- Report: #316392
Complaint Review: Ted Wien's Firestone - Las Vegas Nevada
-
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Ted Wien's Firestone
7770 W Cheyenne Ave Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
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Ted Wien's Firestone The autoshop throws dangerous metal objects in their parking lot causing mutilated tires when passing through. Las Vegas Nevada
Here is a copy of the email thread. Judge for yourself:
Dear sirs,
Today, my wife and kids picked up a friend at your 7770 W Cheyenne location. Her friend's car was getting its oil changed. When she brought him back after 2 hours or so, she noticed that she had a flat tire when she pulled into your parking lot. First of all, the "gentlemen" manning the place wouldn't even put air in her tire to get her home. Keep in mind that she had small children with her. Later on that night, after I got home from a long day at work and school, I met with the roadside assistance guy so he could change the tire. When he removed the wheel, we could tell that the culprit was a weight used for balancing tires. We both instinctually started looking around your parking lot (where the vehicle was left waiting for me to get home), and noticed these same types of weights spread out sporadically throughout your parking lot.
It was obvious to me that when she picked up her friend, she also picked up a weight in your parking lot. I suppose it wouldn't be easily proven, but I'm sure the media doesn't care if I can prove it or not. I can't tell whether this is intentional behavior to entice business, or if the guys just don't care and throw them in the parking lot without realizing the dangers involved. My wife drove 5 miles with this object in her tire with my children in the car.
This is absurd and it won't be tolerated. I'd suggest that you bring this to your management and have them share it with the appropriate executives, so that it can trickle down to the local store management. It depends how upset I get about this over the next few days and have had a chance to consult friends and family. I may contact the news station in the link above and let them know what's going on. I'm sure they'd be happy to look into it. Looking forward to your reply.
Regards
From:
To:
Cc:
Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 7:44 PM
I was forwarded you email that you sent to [email protected] and would like to reply.
You mentioned that the person at our Cheyenne store would not put air in your tire. I would like to know which person and what time of day that was. If our shop is closed there might not have been anyone there to help. If we were open I would like to think we would have easily repaired your tire. Please reply on that.
Regarding the weights etc. in the parking area. Do you still have the tire with the object in the tread? Do you still have the object that was in the tread? If you do I will happily repair your tire or reimburse you for the repairs you had to make. We do not put objects out for customers to ruin their tires. I do apologize if they are in the parking lot, that is bad housekeeping on our part. In our 60 years here in Las Vegas servicing the community we have worked hard to have a reputation of trust by our customers.
As an informational note: This is a very bad town for flat tires. We repair over 30,000 per year. The streets are littered with all kinds of construction items and junk. Most objects are picked up while the car is moving. Typically an object is thrown up by a tire from the car ahead or from a front tire to the back. As the object is spinning it perfectly situates itself so that the pressure of the car can force it through the tread. It is hard to do otherwise. For example if you took that wheel weight and a hammer to try and pound it in you likely could not do it.
And seriously, if you have a problem with our company you only have to call to get a response. Threats may be required for other businesses but not ours. We will do what is right, always.
I also have other staff to call if I am unavailable. My assistant is Brian at cell 467-9179, my retail operations manager, Carlos, at cell 286-4936 or operations manager, Kathy, at 203-3917. We are available to help any of our customers.
I am very sorry for your bad experience. I will do everything I can to take care of the situation.
Sincerely,
Chris Publow
General Manager
Ted Wiens Tire and Auto Centers
1701 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV, 89104
702-942-8964
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Tue, Feb 19, 2008 at 9:18 PM
In regards to your first question: I just clarified with my wife and she said a woman employee came out and looked at the tire and said "it's going to take a lot more than air", then walked away. It was about 12:00pm. So, she didn't exactly refuse, but....
I don't have the tire any longer, because Pep Boys needed to keep it for warranty purposes. But, they noted their findings on the paperwork. If you'd like, I can send you the receipt for reimbursement.
Please let me know my next step.
Thanks,
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From:
To:
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Thank you for your reply. If you could fax a copy of your Pep Boys receipt to me a 735-4061 that would be very helpful. Perhaps the receipt can give me some insight into the failure.
Chris Publow
Ted Wiens Tire
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Sure, I will fax it tomorrow.
Thanks for all your help.
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From:
To:
Date: Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 4:53 PM
I received your fax from Pep Boys. I also spoke with my people who remember your wife and the situation. The lady, Debbie, recalled her pulling in with people advising her of the low tire which subsequently became flat in our drive. They recall that she said something about the tire being recently purchased and under warranty. It appears that Pep Boys replaced your tire under warranty. That would indicate that the tire was not repairable nor would it hold air.
We could have changed your tire, put on your spare or made any repairs you needed had we been asked. As a service we do not charge for changing out your spare. It might have been a help.
So I am trying to figure out what you would like me to do. Since your tire was replaced under warranty, what can I do at this point?
I look forward to your response.
Chris Publow
General Manager
Ted Wiens Tire and Auto Centers
1701 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV, 89104
702-942-8964
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Thanks for the quick reply.
The tire replacement still ran me $70.00, even though it was replaced under warranty. It would have cost $125.00 without the warranty. I was a little disappointed in the minimal amount that the warranty actually saved me; that's another story though. I have spent numerous hours tending to this issue thus far. On top of the time and money spent, Pepboys couldn't even match the tread on the damaged tire, so now I have two different tread designs on my vehicle. This not only reduces the trade-in value of the vehicle, but also, as I'm sure you're aware, having two different tread designs on the front of the vehicle can produce a less than optimal driving experience at high speeds. All of these annoyances aside, all I ask is that Ted Wien's absorb the cost of the replacement and reimburse the $70.00.
Thank you in advance,
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From:
To:
Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 8:07 PM
It is unfortunate that Pep Boys treated you so poorly. We can't accept any responsibility for that. We are yet to establish that your tire even was ruined on our lot as you don't have the tire or the road hazard object. If you send me your address I will send you certificate for a free oil change valued at $25.
Again, sorry you had so many problems with your tires and Pep Boys.
C. Publow
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 1:13 PM
I don't find that to be an acceptable reimbursement for me being a victim of your "poor housekeeping". Not having the 'evidence' is out of my control. However, the gentleman from roadside assistance that changed my tire that night on your premesis would be willing to attest to the fact that the object in my tire was what I stated it was, and that your parking lot had the same type of object scattered sporadically thoughout, as he is the one who brought that to my attention. He, himself was also very concerned that he may pick up an object from your parking lot during his visit.
I'm not asking for a whole lot here and I have complied with all of your requests (on my own time). I will be pursuing this with organizations that govern businesses like yourself. I will also be formally contacting the media to see if they are interested in investigating the matter. They may have already had similar complaints about this matter towards your establishment. Apparently, "threats" like that are necessary for your business.
Kind Regards,
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.518 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1322 - Release Date: 3/9/2008 12:17 PM
John
Las Vegas, Nevada
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Firestone
Dear sirs,
Today, my wife and kids picked up a friend at your 7770 W Cheyenne location. Her friend's car was getting its oil changed. When she brought him back after 2 hours or so, she noticed that she had a flat tire when she pulled into your parking lot. First of all, the "gentlemen" manning the place wouldn't even put air in her tire to get her home. Keep in mind that she had small children with her. Later on that night, after I got home from a long day at work and school, I met with the roadside assistance guy so he could change the tire. When he removed the wheel, we could tell that the culprit was a weight used for balancing tires. We both instinctually started looking around your parking lot (where the vehicle was left waiting for me to get home), and noticed these same types of weights spread out sporadically throughout your parking lot.
It was obvious to me that when she picked up her friend, she also picked up a weight in your parking lot. I suppose it wouldn't be easily proven, but I'm sure the media doesn't care if I can prove it or not. I can't tell whether this is intentional behavior to entice business, or if the guys just don't care and throw them in the parking lot without realizing the dangers involved. My wife drove 5 miles with this object in her tire with my children in the car.
This is absurd and it won't be tolerated. I'd suggest that you bring this to your management and have them share it with the appropriate executives, so that it can trickle down to the local store management. It depends how upset I get about this over the next few days and have had a chance to consult friends and family. I may contact the news station in the link above and let them know what's going on. I'm sure they'd be happy to look into it. Looking forward to your reply.
Regards
From:
To:
Cc:
Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 7:44 PM
I was forwarded you email that you sent to [email protected] and would like to reply.
You mentioned that the person at our Cheyenne store would not put air in your tire. I would like to know which person and what time of day that was. If our shop is closed there might not have been anyone there to help. If we were open I would like to think we would have easily repaired your tire. Please reply on that.
Regarding the weights etc. in the parking area. Do you still have the tire with the object in the tread? Do you still have the object that was in the tread? If you do I will happily repair your tire or reimburse you for the repairs you had to make. We do not put objects out for customers to ruin their tires. I do apologize if they are in the parking lot, that is bad housekeeping on our part. In our 60 years here in Las Vegas servicing the community we have worked hard to have a reputation of trust by our customers.
As an informational note: This is a very bad town for flat tires. We repair over 30,000 per year. The streets are littered with all kinds of construction items and junk. Most objects are picked up while the car is moving. Typically an object is thrown up by a tire from the car ahead or from a front tire to the back. As the object is spinning it perfectly situates itself so that the pressure of the car can force it through the tread. It is hard to do otherwise. For example if you took that wheel weight and a hammer to try and pound it in you likely could not do it.
And seriously, if you have a problem with our company you only have to call to get a response. Threats may be required for other businesses but not ours. We will do what is right, always.
I also have other staff to call if I am unavailable. My assistant is Brian at cell 467-9179, my retail operations manager, Carlos, at cell 286-4936 or operations manager, Kathy, at 203-3917. We are available to help any of our customers.
I am very sorry for your bad experience. I will do everything I can to take care of the situation.
Sincerely,
Chris Publow
General Manager
Ted Wiens Tire and Auto Centers
1701 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV, 89104
702-942-8964
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Tue, Feb 19, 2008 at 9:18 PM
In regards to your first question: I just clarified with my wife and she said a woman employee came out and looked at the tire and said "it's going to take a lot more than air", then walked away. It was about 12:00pm. So, she didn't exactly refuse, but....
I don't have the tire any longer, because Pep Boys needed to keep it for warranty purposes. But, they noted their findings on the paperwork. If you'd like, I can send you the receipt for reimbursement.
Please let me know my next step.
Thanks,
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From:
To:
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Thank you for your reply. If you could fax a copy of your Pep Boys receipt to me a 735-4061 that would be very helpful. Perhaps the receipt can give me some insight into the failure.
Chris Publow
Ted Wiens Tire
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Sure, I will fax it tomorrow.
Thanks for all your help.
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From:
To:
Date: Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 4:53 PM
I received your fax from Pep Boys. I also spoke with my people who remember your wife and the situation. The lady, Debbie, recalled her pulling in with people advising her of the low tire which subsequently became flat in our drive. They recall that she said something about the tire being recently purchased and under warranty. It appears that Pep Boys replaced your tire under warranty. That would indicate that the tire was not repairable nor would it hold air.
We could have changed your tire, put on your spare or made any repairs you needed had we been asked. As a service we do not charge for changing out your spare. It might have been a help.
So I am trying to figure out what you would like me to do. Since your tire was replaced under warranty, what can I do at this point?
I look forward to your response.
Chris Publow
General Manager
Ted Wiens Tire and Auto Centers
1701 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV, 89104
702-942-8964
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Thanks for the quick reply.
The tire replacement still ran me $70.00, even though it was replaced under warranty. It would have cost $125.00 without the warranty. I was a little disappointed in the minimal amount that the warranty actually saved me; that's another story though. I have spent numerous hours tending to this issue thus far. On top of the time and money spent, Pepboys couldn't even match the tread on the damaged tire, so now I have two different tread designs on my vehicle. This not only reduces the trade-in value of the vehicle, but also, as I'm sure you're aware, having two different tread designs on the front of the vehicle can produce a less than optimal driving experience at high speeds. All of these annoyances aside, all I ask is that Ted Wien's absorb the cost of the replacement and reimburse the $70.00.
Thank you in advance,
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
From:
To:
Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 8:07 PM
It is unfortunate that Pep Boys treated you so poorly. We can't accept any responsibility for that. We are yet to establish that your tire even was ruined on our lot as you don't have the tire or the road hazard object. If you send me your address I will send you certificate for a free oil change valued at $25.
Again, sorry you had so many problems with your tires and Pep Boys.
C. Publow
--------
From: John
To:
Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 1:13 PM
I don't find that to be an acceptable reimbursement for me being a victim of your "poor housekeeping". Not having the 'evidence' is out of my control. However, the gentleman from roadside assistance that changed my tire that night on your premesis would be willing to attest to the fact that the object in my tire was what I stated it was, and that your parking lot had the same type of object scattered sporadically thoughout, as he is the one who brought that to my attention. He, himself was also very concerned that he may pick up an object from your parking lot during his visit.
I'm not asking for a whole lot here and I have complied with all of your requests (on my own time). I will be pursuing this with organizations that govern businesses like yourself. I will also be formally contacting the media to see if they are interested in investigating the matter. They may have already had similar complaints about this matter towards your establishment. Apparently, "threats" like that are necessary for your business.
Kind Regards,
JG
[Quoted text hidden]
--------
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.518 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1322 - Release Date: 3/9/2008 12:17 PM
John
Las Vegas, Nevada
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Firestone
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Mattd
Valencia,California,
U.S.A.
Not Firestone
#2Consumer Comment
Tue, June 03, 2008
This is an independent dealer not a company owned Firestone Store. I did not find your case very arguable. You said "she noticed that she had a flat tire when she pulled into your parking lot." Tires do not go flat instantaneously unless it is a 'blow out' situation. A flat pulling into a parking lot indicates a flat before she even got there. Secondly every car has at least eight wheel weights. Almost no rim/tire assembly can be balanced without a wheel weight. In most instances wheel weights clip onto the rim and they can fall off. There is approximately 68 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. It is very possible this weight that caused your tire to go flat was picked up in the road. If this service facility was going to intentionally put something out to cause people tires to go flat it would deffinately not be a wheel weight. Wheel weights have rounded edges and it would be very difficult for one to puncture through a tire easily. Also the idea of this is just ridiculous. Why would a repair facility litter their parking lot with objects to intentionally cause tires to go flat? Technicians are pulling cars in and out to go on test drives up to to five miles away depending on what they are test driving the car for. So why take the chance a technician will be stuck out nowhere with a flat tire in a customers car which result in the shop paying for a tow truck and likely a tire. Also why would you have your wife and children drive home on a tire that may go flat? I have always told my wife to never get stuck with a flat tire. It is unsafe. She is to get the tire 'replaced' at the nearest facility regardless of cost. $115 is not worth the risk. My wife knows to drive the car even with a flat tire until she gets to a safe place. I cannot emphasize this enough. Finding a wheel weight in the parking lot of an automotive shop is not uncommon. However most shops do their best to make sure they are disposed of properly. Also no news station is going to care. That is an empty threat that anyone can see through. Granted during sweeps season new stations do try and increase their ratings by doing investigations into businesses like the automotive business. However these are pre planned and can take several months to do. This is a pretty ridiculous comment. It follows right along with "I will call my lawyer". The fact is if you where wealthy enough to have a lawyer on reserve you wouldnt be shopping there. My whole opinion about this is that you immediately jumped at a conclusion that you thought would best suit your interest 'or save you a few dollars' but in all reality you just wasted your time.
Mattd
Valencia,California,
U.S.A.
Not Firestone
#3Consumer Comment
Tue, June 03, 2008
This is an independent dealer not a company owned Firestone Store. I did not find your case very arguable. You said "she noticed that she had a flat tire when she pulled into your parking lot." Tires do not go flat instantaneously unless it is a 'blow out' situation. A flat pulling into a parking lot indicates a flat before she even got there. Secondly every car has at least eight wheel weights. Almost no rim/tire assembly can be balanced without a wheel weight. In most instances wheel weights clip onto the rim and they can fall off. There is approximately 68 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. It is very possible this weight that caused your tire to go flat was picked up in the road. If this service facility was going to intentionally put something out to cause people tires to go flat it would deffinately not be a wheel weight. Wheel weights have rounded edges and it would be very difficult for one to puncture through a tire easily. Also the idea of this is just ridiculous. Why would a repair facility litter their parking lot with objects to intentionally cause tires to go flat? Technicians are pulling cars in and out to go on test drives up to to five miles away depending on what they are test driving the car for. So why take the chance a technician will be stuck out nowhere with a flat tire in a customers car which result in the shop paying for a tow truck and likely a tire. Also why would you have your wife and children drive home on a tire that may go flat? I have always told my wife to never get stuck with a flat tire. It is unsafe. She is to get the tire 'replaced' at the nearest facility regardless of cost. $115 is not worth the risk. My wife knows to drive the car even with a flat tire until she gets to a safe place. I cannot emphasize this enough. Finding a wheel weight in the parking lot of an automotive shop is not uncommon. However most shops do their best to make sure they are disposed of properly. Also no news station is going to care. That is an empty threat that anyone can see through. Granted during sweeps season new stations do try and increase their ratings by doing investigations into businesses like the automotive business. However these are pre planned and can take several months to do. This is a pretty ridiculous comment. It follows right along with "I will call my lawyer". The fact is if you where wealthy enough to have a lawyer on reserve you wouldnt be shopping there. My whole opinion about this is that you immediately jumped at a conclusion that you thought would best suit your interest 'or save you a few dollars' but in all reality you just wasted your time.
Mattd
Valencia,California,
U.S.A.
Not Firestone
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, June 03, 2008
This is an independent dealer not a company owned Firestone Store. I did not find your case very arguable. You said "she noticed that she had a flat tire when she pulled into your parking lot." Tires do not go flat instantaneously unless it is a 'blow out' situation. A flat pulling into a parking lot indicates a flat before she even got there. Secondly every car has at least eight wheel weights. Almost no rim/tire assembly can be balanced without a wheel weight. In most instances wheel weights clip onto the rim and they can fall off. There is approximately 68 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. It is very possible this weight that caused your tire to go flat was picked up in the road. If this service facility was going to intentionally put something out to cause people tires to go flat it would deffinately not be a wheel weight. Wheel weights have rounded edges and it would be very difficult for one to puncture through a tire easily. Also the idea of this is just ridiculous. Why would a repair facility litter their parking lot with objects to intentionally cause tires to go flat? Technicians are pulling cars in and out to go on test drives up to to five miles away depending on what they are test driving the car for. So why take the chance a technician will be stuck out nowhere with a flat tire in a customers car which result in the shop paying for a tow truck and likely a tire. Also why would you have your wife and children drive home on a tire that may go flat? I have always told my wife to never get stuck with a flat tire. It is unsafe. She is to get the tire 'replaced' at the nearest facility regardless of cost. $115 is not worth the risk. My wife knows to drive the car even with a flat tire until she gets to a safe place. I cannot emphasize this enough. Finding a wheel weight in the parking lot of an automotive shop is not uncommon. However most shops do their best to make sure they are disposed of properly. Also no news station is going to care. That is an empty threat that anyone can see through. Granted during sweeps season new stations do try and increase their ratings by doing investigations into businesses like the automotive business. However these are pre planned and can take several months to do. This is a pretty ridiculous comment. It follows right along with "I will call my lawyer". The fact is if you where wealthy enough to have a lawyer on reserve you wouldnt be shopping there. My whole opinion about this is that you immediately jumped at a conclusion that you thought would best suit your interest 'or save you a few dollars' but in all reality you just wasted your time.
Mattd
Valencia,California,
U.S.A.
Not Firestone
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, June 03, 2008
This is an independent dealer not a company owned Firestone Store. I did not find your case very arguable. You said "she noticed that she had a flat tire when she pulled into your parking lot." Tires do not go flat instantaneously unless it is a 'blow out' situation. A flat pulling into a parking lot indicates a flat before she even got there. Secondly every car has at least eight wheel weights. Almost no rim/tire assembly can be balanced without a wheel weight. In most instances wheel weights clip onto the rim and they can fall off. There is approximately 68 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. It is very possible this weight that caused your tire to go flat was picked up in the road. If this service facility was going to intentionally put something out to cause people tires to go flat it would deffinately not be a wheel weight. Wheel weights have rounded edges and it would be very difficult for one to puncture through a tire easily. Also the idea of this is just ridiculous. Why would a repair facility litter their parking lot with objects to intentionally cause tires to go flat? Technicians are pulling cars in and out to go on test drives up to to five miles away depending on what they are test driving the car for. So why take the chance a technician will be stuck out nowhere with a flat tire in a customers car which result in the shop paying for a tow truck and likely a tire. Also why would you have your wife and children drive home on a tire that may go flat? I have always told my wife to never get stuck with a flat tire. It is unsafe. She is to get the tire 'replaced' at the nearest facility regardless of cost. $115 is not worth the risk. My wife knows to drive the car even with a flat tire until she gets to a safe place. I cannot emphasize this enough. Finding a wheel weight in the parking lot of an automotive shop is not uncommon. However most shops do their best to make sure they are disposed of properly. Also no news station is going to care. That is an empty threat that anyone can see through. Granted during sweeps season new stations do try and increase their ratings by doing investigations into businesses like the automotive business. However these are pre planned and can take several months to do. This is a pretty ridiculous comment. It follows right along with "I will call my lawyer". The fact is if you where wealthy enough to have a lawyer on reserve you wouldnt be shopping there. My whole opinion about this is that you immediately jumped at a conclusion that you thought would best suit your interest 'or save you a few dollars' but in all reality you just wasted your time.
