Sr 180 Tyre Nightmare

[gsimpson]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

[MarsKy]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

Don't know why Elgin is your nearest fitter. The list of garages is at Run Flat Fitters - although this list was from some time ago, and whether they are all still offering the service is questionable given that the Bridgestone run flats and support rings seem to be going out of fashion and it's probably uneconomical to provide continued support.

If and when you get your wheel back, ask them if there was any damage to the tyre pressure monitoring sensor when McCocnechy's tried to repair it.

EDIT: I see it's a Toyota franchise in Elgin. But from the list, there is a McConechy independent in Aberdeen who could do it.

[three5]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

Don't know why Elgin is your nearest fitter. The list of garages is at Run Flat Fitters - although this list was from some time ago, and whether they are all still offering the service is questionable given that the Bridgestone run flats and support rings seem to be going out of fashion and it's probably uneconomical to provide continued support.

If and when you get your wheel back, ask them if there was any damage to the tyre pressure monitoring sensor when McCocnechy's tried to repair it.

EDIT: I see it's a Toyota franchise in Elgin. But from the list, there is a McConechy independent in Aberdeen who could do it.

Gary,

there are a lot of threads on here about the 180 runflat debacle - well worth a search. It is possible to remove the "support rings" from the tyres and even fit different tyres to your existing wheels. There are quite a lot of us who have a spare wheel ( non-toyota ) in the boot now, even though it does take up a fair bit of space. Personally, I'm not convinced about the tube-of-glue repair kit and feel much better/safer/more secure with a spare wheel. The glue would probably have kept you going with the puncture that you had, but it wouldn't help is you had a cut in the tyre. In your position, with the mileage that you do, I would do away with the runflats, keep the TPMS system and invest in a spare. Hell of a lot cheaper than changing what is otherwise a perfectly serviceable motor.

[anchorman]

Don't forget my grand wheel sale!!!

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...howtopic=104322

[gsimpson]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

Don't know why Elgin is your nearest fitter. The list of garages is at Run Flat Fitters - although this list was from some time ago, and whether they are all still offering the service is questionable given that the Bridgestone run flats and support rings seem to be going out of fashion and it's probably uneconomical to provide continued support.

If and when you get your wheel back, ask them if there was any damage to the tyre pressure monitoring sensor when McCocnechy's tried to repair it.

EDIT: I see it's a Toyota franchise in Elgin. But from the list, there is a McConechy independent in Aberdeen who could do it.

Gary,

there are a lot of threads on here about the 180 runflat debacle - well worth a search. It is possible to remove the "support rings" from the tyres and even fit different tyres to your existing wheels. There are quite a lot of us who have a spare wheel ( non-toyota ) in the boot now, even though it does take up a fair bit of space. Personally, I'm not convinced about the tube-of-glue repair kit and feel much better/safer/more secure with a spare wheel. The glue would probably have kept you going with the puncture that you had, but it wouldn't help is you had a cut in the tyre. In your position, with the mileage that you do, I would do away with the runflats, keep the TPMS system and invest in a spare. Hell of a lot cheaper than changing what is otherwise a perfectly serviceable motor.

In response - Have now found out that Dundee and Perth have the facilities. The Aberdeen McConechy`s machine has been broken for some time. Would you happen to have any links where it tells you how to remove the support rings. How does this effect the warranty.

I appreciate your responses and feedback.

Thankyou

Gary

[anchorman]

Some Toyota dealers will do it for a fee as long as you sign a disclaimer that you accept liability.

Don't let that put you off. Get rid of the damn things.

[dave.m]

Welcome to the club dont let the sh^t tyre system you have spoil what is a great car for you. As others

have said, ditch the tyres and buy a spare. See photo, space wise you lose 25% max so it's well worth it.

[sywy]

Some Toyota dealers will do it for a fee as long as you sign a disclaimer that you accept liability.

The 2 dealers I contacted to do this wouldn't touch it, despite me saying I would sign a disclaimer :(

[stuck in dubs]

Toyota Elgin currently taking minimum £217 per tyre fitted, they have to charge labour on top of the tyre cost...... and that assumes you don't need the support ring or TPMS valve replaced :o

I need to change two tyres on my T180..... angle grinder me thinks!!

[anchorman]

Some Toyota dealers will do it for a fee as long as you sign a disclaimer that you accept liability.

The 2 dealers I contacted to do this wouldn't touch it, despite me saying I would sign a disclaimer :(

I was told by someone they had done it but I can't remember who. I think you have to phone around.

[bomber06]

When I enquired about Mr T removing the support rings they referred me to Toyota UK for approval and after 2 phone calls I wasn't able to definitive answer. It was when I contacted an independant tyre company who then contacted Bridgestone directly that I got somewhere. Bridgestone's view was that the inner support ring could be removed, but they would require me to sign a waiver and contact my insurance company. Not sure what the insurance view would be, no different to fitting aftermarket alloys I presume.

I decided to stick with the inner support ring as there are 2 local dealerships who stock the tyres and charge £180 fitted.

I seem to remember that Kirk from Bridgestone posted a list of independant garages in the UK.

[Sagitar]

I am told that we are heading towards legislation that will eventually make run-flats compulsory, but it seems to me that there are still enough issues with them to make me stay away for the time being.

We all have to make up our own minds, but for me, at present, run-flats are to be avoided.

[bothwell_buyer]

yer all missing the point - poor Gary is being stuffed by greedy landrover loving garage owners in North east Scotland, where knowledge of cars extends to fitting landrovers with towing hooks at the front.....

Gary - swap over to a nice looking set of alloys and tyres - I can give you one or 2 contacts down in Glasgow and if need be, I can arrange to ship a set up to you for not a lot as my adopted uncle comes from Montrose and a trip up there would be no problem....keeps him and me out of mischief!

[anchorman]

No - not missing the point Bothy. My views on this subject are well documented and I would get them off my T180 and fit standard tyres in the blink of an eye.

You shouldn't knock LR mechanics bothy, they do very little in the way of servicing and spend most of their time doing warranty and repairs. They should be better than your average dealer mechanic or "techy" what ever they call themselves these days!!!

I though front towing eyes were standard and easily accessed on all LRs these days???

[bothwell_buyer]

No - not missing the point Bothy. My views on this subject are well documented and I would get them off my T180 and fit standard tyres in the blink of an eye.

You shouldn't knock LR mechanics bothy, they do very little in the way of servicing and spend most of their time doing warranty and repairs. They should be better than your average dealer mechanic or "techy" what ever they call themselves these days!!!

I though front towing eyes were standard and easily accessed on all LRs these days???

aye - they call them a front winch! Self towing - the latest craze!

[gsimpson]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

Thankyou for all the replies. I am still waiting for the damage report - apparantly they could not get near Elgin last week for the weather - the wheel is going up today.

Dont know what to do yet - still very angry about it.

Surely Toyota have a responsibity here.

I will let you know when I know - so to speak !!

Gary

[anchorman]

I'm amazed that the media haven't got onto this yet.........

[Lordy1]

Gary, I totally appreciate your plight, having been faced with the same prob back in June last year when I bought an approved T180. Honestly don't think I would have bought car had I known about these runflats ! As a temp measure I purchased (Ebay) a genuine spare which I have already had to use.

Though they are ridiculous, I do like/appreciate the safety issue and would, on the balance of it, be retiscent about switching to standard tyres.

Can anyone help, if the safety ring is removed are there any normal/standard runflat tyres that would fit the rims ???? If so this is prob the best option for me.

Regards

[gsimpson]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

Hello -update

Spoke to Toyota Aberdeen this morning - completely wasted - £590.

The tyre was repairable too - would have been less than £100.

Off to McConechy`s to give them the good news. I will be getting a detailed damage report as I wont be paying most of this.

However still leaves me with one hell of a problem.

To go slightly off topic I only bought this car for £18,395 - would it be worth trading in for the new one - perhaps an XT-R

Sincerest regards to you all - thanks again for the feedback

Gary

[MarsKy]

Hello -update

Spoke to Toyota Aberdeen this morning - completely wasted - £590.

The tyre was repairable too - would have been less than £100.

Off to McConechy`s to give them the good news. I will be getting a detailed damage report as I wont be paying most of this.

However still leaves me with one hell of a problem.

To go slightly off topic I only bought this car for £18,395 - would it be worth trading in for the new one - perhaps an XT-R

Sincerest regards to you all - thanks again for the feedback

Every time you buy and sell on, you'll probably lose out financially. And for the loss price you could probably get a set of 5 x alloys and 5 x ordinary tyres with a bit of astute internet searching.

[gsimpson]

Hello - my first post.

Purchased a Rav4 SR180 last April for my wife who mainly uses it for work, 20,000/ year. Great car - lovely drive - nippy. When we bought the car from Toyota Aberdeen we were never informed about the tyres only that you could run them flat - never occurred to me to ask. I did not even know that you had to take the car back to a dealer to repair.

So, last week a warning light - low tyre pressure. Looked like the passenger back tyre was bit soft.

Here we go - took it to my local McConechy`s centre in Montrose. They took the wheel off - nail in the middle of the tyre. They said they could repair it. 30 mins later I was getting a bit concerned as there were a few guys doing all manner of things with the wheel. Thats when the manager looks out of the window and realises its a Toyota - we cannot do those tyres - its a specialist job - TOO LATE. Another hour later trying to reflate the tyre - no chance. They ended up having to drive up to Aberdeen to get me a spare wheel which is still on my car. Turns out Aberdeen do not have the machine but Elgin do - away up on the Moray Firth and currently under 150 feet of snow !!!

Thats when I got the lovely surprise - the cost. Minimum £150 up to a couple of million !

Had no idea until I googled and arrived at this forum - a huge problem for years.

My wheel is still at Aberdeen - they will get it up to Elgin next week. I have asked for a damage report as I fully intend to give McConechy`s the bill for any damage they have causesd which I think will be total as they were at it with eveything but a kitchen sink.

Thing is I have a real issue with this car now - with such high milage/year this could be unaffordable. I asked toyota if they would let me trade in the wheels for the new ones with the repair kit - stupid question.

I feel and am completely screwed. Did they have a resposibility to inform me of the cost of these tyres when we made enquiries on purchase.

Toyota are making a fortune from so why should they care. Stupid, crazy idea.

We have a car now that I dont really want anymore.

I know I am not the only one !!

Sincere regards and Happy New Year (i wish )

Gary Simpson

Hello -update

Spoke to Toyota Aberdeen this morning - completely wasted - £590.

The tyre was repairable too - would have been less than £100.

Off to McConechy`s to give them the good news. I will be getting a detailed damage report as I wont be paying most of this.

However still leaves me with one hell of a problem.

To go slightly off topic I only bought this car for £18,395 - would it be worth trading in for the new one - perhaps an XT-R

Sincerest regards to you all - thanks again for the feedback

Gary

Further update

Not only have I been shafted by Toyota over the car in the first place I now find out that the final bill will include a 10% fee for dealing with the repair for me - and for borrowing their spare.

Speechless !!!!!!

Gary

[sywy]

Speak to Toyota UK, and see what they have to say about it.

I complained about my puncture a couple of years ago, and they gave me half of my costs back, as a service voucher. £125 I got back, I think it was.

[anchorman]

Go and drive a new xtr and then decide. Trust me they are an absolute delight and feel different to the current (pre new facelift) models. The gearbox is different again and they are lovely to drive. You can get a nearly new one for 22k and then chip it if you miss the power. The nice thing is you get rid of those blasted RFTs which are a nightmare just waiting to happen.

Is it worth changing? Well for somebody who has suffered the initial shock of realising they have subscribed to the hidious Toyota/Bridgestone despicable trick of the century, it would be a shame to burn your bridges because the it is a superb vehicle and the latest revisions are understated - possibly to stop us complaining about ours.