So, dropped the Monte in for it's 2nd service today (Major - £231.07).

 

A little irritated to have it called the "20k service" - it would be if the thing wasn't configured to indicate a service at every 12,000km (about 9400 miles) - but hey ho. 

 

Then she said "we're also doing a warranty recall".  Hmm, I thought, it's not a recall if you haven't recalled it.  It's warranty work to be completed when they see the car.

 

BUT

 

The point is, it's the wiring loom harness, I believe they are going to secure it.  I've seen others mention it on here, but it was vaue - this happened today on my TDI CR 105 Monte Carlo, so it might be worth checking with your dealer, in case the Warranty notice isn't being treated as a recall.

 

I'll provide service feedback tomorrow.

Phone call received - service done, warranty recall (uh huh) done.  Two wheels damaged (thanks pot holes) and two front tyres need replacing.

 

Do I a) pay Skoda dealer £77 each, fitted for Enduros, pay them £106.50 each, fitted for Falkens, c) pay £186.86 each , fitted for OEM Dunlops or d) go somewhere else an not get ripped off.

 

I just did a quick check on Black Circles and the same Falkens are £72.72 each, fitted, Dunlops £109 each, fitted.  Soooo do I pay £30-75 per tyre over the odds?  I think not...

 

And what tyres should I fit anyway - looking at some tyre sites, there are better tyres than the Dunlops (subjectively) for a lot less money...

Not sure you are being ripped off for the tyres from them,

look at the Online places and see how much you will be for the tyres from them.

I did George - the first site - Black Circles (I've used them before) were between £35 (Falkens) and £75 (Dunlops) a tyre, fitted, cheaper than the Dealer.

 

More resaerch done (ATS, Bathwick, KwikFit etc) and they can all better the dealer cost.

You knew the answer then,

you go for the money saving option for the tyres you want fitted.

Those prices are way way out

 

I would look at Event Tyres, they will come to you and fit so not driving around with bad tyres.

 

I can recommend Vredestein Ultrac Cento's (£95 fitted by event), for me they are excellent.  Others have loved the Maxiss MAZ1's (£73.00 fitted by event)

 

Your Dunlops are £118 fitted.

 

So you would be overpaying by even more than you thought.

Thanks Sparkly - Event look similar to Black Circles, but don't offer me Tesco Clubcard points ;-)

 

I'll keep looking.  Obviously I need new tyres (and two wheels are dinked, but not damaged enough to need repair), but no immeidate rush, as other than driving to the garage today and back tonight, I am not driving the Monte much at the moment!

Yep, same idea, but Event will come out to your house or place of work with a fitting van.

 

Blackcircles you book into a garage, purely a convenience thing.

 

If your tyres are boinked I just thought it might save you driving around on them.

Yeah - I will consider it come change time.  It would be definitely more convenient.  Black circles offer a mobile service, but only if a local fitter does that and is signed up to Black Circles.

 

As it's been an expensive month, with little forecast driving ahead, I may push tyres to next month, to make way for the service cost, daughter's birthday, etc etc etc.

 

At least the Monte drinks diesel slowly enough now that I think the fuel guage bar on the dash is permanently filled in!

Phone call received - service done, warranty recall (uh huh) done.  Two wheels damaged (thanks pot holes) and two front tyres need replacing.

 

Do I a) pay Skoda dealer £77 each, fitted for Enduros, pay them £106.50 each, fitted for Falkens, c) pay £186.86 each , fitted for OEM Dunlops or d) go somewhere else an not get ripped off.

 

I just did a quick check on Black Circles and the same Falkens are £72.72 each, fitted, Dunlops £109 each, fitted.  Soooo do I pay £30-75 per tyre over the odds?  I think not...

 

And what tyres should I fit anyway - looking at some tyre sites, there are better tyres than the Dunlops (subjectively) for a lot less money...

Do the tyres need replacing due to the wheel damage? or did the Monte use the tyres that quick.

Probably dinked the sidewalls - possibly got an "egg" starting?  Maybe just a ***** out of the rubber.

 

Sometimes they get worse quickly, other times they don't change for miles and miles - at least you can keep an eye on it now you know though.

tempra - I suspect the tyes succumbed to the combined effect of over 18000 hard miles and roads that I saw better versions of in Iraq.  Scratch that, I had better, more comfortable journeys in an armoured vehicle travelling across country than I've had on some of the roads around here.  so wear anr tear (literally) and damage.

 

I suspect the wheel damage was potholes (front n/s inside rim) and a kerb (rear o/s outside rim) and the tears to the sidewalls probably potholes (fronts).  As the sidewalls are so skinny, I imagine that may have saved them - the tear my wife's Golf got in a pothole totalled the tyre instantly.  But then she can ride over most stuff withouth wincing...horses for courses.

 

I think over 18000 miles on a set of boots is ok.  I will get them changed, the rears look like they could go for another 18000.  As my mileage has plummeted, the tyres will probably last another two or three years.

 

I might get the wheels refurbed at some point, I am also toying with new wheels (maybe 16") but that would mena more tyres...

If you were going to move to 16's, then now would be the time to do it...

Boinked! Hey Sparkly, that's a new technical word I hadn't heard during my 40+ years in the Trade.....

@philhoward - yes, logic would dictate that a move to smaller wheels could happen when updating tyres, rather than updating tyrews, then changing...

 

But that would mean finding wheels and getting clearance from SWMBO for not a £150 ish spend, but probably a £500 spend (if I find some wheels on here or on ebay that suit).

 

Not so sure...

 

Besides which, I am convinced, having inspected the damage last night by torchlight and towel on the drive (to grovel lower), the low-pro that gives such an unforgiving ride has probably saved the tyres - not enough for a pothole to grab and rip!  Small mercies...

Swings and roundabouts...as always!