ucbsti

iTrader: (9)

why would you go from 225/50 to 215/45?

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

may be not 215/45 but 215/50 since Kumho ASX does have 215/50/16... The idea is since obviously 225/50 doesn't fit, I'll go one size down...

(BTW, I don't have personal experience with all the tires so I relie on tirerack ratings) But I just did another search, no other brand/model has 215/50/16 or 215/45/16. I picked the ASX because they are the cheapest for it's performance (rank #5 at 93% at tirerack.com). And of course everyone has 205/55/16. If I can't get the ASX with 215/50/16, I might just well go with AVON Tech M550 (#1), which is slightly cheaper than ASX 215/50/16. Next would be Continentla ContiExtremeContact (#3), also cheaper, and last would be the ASX but 205/55/16 (#5). #2 and #4 are over $100 and I don't think that would be a fair replacement. I don't want to pay for the replacement, but if I have to, I wouldn't mind paying for the difference between the tires (only ~$10 a pop).

ucbsti

iTrader: (9)

I think you are confusing your tire sizing. The wider the tire, the lower the aspect ratio you would want to maintain overall diamter

225/50 is a near match to 205/55. You dont want to switch then to 215/45, it'll be a lot smaller

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

Yeah, I know 215/45 is a lot smalle, I had that before and had a FAT wheel gap.
it was a typo...

btw, I noticed the guys working there are "color coded". Black shirts are the techs, red are sale, but what is blue? Is that the manager? Because if it is, then the guy that sold me the tires/wheels was the manager. And unfortnately I didn't get his name...

Imprezer

iTrader: (9)

I don' t think they should be responsible. If you chose something other than OEM size, it is on you.

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

that is very true, that's why when I heard the fender rub, I didn't think of going back to them. It's something I choose and I'll take care of the fender roll, at my own cost. However, the tires are touching the strut without lowering or moving the vehicle. Shouldn't they tell me right there and then? Or is it more of a curtesy thing?

This reminds me of the fender rolling horror story I read while I was looking into fender rolling. The rear quarter panel was buckling in roll after roll. You would think the shop would/should stop and inform the customer. To me it's similar here, they should have informed me during or immediately after the installation.

Not only you can SEE it before you lower the car, but you can HEAR it at low speed.

Roo

iTrader: (3)

They're going to help you out on this one. You picked a company with a good reputation, and they have gone the extra mile for me when I needed it. Pleiad7 went into their store in Santa Rosa with a flat (Kumho ASX), asked them to repair it, and they did...and didn't even charge her, even though we didn't buy the tires there. We'll be going there for our next set, and bringing both cars there for the tires from now on. We've also gone there for tire mounting, and been treated as well as if we'd purchased the tires from them, even though we didn't.

+20 for America's Tire Company.

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

Roo, I had similar experience with them as well, and that is exactly why I bought 2 sets of tires and 1 set of wheels from them. I didn't even bother to check other places.

But as Alex and some others have mentioned, I did pick the size myself and I realize that. I just wish they would have informed me during the installation, when it was ever so obvious.

Damn, all these waiting is driving me nuts!!

Thank you all for the advise, etc. I know I picked the size that's why I know there is a chance that I might have to eat it. But I really hope it doesn't come to that. I guess there is only one way to find out... Go in tomorrow morning...

STi-owns-evo

iTrader: (4)

Whether or not the tire fit the way the tire is on the car is completely ATC's fault. If iBlueVirus forced ATC to put the tires on and would not take no for an answer, that'd be a different story. However, it seemed that he had no knowledge of the fitment unless it was fender rub, which it wasn't.

Alex, as you have a tire mounting business I'm sure you know the dangers of having a wheel bolted on that's not flat with the hub. If the tire is pushing on something like the strut, the wheel may not be flat with it and could damage the studs and even come loose. With something as major as this fitment issue, not just rubbing when hard cornering (usually the fender rub) it's a hazard to anyone who drives the car and the tech should have noticed it prior to even bolting on the wheel.

iBlueVirus: I just checked tirerack and it seems that Kumho does not offer the 30 day buyback. If you look @ the manufacturer's special warranty it says "none"
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Warran...irePageLocQty=

However, other tire brands like bridgestone has it like http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Warran...irePageLocQty=
Where it says '30 Day Buy & Try Guarantee'

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

DARN! Hmmm... we'll just have to see what happen tomorrow...

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

Alright, just got back... with little 'effort', I'll be getting my 205/55/16 Kumho ASX on Wednesday and pay a $7 Environmental fee, which is no big deal. Without going into details, let me just say that I won't be going back to this ATC again. I still like ATC, but I might go see WhiteRguyX on my next set of tires.

Akira-R

iTrader: (1)

Personally I think it is on you. You choose the tire. but be very grateful to ATC that thier customer service is the way it is and keep in mind they helped you to be a good customer oriented customer, not because they made a mistake. They helped you fix yours.

STi-owns-evo

iTrader: (4)

Good to hear that they changed it hopefully without too much hassle. I know the manager in Dublin is awesome towards customer service, so you can go to either Union City or Dublin (San Jose can be kinda far from either one).

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

I AGREE that I made the mistake on picking the wrong size. However I do believe it was THEIR mistake for letting the car out of the bay when the tires are rubbing the struts. It was NOT at a hidden spot. Soonest the tech put the car up, he saw the problem immediately. It's so damn obvious, even my gf can see it!

I said that I won't go back to this branch, is not because I felt like they gave me the hassle or that I am not happy with the end result. I am very happy that this is taken care of and that I don't have to pay much for it. And I know I wasted my own time. If you have read my previous posts, I have no problem if it requires fender roll or even pay for the difference between this set and the replacement set.

I am not going back because of the attitude of the manager and the sales guy. Basically the sales guy made it sound like it wasn't their responsibility to check and inform me when they observed the rubbing. The sales guys said, and I quote, "Well, we didn't see it then, and that's that!". Before that point I was actually willing and about to pay for the difference of the current and replacement tires. Then I got pissed off and pointed out the "Workmanship Warranty" on my invoice and asked him if that is consider good workmanship. He then immediately drop the difference and only ask me to pay for the Environmental Fee of $7.

The funny thing is, before they gave the car back to me, the techs didn't really want to install the wheels/tires back on because of ever so OBVIOUS tire rub on the strut. But since there were no tires for me, the sales guy asked them to put them back on for me so I can go. Plus, I am only ~3 miles away.

DetailAddict

iTrader: (52)

Well, I created the hassle for myself, so can't complaint. I do pass by Union City just about every weekend, so no big deal for me.

Once again, I appreciate all the inputs you guys gave. Thanks again!