A few months back, we had all four tires changed out at Just Tires. We blew out the driver tire just before Christmas and went to a different facility to buy a new one. We were told there that they could not replace that single one because the rest of the tires were of a lower speed rating than specified (in the door, it tells you apparently). My question is, is Just Tires liable for any of this? We of course didn‘t know at the time that we were driving on tires of a lower speed rating but we want to go back to Just Tires and see what they can do. Help!
Did you drive over the speed rating of the tires? If the car specifies say 130 mph tires, and someone fitted 120 mph tires, they should still be safe UNLESS you drive over 120 mph If you never drove over 100 mph, then the lower speed rating has ZERO effect on why the tire blew out. And if you make a habit of driving over 100 mph, then YOU need to check the rating and condition of your tires yourself. Now the second tire shop may not sell you that tire for your car for legal reasons. People bring lawsuits for all sorts of frivolous reasons. like their new tires aren't the EXACT correct spec. But, you could go back to the original company and discuss the matter. Looking at the tire should give some clue as to WHY it blew out. If it's got a freaking big nail or cut in it, then that's just bad luck. If there is no obvious reason for the tire failing, then maybe it was faulty and you are owed a replacement?
Liable for what? For one, there is no law against fitting tires of a lower speed rating than that which were originally fitted to the vehicle. It changes the maximum speed capability of the vehicle which for any tire legal for sale on public roads will be rated for speeds far in excess of the legal limit anyway. For another, there is no law preventing the replacement of one tire with another of the same speed rating. Indeed, it is best that all four match. Third, why didn't you know you were driving on tires of a lower speed rating than originally specified for the vehicle. Your owners manual and the tire placard inside the drivers door tell you exactly what you need. It is your duty as a consumer to make sure you purchase the correct replacements or if you opt not to, that you understand the MAXIMUM speed capability of your vehicle will be reduced. You have some responsibility in this too ya know! Lastly, this shop you took it to after the blowout clearly doesn't know their **** or perhaps just want to sell you four new tires instead of one. You don't NEED four new tires. Shop elsewhere.
