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I had low air in ( in the 20 PSI range) on my front driver side tire, called road side assistance and they filled the tire back up. For peace of mind I took the car to the dealership since I have the tire and rim warranty to see if the tire was punctured. Dealer took a look and without really testing the tire said if its losing air it has a puncture... they said they would order the tire and replace it free of charge. My concern is that I will have 3 worn tires and 1 tire that is new. I am concerned about uneven wear and more importantly the safety factor of braking in ice and snow. The car has just under 10,000 miles on it. What do you guys think. They refuse to change both front tires and I don't find it feasible to pay $600+ for the passenger front tire to be changed out of pocket. P.S it has now been two days and I dont see any visible indication that the tire is losing air...
I had low air in ( in the 20 PSI range) on my front driver side tire, called road side assistance and they filled the tire back up. For peace of mind I took the car to the dealership since I have the tire and rim warranty to see if the tire was punctured. Dealer took a look and without really testing the tire said if its losing air it has a puncture... they said they would order the tire and replace it free of charge.
A call to roadside assistance for 20 psi? Sure, that's low and needs attention, but it's not "Oh my god, I better stop RIGHT NOW" low. If you were anywhere close to an air source (which is pretty much any gas station), calling and waiting for roadside assistance seems like more hassle than it's worth. How long did it take roadside assistance to show up?
Originally Posted by cookstar
My concern is that I will have 3 worn tires and 1 tire that is new. I am concerned about uneven wear and more importantly the safety factor of braking in ice and snow.
Where is the puncture? If it's in the tread, as opposed to the sidewall, why don't you just have the puncture repaired? That way, you won't need to worry about 1 new tire and 3 used tires.
Safety factor in braking in snow and ice? Assuming you still have good tread left on the 10k mile tires, why would safety be a factor? The 3 10k mile tires will stop the same regardless whether the 4th tire is new or has the same 10k miles on it that the others have.
Originally Posted by cookstar
The car has just under 10,000 miles on it. What do you guys think. They refuse to change both front tires and I don't find it feasible to pay $600+ for the passenger front tire to be changed out of pocket. P.S it has now been two days and I dont see any visible indication that the tire is losing air...
$600 for a new tire? Holy cow! What tires does your GL have? And if the tire is slowly leaking, you won't be able to see it until it gets really low, probably down around 10-15 psi. Get a tire gauge.
Last edited by Dog hauler; Jan 21, 2015 at 12:06 AM.
If they are replacing the tire for free...take it and then order a second one from tire rack.. Then install both he new ones on the back.
If it is a simple puncture in the middle of the tire... Plug it.. It will be fine. I've plugged Michelin PS2s (super high performance low profile tires) without issue...if it is on or at the side wall... Then replace.
As far as wear difference, I've had issues where the oddball tire can effect the alignment... (Always try to do alignments with all new tires..in fact.. I had a situation where Manhattan MB wouldn't do an alignment because of uneven wear on my tires).. At 10k you shouldn't notice braking or handling differences.
Thanks for everyone's input. To answer some of your questions:
1) The car was parked in my driveway and I noticed the low pressure in the tire when the message came on in the vehicle. Road side took about 25 mins to arrive at my house
2) I am in Canada and tire rack is not an option for warranty reasons amongst other things like the fact that I have already paid 2k so I should not have to fork over another $600+. According to the dealership Mercedes does not plug or repair tires due to chances of blow out once the tire reaches high mileage. The tires are the 21's Pirellis (21x10).
I called and cancelled the appointment for today and will wait till Monday to see if the pressure goes down, my gut feeling tells me that the tire does not need to be replaced since they did not actually test the tire for a leak and were very quick to suggest tire change. I noticed on their paperwork that they charge a 15% mark up, I suspect they bill MB corporate for the cost of tire and 15% markup so it is in their advantage to do a tire change.
I will keep everyone posted, like everyone I would love to get something for free ( although the tire warranty cost me over 2k) but I dont want to do something that sacrifices the safety of the vehicle down the road. Right now the appointment is rescheduled for Monday, that should give me 5 days to both visually and accurately measure the PSI in the tire with a gauge as well as the on board alert that shows up when the pressure goes down.
Last edited by cookstar; Jan 21, 2015 at 09:34 AM.
The 21 inch tire will cost more and it is Pirelli. My suggestion is to go to your local tire shop and they will test your wheel and tire by dipping it in a drum of water to see if there are any leaks (bubbles). Like most have suggested, if the leak is in the middle of the tread, just plug it and go.
Thanks for everyone's input. To answer some of your questions:
1) The car was parked in my driveway and I noticed the low pressure in the tire when the message came on in the vehicle. Road side took about 25 mins to arrive at my house
2) I am in Canada and tire rack is not an option for warranty reasons amongst other things like the fact that I have already paid 2k so I should not have to fork over another $600+. According to the dealership Mercedes does not plug or repair tires due to chances of blow out once the tire reaches high mileage. The tires are the 21's Pirellis (21x10).
I called and cancelled the appointment for today and will wait till Monday to see if the pressure goes down, my gut feeling tells me that the tire does not need to be replaced since they did not actually test the tire for a leak and were very quick to suggest tire change. I noticed on their paperwork that they charge a 15% mark up, I suspect they bill MB corporate for the cost of tire and 15% markup so it is in their advantage to do a tire change.
I will keep everyone posted, like everyone I would love to get something for free ( although the tire warranty cost me over 2k) but I dont want to do something that sacrifices the safety of the vehicle down the road. Right now the appointment is rescheduled for Monday, that should give me 5 days to both visually and accurately measure the PSI in the tire with a gauge as well as the on board alert that shows up when the pressure goes down.
You are correct about MB making money on the tire replacement... The warranty is provided most likely by an outside vendor... So it definitely in MB's interest both financially and legally to fix simply replace it.
I've put about 110k miles between 3 GLs with 21 and now 22 inch tires... I've probably plugged them 7 times without issue.. $8 to plug a tire at the local gas station... I've also plugged tires on my motorcycles without issue.. Again, as long as it isn't on or at the sidewall. (And you didn't drive the tire flat for miles!)
Good luck.
I just noticed this kit is for lighter vehicles..(it was an easy screen grab). But other kits are for cars and trucks.
Last edited by cyclrder; Jan 21, 2015 at 10:16 AM.
Reason: Added info
Well its now been 3 days since they filled the tire back up and I haven't noticed any loss is pressure yet. Will keep everyone posted.
Not sure if you bought a new car or used, but for new cars I usually go to discount tire here in US right after my car purchase and get the tire insurance it is same as dealer for fraction of cost, I believe you could do the same with Canadian Tire but again not sure because Canada doubles everything as soon as you cross border.
I have lived in Canada for 5 years and still travel a lot between US and Canada so I am pretty much aware of things down there. I used to usually drive my BMW X5 to Buffalo whenever family needed to go to Niagara we use to see Canadian side and then drive to Buffalo, and I used to drop them at Buffalo side, by the time they was done with ferry and all stuff I used to be back, and the money I saved by putting tires in US was used on the trip gas and etc etc, so kinda free vacation trip.
And when its a warranty claim doesn't matter if it's a tire or shock they will just replace what is bad even though same advisor after your warranty is done would recommend you to replace in pairs.
Last edited by Dreamszalone; Jan 21, 2015 at 01:22 PM.
You are correct about MB making money on the tire replacement... The warranty is provided most likely by an outside vendor... So it definitely in MB's interest both financially and legally to fix simply replace it.
I've put about 110k miles between 3 GLs with 21 and now 22 inch tires... I've probably plugged them 7 times without issue.. $8 to plug a tire at the local gas station... I've also plugged tires on my motorcycles without issue.. Again, as long as it isn't on or at the sidewall. (And you didn't drive the tire flat for miles!)
Good luck.
I just noticed this kit is for lighter vehicles..(it was an easy screen grab). But other kits are for cars and trucks.
This was exactly what my dealer did when I had a nail stuck on my left rear of my new 550. Kinda feel like I wasted 21 bucks for them doing it since you can buy the patches.
If all you're doing is putting in a plug and not patching it from the inside, that is a very foolish and, perhaps, dangerous thing to do. You might get away with it for a while, and some such half-a**ed repairs may last the life of the tire. Maybe.
A proper repair involves dismounting the tire and applying a patch that has a plug attached. The plug is pushed through from the inside until the patch contacts glue previously applied to the inside of the tire.
A patch seals the puncture very reliably. With no inside patch (plug only), there is a high likelihood of more air leakage sooner or later.
The plug seals the damage to the various layers of the tire carcass caused by the puncture so water doesn't seep into steel belts and other layers of the tire, which would cause the belts to rust. When you get water between layers of the tire and the steel belts rust, you may have a catastrophic failure.
Don't take my word for it, do the research. And just because some lazy idiot at the dealer plugged a hole and called it good, doesn't mean anything. Having the tire repaired properly is cheap. Take it to the tire shop, have 'em properly repair the tire, remount it and re-balance it. About $20. Maybe $30 and it's done. No worries.
I have 4 days to see if the PSI will go down, if it does I will go ahead with the tire warranty and swap out the tire to a new one. My only concern at this point is that the tire has a real puncture as my gut feeling tells me the dealer is interested in the $$$ they will get from MB corporate to swap out a tire.
If all you're doing is putting in a plug and not patching it from the inside, that is a very foolish and, perhaps, dangerous thing to do. You might get away with it for a while, and some such half-a**ed repairs may last the life of the tire. Maybe.
A proper repair involves dismounting the tire and applying a patch that has a plug attached. The plug is pushed through from the inside until the patch contacts glue previously applied to the inside of the tire.
A patch seals the puncture very reliably. With no inside patch (plug only), there is a high likelihood of more air leakage sooner or later.
The plug seals the damage to the various layers of the tire carcass caused by the puncture so water doesn't seep into steel belts and other layers of the tire, which would cause the belts to rust. When you get water between layers of the tire and the steel belts rust, you may have a catastrophic failure.
Don't take my word for it, do the research. And just because some lazy idiot at the dealer plugged a hole and called it good, doesn't mean anything. Having the tire repaired properly is cheap. Take it to the tire shop, have 'em properly repair the tire, remount it and re-balance it. About $20. Maybe $30 and it's done. No worries.
^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^
I've always had punctures sealed with a patch - I don't trust plugs
You are correct about MB making money on the tire replacement... The warranty is provided most likely by an outside vendor... So it definitely in MB's interest both financially and legally to fix simply replace it.
I've put about 110k miles between 3 GLs with 21 and now 22 inch tires... I've probably plugged them 7 times without issue.. $8 to plug a tire at the local gas station... I've also plugged tires on my motorcycles without issue.. Again, as long as it isn't on or at the sidewall. (And you didn't drive the tire flat for miles!)
Good luck.
I just noticed this kit is for lighter vehicles..(it was an easy screen grab). But other kits are for cars and trucks.
Surprised so many members like plugging. Yes it works. I have tracked my Porsche 3 track days with speed over 140 mph with a plug without issues. Finally replaced it because of wear.
My wife somehow generates a strong kind of electromagnetic field around her. One result of this force field is she magnetizes her rubber tires. I won't get into the other effects which may have to do with her midichlorians....
Missing a small screw or nail INSIDE your house? Let her drive by and it will be found in one of her tires. I truly believe she magnetizes tires. Therefore she keeps a plug kit and small compressor in the back of her vehicle. As long as it's in the tread they plug fine.
I found her driving around once with a 1/4" lag bolt complete with washer perfectly mounted in a rear tire. She says she couldn't hear OR feel it every time the tire rotated. I thought she had a flat tire when I borrowed her ride.... but no.... just a lag bolt sticking out! It took two plugs but it held fine for 1000's of miles until I replaced all four tires due to wear.
Long winded I know.... Just plug it and forget it. $12 for a kit at your nearest auto parts store but I love the construction of the Snap On kit that costs $50
My only concern at this point is that the tire has a real puncture as my gut feeling tells me the dealer is interested in the $$$ they will get from MB corporate to swap out a tire.
Your only concern should be about the tire and the safety. Why do you care if MB dealer makes money or not if they are replacing it for free. (You've already paid for nearly 4 tires). Just get the tire replaced and move on. I wouldn't worry about the minute wear difference between a new vs a tire with 10K miles. Hope you've got everything changed by now.
Had the tire replaced today, there was a screw near the sidewall so even without the warranty I don't think they could have repaired it. Total cost was $880. Visually I don't see any difference between the new tire vs the rest of the tires so I hope I don't have wear issues down the road.
did you have to pay out of pocket? did your warranty buy you 4 tires? my GLK with only 3000 miles had a puncture in the middle of the outer thread and the local tire shop would not patch it. went to the closest hispanic tire shop recommended by my local range rover salesman and it was fixed for $20! my range rover sport had a nail near the tire wall about the same time and it was plugged for $20 as well.
did you have to pay out of pocket? did your warranty buy you 4 tires? my GLK with only 3000 miles had a puncture in the middle of the outer thread and the local tire shop would not patch it. went to the closest hispanic tire shop recommended by my local range rover salesman and it was fixed for $20! my range rover sport had a nail near the tire wall about the same time and it was plugged for $20 as well.
I have the tire/rim warranty which from what I recall I paid between 2-3k for so technically it was paid out of pocket lol. According to tire rack the tire is about $350ish but since we are in Canada the tire costs more and than MB has their labour cost as well as a 15% premium added on to it.
All in all I am happy with all the extra's I have paid in warranty for this vehicle since it was purchased not leased, will also get the extended warranty next time I go in for service. It really pays for itself throughout the 5 year warranty period.
Last edited by cookstar; Jan 29, 2015 at 09:17 AM.
I have the tire/rim warranty which from what I recall I paid between 2-3k for so technically it was paid out of pocket lol. According to tire rack the tire is about $350ish but since we are in Canada the tire costs more and than MB has their labour cost as well as a 15% premium added on to it. All in all I am happy with all the extra's I have paid in warranty for this vehicle since it was purchased not leased, will also get the extended warranty next time I go in for service. It really pays for itself throughout the 5 year warranty period.
I did not get the $3000 wheel and tire warranty since it will almost pay for the tire/wheel if it happens even if my GLK is also purchased not leased. I think road hazard warranty is cheaper vs the wheel tire warranty.
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