I've started a new topic...but see original topic for further detailed background to this problem... http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/156121-tyres-signs-of-cracking-a-problem/

Quick refresher - Mazda 5 - 18 months old, 7k on the clock - all 4 Dunlop SP2050 Maxx tyres (205/50 R17 93V XL's) very badly cracked on inner & outer edges, + 1st set of tread blocks - see pics earlier in the threads.

I am still trying to resolve this. Basically it has dragged on for too long, due to very poor service from the dealers side - when I sought confirmation that it was being dealt with, it transpired that they were claiming that they hadn't received any of the photo's I'd sent & claimed to never have received any messages to call me back. It has now been kick started again with the Regional Tyre Manager now involved & he stated today, 'these tyres need to be replaced' - yes, I replied, that's what I've been telling you for weeks now - but who is going to foot the bill ? Answer seems to be that any claim to Dunlop will need to be done retrospectively - i.e after they have fitted another 4 Dunlops - something I am not too keen on for various reasons 1)don't want to be out of pocket - (can probably get the same or better tyres cheaper elsewhere) & potentially receive nowt & 2) not too keen on fitting the Dunlops again...

Having shopped around, I have a local garage I have used for tyres/repairs before offering to submit the claim on our behalf, via his tyre broker and suggesting I could fit another make - he is recommending Hankooks (I wasn't too sure they were good quality - but most reviews I've found tonight are good), while one or two of the lads at work are suggesting Uniroyal Rainsports.

Does anyone have any experience of submitting a claim for tyres to a manufacturer...and was it successful???

Would be very grateful to receive your comments/advice on how best to proceed.

Whatever happens, I will be replacing these tyres, but clearly feel the manufacturer, dealer or car maker should be paying at least a % of the cost - reasonable??

I've started a new topic...but see original topic for further detailed background to this problem... http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/156121-tyres-signs-of-cracking-a-problem/

Quick refresher - Mazda 5 - 18 months old, 7k on the clock - all 4 Dunlop SP2050 Maxx tyres (205/50 R17 93V XL's) very badly cracked on inner & outer edges, + 1st set of tread blocks - see pics earlier in the threads.

I am still trying to resolve this. Basically it has dragged on for too long, due to very poor service from the dealers side - when I sought confirmation that it was being dealt with, it transpired that they were claiming that they hadn't received any of the photo's I'd sent & claimed to never have received any messages to call me back. It has now been kick started again with the Regional Tyre Manager now involved & he stated today, 'these tyres need to be replaced' - yes, I replied, that's what I've been telling you for weeks now - but who is going to foot the bill ? Answer seems to be that any claim to Dunlop will need to be done retrospectively - i.e after they have fitted another 4 Dunlops - something I am not too keen on for various reasons 1)don't want to be out of pocket - (can probably get the same or better tyres cheaper elsewhere) & potentially receive nowt & 2) not too keen on fitting the Dunlops again...

Having shopped around, I have a local garage I have used for tyres/repairs before offering to submit the claim on our behalf, via his tyre broker and suggesting I could fit another make - he is recommending Hankooks (I wasn't too sure they were good quality - but most reviews I've found tonight are good), while one or two of the lads at work are suggesting Uniroyal Rainsports.

Does anyone have any experience of submitting a claim for tyres to a manufacturer...and was it successful???

Would be very grateful to receive your comments/advice on how best to proceed.

Whatever happens, I will be replacing these tyres, but clearly feel the manufacturer, dealer or car maker should be paying at least a % of the cost - reasonable??

Well here's a shock - the dealer won't foot any of the bill & want me to pay up for 4 new tyres & then submit a claim to Dunlop for (hopefully) some % refund on the originals (not too hopeful they will even manage to file the claim let alone that it will be successful!) They have offered me 4 Kuhmo's (couldn't advise on exact model) 205/50/r17 93W's XL for £356 (which seems reasonable - prices are in the range of £310 - £400+ online fitted). Alternative is that I go to my usual tyre supplier & have the same tyres or the Hankooks fitted...may be slightly dearer but I'd trust them with my wheels over the dealer & may have a better chance of getting something out of Dunlop...what do you think...and any comments on the Kumho's....they seem to get consistently good reviews all round.

Well here's a shock - the dealer won't foot any of the bill & want me to pay up for 4 new tyres & then submit a claim to Dunlop for (hopefully) some % refund on the originals (not too hopeful they will even manage to file the claim let alone that it will be successful!) They have offered me 4 Kuhmo's (couldn't advise on exact model) 205/50/r17 93W's XL for £356 (which seems reasonable - prices are in the range of £310 - £400+ online fitted). Alternative is that I go to my usual tyre supplier & have the same tyres or the Hankooks fitted...may be slightly dearer but I'd trust them with my wheels over the dealer & may have a better chance of getting something out of Dunlop...what do you think...and any comments on the Kumho's....they seem to get consistently good reviews all round.

Perhaps have a chat with http://www.tyresafe.org/ although I think the process is correct that the removed tyres have to be examined by the manufacturer. Considering the age of the car you could have a chat to your local trading standards team about it. My experience though with the motor trade is it become letter after letter to MDs who don't give a hoot, but TS will be able to put you in contact with the relevant governing bodies.

Perhaps have a chat with http://www.tyresafe.org/ although I think the process is correct that the removed tyres have to be examined by the manufacturer. Considering the age of the car you could have a chat to your local trading standards team about it. My experience though with the motor trade is it become letter after letter to MDs who don't give a hoot, but TS will be able to put you in contact with the relevant governing bodies.

Thanks for the reply - I have only 30mins ago dropped the car off at the dealers to replace the tyres. I decided I couldn't gamble with my wife & kids wellbeing for any longer. I guess that's what they were banking on too. I did do a bit of research over the last few days - trading standards, consumer direct, tyresafe etc etc - but nothing gave me any confidence it could be dealt with quickly, which worried the hell out of me, as the tyres really are in a shocking state.

I am going to be out of pocket for now at least & to be honest, I fully expect to be stitched up further - I doubt I'll see any money coming back.

The Mazda dealer has made my local Skoda dealer look absolutely top notch. I've had my issues with them too...but in hindsight they are much more 'personal' in their approach.

We'll remember this when we come to replace the Mazda.

Edited 23 April, 201016 yr by harveys

Might have to swallow some humble pie here. We've had a letter from Goodyear Dunlop to advise that they have accepted the tyres for a % refund. 70% to be exact. We still don't know what the value in £'s is, but given these tyres retail for between £125 & £155 I am hoping that 70% should equal at least £300 & maybe even enough to cover the cost of the 4 Kumho's we put on. I am not even sure if I'll get a cheque for the vlaue or a credit note at the dealer (not the desired option !)

It's taken longer than I would like, but I think the lesson to be learnt is, perseverence is well worth it. The dealer initially tried to fob me off & told me that they we ok, as their MOT tester had said so !

So if anyone out there has issues with their tyres, I'd encourage them to make a nuisance of themselves down the dealers & don't take no for an answer !

Interesting and a result for you - pit it's a bit too late for me to get one on the Dunlop SP01's I had to replace for the same reasons 18 months ago!

Well done!

Interesting and a result for you - pit it's a bit too late for me to get one on the Dunlop SP01's I had to replace for the same reasons 18 months ago!

Well done!

Thanks...just feel like I've won a big battle. Early doors, they just wanted to brush it off & the process seemed really biased away from the customer.

However, like I say, I am happy to eat humble pie...and say, it is possible to take on the big guys & 'win', because it does feel like a win. Maybe 'win' is the wrong word, yes, result sounds better !!!

Wish I hadn't held my breath ! Finally received a cheque for the supposed 70% refund on the tyres...worth a paltry £223.64 ! So I make that each tyre cost less than £80 new. Absolute balderdash. The cheapest I can see them online, supply only is £125.

The dealer gave me some chat when we fitted the Kumho saying they were budget, and the Dunlops were premium, blah blah blah...and we paid £90 a corner for them, which they claimed was the cost price to them. So by default that means the Dunlops must be 'cost' in excess of £80? Like I say retail seems to vary from about £121-£135ish.

Not sure where I can go with this now, I am grateful we got something back as I was sure they'd wriggle out of it (but always strongly believed we had a case)...however the £ value just doesn't add up to the % they agreed to.

Any suggestions? I want to email the service manager & express my disappointment, but don't want to completely burn my bridges as we have a service plan for another two services, so I may need to deal with him again.

But just can't help feeling we've been shafted again!

Might have to swallow some humble pie here. We've had a letter from Goodyear Dunlop to advise that they have accepted the tyres for a % refund. 70% to be exact. We still don't know what the value in £'s is, but given these tyres retail for between £125 & £155 I am hoping that 70% should equal at least £300 & maybe even enough to cover the cost of the 4 Kumho's we put on. I am not even sure if I'll get a cheque for the vlaue or a credit note at the dealer (not the desired option !)

It's taken longer than I would like, but I think the lesson to be learnt is, perseverence is well worth it. The dealer initially tried to fob me off & told me that they we ok, as their MOT tester had said so !

So if anyone out there has issues with their tyres, I'd encourage them to make a nuisance of themselves down the dealers & don't take no for an answer !

Well I wrote to the General Manager of the dealership & he has replied assuring me that they passed on 100% of the value paid by Dunlop, explaining that Dunlop will only pay out on the life left in the tyre...blah blah blah blah blah...he missed the point that the value is paltry & certainly doesn't go near recompensing us for the outlay we've had for new tyres (yes I agree there is an element of 'betterment'), the hassle etc etc.

It makes me very reluctant to use the dealership & indeed Mazda (who weren't interested !) for my wife's next car...it's their loss!

I suppose their argument is that you've already driven 7k on them without a failure, but considering it's the tyres that keep you on the road and Dunlop has admitted that theirs weren't up to the job of doing so, it seems a pretty poor offer. Just reading this has decided me against ever buying Dunlops.

I'd write to the Dunlop contact direct and ask them how much they expect the tyre to retail for, and then ask them to find a retailer that does them at the price they say, which is bound to be lower than the ones you found. Then ask why you didn't receive the 100% full amount? You've had to change all four boots because of their tyre failure so why should have to pay anything for their shoddy manufacturing? Good luck

I suppose their argument is that you've already driven 7k on them without a failure, but considering it's the tyres that keep you on the road and Dunlop has admitted that theirs weren't up to the job of doing so, it seems a pretty poor offer. Just reading this has decided me against ever buying Dunlops.

I'd write to the Dunlop contact direct and ask them how much they expect the tyre to retail for, and then ask them to find a retailer that does them at the price they say, which is bound to be lower than the ones you found. Then ask why you didn't receive the 100% full amount? You've had to change all four boots because of their tyre failure so why should have to pay anything for their shoddy manufacturing? Good luck

Along the same lines as I was thinking of doing. All parties were (eventually) in agreement that these tyres were dangerous & would have failed. This is my wifes car, used to transport our young twins daily, so that doesn't bear thinking about !

Along the same lines as I was thinking of doing. All parties were (eventually) in agreement that these tyres were dangerous & would have failed. This is my wifes car, used to transport our young twins daily, so that doesn't bear thinking about !

All the more reason to play hardball with them, even threatening to go to the press with it. I'm sure there's plenty of parents out there, myself included, who'd like to hear about Dunlop's dangerous tyres. That should make them see sense.

I always have this nightmare image of a tyre failure on the motorway while our boy's in the back. Not pleasant … :(

I am considering speaking to What Car mag about the situ, I am in dialogue with them about the same dealer charging for checking faults that are covered by the warranty !

I think I posted pics of the state of the tyres either earlier in this thread or another one I started previously. maybe this one - http://briskoda.net/...king-a-problem/

Apologies that link didn't work - try this one

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/156121-tyres-signs-of-cracking-a-problem/page__hl__harveys

The pics are near the bottom of the first page

I am all but ready to admit defeat on this one !

Spoke to Dunlop today, but basically they won't reveal any financial details to me, they insist their contract is with Arnold Clark. What was interesting was that when I revealed what AC had paid me...the chap at Dunlop used the word 'lying' & said it was a shame that they'd chosen not to pass on the full value they'd paid out. This is of course contrary to what AC claimed. I've no way of accessing the truth.

I've fired off a note to some of the car mags to see if they are interested in this & another issue we've had with the same dealer...again I won't hold my breath. - but who knows.

What I can probably say for sure is that we are unlikely to deal with these companies again, when we are out of warranty/service plan/change the car etc etc.

Arnold Clark - Say no more! Just google arnold clark problems.

I would see if it is possible to ask for the amount paid to Arnold under the freedom of information act or a small claims to arnold clark for fraud.