring for the wheels that the tires are mounted on so I am very disappointed with a company I have trusted in the past to treat my car well. I'm sure if I pushed my case, I could get Discount Tire to fix the wheel but I don't think it is worth my time.

Well. I guess it all boils down to a very long rant. Sorry if I've wasted anyones time but it just annoyed me the incompetence. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix the scratch?

 

[TheMAN]

the TPMS sensor is supposed to be removed before the tire is removed anyway to avoid damage
I don't see how they can **** it up taking the sensor out anyway... it just takes an 11mm deep socket to take off the nut, drop the sensor inside the wheel, the the tire removed to take this off

 

[SwampAss]

So how do you reinstall it when putting the tire back on the rim? Seems like you'd have to keep it mounted.

 

[TurboWagon]

the TPMS sensor is supposed to be removed before the tire is removed anyway to avoid damage
I don't see how they can **** it up taking the sensor out anyway... it just takes an 11mm deep socket to take off the nut, drop the sensor inside the wheel, the the tire removed to take this off

Exactly. I figure they were busy that day (which they were) and someone who isn't paying anything shouldn't get the same service. I originally think the sensor was damaged when they stuck the wheel and tire in the machine to remove the tire FROM the wheel. Then, the threads were gummed up where you could tell they tried to fix it.

Then, what makes me more mad is what you just pointed out. How it there a scratch on the wheel if all they could have done is use a SOCKET to remove the nut? Incompetence.

 

[TheMAN]

you have too much expectation for a free job that someone getting paid minimum wage is doing

 

[CX-7owner]

you have too much expectation for a free job that someone getting paid minimum wage is doing

They're getting paid to do it right, minimum wage or not.
Just because they get a certain pay does not mean incompetence can be excused.

 

[peajay]

the rim was probably damaged when they put the normal vlave stem in.
this is why i used pliers when pulling valve stems through.
its so easy to <i>not</i> F*** up tpms sensors when you are changing tires if you have any sense about you. you dont have to take them out of the tire, you just have to make sure you use the dismounting horn away from the sensor.
lame. i hate em too, i hate working on em, and i totally agree that if you dont have enough competence to check your own tires, or at least keep an eye on them you really shouldnt own a car. the most basic of all basic car stuff.

 

[TurboWagon]

you have too much expectation for a free job that someone getting paid minimum wage is doing

So, because they offer, as a service, free Tire plug and installation, by your expectations they should have a disclaimer saying "because we aren't getting paid over $10 please don't expect your mint condition wheels to come out the way they did when they came in. By the Way Tires are our business"

I expected the same service I got in the past.

 

[sfalexi]

1)

This regulatory law for TPMS is pretty lame. If you can't check your own tires then you should not be allowed to drive, pure laziness if you ask me. I know I could take them off and be done with them but since I paid for them I might as well keep them than having to go through this crap again.

Well, without the TPMS, you may not have known until you next checked your tires that there was a slow leak due to the nail being in there. And sure, maybe YOU check your tires weekly (as do many other responsible owners), but there are TONS of people who don't. And, like the dunkin donuts putting 'coffee may be hot' on their cups, government stepped in to help others. Perhaps the TPMS isn't a big deal to you, but if it was someone else who doesn't check their tire pressure regularly, it coulda saved an accident when they lost control due to some crazy lane change with a very flat tire.

2) I completely agree. I think it's ridiculous that someone who works with tires and wheels all day might not be held accountable for scratching a wheel. Just cause you deal in "tires" doesn't mean you don't have to be accountable about your actions on the rest of the car. ESPECIALLY if part of dealing in "tires" means you actually have to mount them on the wheel. In which case you're now dealing with "wheels".

Up to you whether to go after them or not. I probably wouldn't personally. But that's cause I know I'm going to change my wheels in about a year or so. But if all it takes is a few phone calls, I'd go through it anyway. If it requires a lot of face to face time and arguing, I'd just leave it. And don't be afraid to throw the "better business bureau" card if they're not trying to help you and are blatantly avoiding the issue or being rude.

Alexi

 

[peajay]

So, because they offer, as a service, free Tire plug and installation, by your expectations they should have a disclaimer saying "because we aren't getting paid over $10 please don't expect your mint condition wheels to come out the way they did when they came in. By the Way Tires are our business"

I expected the same service I got in the past.

I'm pretty sure that was sarcasm on his part....at least that's how i took it.

 

[TurboWagon]

1) Well, without the TPMS, you may not have known until you next checked your tires that there was a slow leak due to the nail being in there. And sure, maybe YOU check your tires weekly (as do many other responsible owners), but there are TONS of people who don't. And, like the dunkin donuts putting 'coffee may be hot' on their cups, government stepped in to help others. Perhaps the TPMS isn't a big deal to you, but if it was someone else who doesn't check their tire pressure regularly, it coulda saved an accident when they lost control due to some crazy lane change with a very flat tire.

2) I completely agree. I think it's ridiculous that someone who works with tires and wheels all day might not be held accountable for scratching a wheel. Just cause you deal in "tires" doesn't mean you don't have to be accountable about your actions on the rest of the car. ESPECIALLY if part of dealing in "tires" means you actually have to mount them on the wheel. In which case you're now dealing with "wheels".

Up to you whether to go after them or not. I probably wouldn't personally. But that's cause I know I'm going to change my wheels in about a year or so. But if all it takes is a few phone calls, I'd go through it anyway. If it requires a lot of face to face time and arguing, I'd just leave it. And don't be afraid to throw the "better business bureau" card if they're not trying to help you and are blatantly avoiding the issue or being rude.

Alexi

I understand your two points as they are both well stated. I will agree with your argument on #1 as well. After thinking about it, Maybe TPMS's help us ALL out by assisting those drivers who don't check their tires. It is kind of like all these floor mat recalls for many makes, it is something easily fixed if you pay attention. I guess many people are so accustomed to having everything automated these days, as if the steam coming from your cup of coffee in 70 degree weather isn't enough...

With number 2 I also chose the similar route. I would rather live with the small scratch that I have then try and argue my case to the same guys who were too incompetent to do it right in the first place. Like you, hopefully I will be getting new wheels in the future. Just stinks that my OEM set is now tainted. I guess all I can hope for is that all the bad stuff to happen to my wheels happens on that same one!

But back to one of my other questions. Is there any solution to a scratch on a wheel? Suggestions on where to take it or can I do it myself?

 

[egypsy]

Thanks to the TPMS, I know I have a slow leak on one of my tires. I know you have to be careful to take it to the tire shop to do anything on your tires. Hopefully, they will get it when they see enough of them due the new law.

 

[redspeed3tk]

So how do you reinstall it when putting the tire back on the rim? Seems like you'd have to keep it mounted.

they want you to drop the sensor inside the tire when breakin it down so when ya break the bead it doesnt snap the sensor off ha i never did i just didnt break it where the sensor was but when ya reinstall the tire ya can have the sensor installed it doesnt affect puttin it on they just dont want people snapin them when breakin the bead

brush touch the scratch