Three days ago, I noticed that my dashboard display indicated a low tire pressre condition. I took out my pressre gauge and checked the tires-the front passenger side tire was 3 pounds low.
So, I drove to the tire shop (I bought two new tires last November), and asked them to check it out.
The verdict: the tire pressure sensor is leaking, but they installed a new valve. The quoted me $90.00 to replace the sensor (a $5.00 part).
I declined-they also said I needed “new fron t brakes”-they were replaced last October-and also wanted to sell me a new air filter (replaced last August).
I went home, and checked the tire pressure-they had inflated it to 48 pounds! (recommended pressure is 30 lbs. cold).
The next day, the dash indicated a failed tire pressure sensor-it was flashing.
I sspect that they actally destroyed the sensor, in an attempt to replace it.
In any event, I’m going to the dealer next week (for warranty service)-I will ask them what happened.
Shold I trust this tire shop?
Your car is still under warranty? I hope you didn’t void it by having work done by the tire place. The tire people sound like morons, but why didn’t you just have the dealership look at it since that would be warranty work too?
You can’t void a warranty by getting third-party work done.
Based on the fact that they tried to sell you multiple unnecessary services, I would say not.
If you bought your tires in November, and they were properly inflated then, a 3-pound drop in pressure by March is really nothing to worry about. Rubber is somewhat porous, and pressure will drop over time.
Sounds like your tire shop was just trying to sell you everything they could. And if they inflated your tire to 48 psi, they don’t know (or don’t care) what they’re doing.
No, you shouldn’t trust this tire shop.
This is correct. You are not required to have warranty repairs done by the dealer or manufacturer. I don’t know what brand of car you have but you don’t have to use “Genuine GM Parts” so to speak.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 covers this issue.
Do your own research, there are many articles on everything from after-market car exhaust to computer parts. But taking your car to the tire shop instead of the dealer has not voided your warranty.
A tire shop inflated your tire to more than 150% of recommended PSI. That in itself, beyond the effort to sell you items your car clearly has no need of, says that they’re untrustworthy.
I’d be more worried about your brakes, which apparently went to shit in only five months.
I once had a coupon for a “free” oil change/inspection. This was from a coupon book that the local high school was selling as a fund raiser. ($10 for the book, and over $100 worth of savings from places and services–mostly restaurants that I ordinarily use, so it was a good deal.)
I normally change my own oil.
Anyway, they gave me a list of things that needed to be done–both “critical” and “non-critical”. Looking over the list, I noticed that my serpentine belt needed replacement–only 500 miles since I had installed a new one myself. I decided to go over the other things in the list myself, and only a few of them actually needed attention.
Here’s the kicker: this wasn’t some fly-by-night place. This was the service center at a dealership.
My advice is that the tire-shop is not to be trusted in the least. And to take everything even “reputable” mechanics tell you with a grain of salt.
The Ford dealer told me I needed a new battery.
I declined.
I then went to Walmart, and asked them to replace the battery (to save $$).
They told me my battery was fine, and sent me on my way, no charge.
Never would have guessed that could happen . . . .
:dubious:
In that case, it’s possible they were just going by your car’s mileage and didn’t know you’d replaced the belt. There is no excuse for recommending an unnecessary brake job, however, where the need is determined by a visual inspection.
In my younger, stupider days, I’m pretty sure I was taken advantage of by several car repair guys. I’m also pretty sure that one ass at a carwash (conveniently next to a tire store) jabbed something sharp in my tire before he so kindly recommended the place next door. Too bad for him I knew how to change a tire, and the next day, I got the puncture fixed for $7 elsewhere…
I know enough about cars to feel confident in my BS detection, but we’ve got a couple of mechanics who really are good guys - they even talk to me like I have a brain rather than like I’m some dumb girl. I 
them much. And I think you will do well to avoid the tire shop guys. They only had eyes for your wallet…
Or *devotees *of Hunter S. Thompson.
Make it an attempted scam as you went home.
No, I would not trust these guys.
No, inflating your tire to 48# will not damage the tire sensor. If the sensor was bad, it still is. For $5, I would replace it myself. For much more than that, I have a perfectly fine digital gauge. Also, I can estimate the pressure well enough by eye to avoid trouble.
I inspect my tires every time I get in and out of the vehicle.