[2017voltowner]

I have a small bulge in a 2017 volt (Gen 2). I calle St he dealer and they said such things are a result of driving f over potholes and not a manufacturing defect. In all my years of driving I've never had a tire do this and I baby my volt. Is this industry standard or should I call corporate? It is about 1" by 1" on the wall of my tire? Recommendation?

 

[bjrosen]

Looks like a defect to me, I'd insist on a warranty replacement.

 

[TheBlueFlash]

I had this happen recently on my 2013 Volt on a tire I purchased from Discount Tire. They replaced the tire no questions asked.

 

[madmike]

What is your tire pressure? If you are exceeding the recommended amount I'd say its on you. Otherwise I'd escalate.

 

[El Dobro]

Try a Michelin tire dealer and see if they'll do anything.

 

[bentbiker]

Try a Michelin tire dealer and see if they'll do anything.

+1. These are the tire experts AND they want to gain your business in the future.

 

[Dutch]

Not passing any judgment, just stating some thoughts.

If the OP is running about factory pressure (within 5psi), and if there is no damage to the rim (indicating pothole or curb thump) then I would agree it's probably a defect.

REGARDLESS... do NOT keep driving on that tire!

 

[JoeMap]

My experience in a similar situation with a new Ford truck - had a blowout - on the sidewall - with way less than 2k miles. Went back to the dealer and they told me the Firestone store in town had to deal with tire warranty issues.

Naturally, the Firestone dealer wanted full retail for a tire and I argued for several minutes. Finally got a new tire when I agreed to pay for Road Hazard (about $14) on the new tire but definitely was not going to pay retail. Should've held my ground but I still considered it a victory. I recommend OP do the same and escalate if you don't get satisfaction.

Joe

 

[obermd]

That's a manufacturing flaw in the tire. You see this occasionally. How many miles on your Volt? Less than 12,000 and GM should cover it completely. More than 12,000 and it usually becomes a prorated replacement.

 

[2017voltowner]

That's a manufacturing flaw in the tire. You see this occasionally. How many miles on your Volt? Less than 12,000 and GM should cover it completely. More than 12,000 and it usually becomes a prorated replacement.

I'm at just shy of 7000. I'll be firm and ask that they replace it. Too bad corporate is not open on Saturday. I agree that it is unsafe to drive on this but the serviceman told me that it would be ok as long as I am in town. Shake my head.

 

[BAZINGA]

Try a Michelin tire dealer and see if they'll do anything.

++++ and maybe try a different dealer.

 

[llninja]

I didn't have any luck with my ldealer when I was given 3 tires of one type and one of another type from the factory. They told me to pound sand. The volt advisor told me to work with the dealer. I am actively seeking revenge by never buying from them again and doing my service at a dealership 18 miles away instead of 3 miles.

 

[VoltenRock]

With 7K miles this should at least be a "goodwill" gesture. I agree with moving it up to GM corporate for help or the "EV Team" if that even still exists.

 

[rmay635703]

My experience is that tire warranties are almost never possible to collect on.

If it's in the sidewall they will say the sidewall isn't under warranty

 

[Barry]

I thought the car's warranty typically excludes the tires, and the tires have a separate warranty that is covered by the tire manufacturer. If so, it is not the car dealership or Chevrolet that can potentially help you.

I also believe it is extremely hard to get any relief under a tire warranty if it does not include road hazard coverage, because most things that go wrong with a tire could be blamed on road hazard or poor wheel alignment, etc.

You are smart to follow up on that, though. Definitely get it fixed or replaced one way or the other. I know sidewalls are typically not repairable, but a tire dealer can tell you for sure if that is an option or not in this case. Also remember that getting a flat in one of these cars can be a big inconvenience because there is usually no spare and a replacement tire sometimes has to be ordered, so don't procrastinate.

 

[hellsop]

My experience is that tire warranties are almost never possible to collect on.

If it's in the sidewall they will say the sidewall isn't under warranty

For OEM tires, "impossible" is a practical reality. Better odds with tires purchased after, at actual tire dealers. I'm sure no small part of it is that for OEM, you're not the customer. The manufacturer is.

 

[llninja]

or use this as a perfect excuse to buy a new set of 18" or 19" rims and new, stickier performance tires. Plus if you live in an area with snow, put snow tires on your OEM wheels.

That's what I did, but only after driving 36K mile on the original tires.

 

[Aseras]

I had this exact same thing happen to me within 300 miles on a new VW. The only way I got it replaced was to buy a new tire and sue VWoA in small claims court. I won and it cost them twice as much, and it pissed me off as a customer.

IMHO it should be covered under warranty. Getting it done however depends on how much your time is worth whining to everyone up and down the ladder until they do it, or just buying a new tire for $150 and be done with it.