Are tyres covered under the warranty?

[Sponge]

I've just had a puncture repaired on one of my tyres. While I was there the owner of the garage said all four tyres were cracked (in the tread grooves) and that as the car has only done 13k miles and is under 2 years old they need replacing. He says the cracks are dangerous (water ingress) and that it isn't a case of wear and tear. They should last a lot longer than they have and suggested going back to Audi and asking for either new tyres, or split the costs.

So far, both dealers I have spoken to are denying responsibility and that any issue I have needs to be directed to the manufacturer of the tyres.

My understanding of the Sale of Goods Act is that I deal with the place I bought the goods, not the manufacturer of those goods. I fail to see the difference here. But Audi aren't budging.

Any one got any advice?

[RedRobin]

Generally tyres are not included under warranty as a general principle. However, you may be successful if you get the garage owner to put his professional opinion/assessment in writing and submit that. Additionally obtain further professional assessments in writing. I assume from your post that you haven't contacted Audi UK yet but just the dealer.

[Sponge]

Just the dealer. My local one and the one I bought the car from.

The garage has said it's a fault and as such is a warranty claim.

He laughed when I told him what the dealer said about getting a report and going to Dunlop. 'That's Audi trying to get out of it', he said.

[Sponge]

Update:

It looks like the only option being offered me is to get a tyre specialist (Audi suggested Kwik Fit or ATS) to remove our tyres and submit a report (and/or the tyres) to Dunlop for consideration. In the meantime I have to pay for a full set of new rubber.

Then, if a fault is acknowledged, they will offer me a credit note of some sort. Which will be of no use to me, as I would've already forked out for the new tyres.

My garage has suggested trying a letter to Audi UK.

In the meantime, my wife is now panicing as she's scared the tyres are going to fall apart with her and the baby in the car!

As an aside, I trust the opinion of the tyre dealer. My dad and I have been using him for what must be decades. He showed me the cracks and they're plain to see.

[shao_khan]

Is tha car Audi Used car? If so surely it undergoes a comprehensive 100 point check that determines the vehicles suitability for the road?

[Sponge]

We've had it from new. Purchased Oct 2005.

[sidicks]

[ QUOTE ]

We've had it from new. Purchased Oct 2005.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you know when it was built? I wonder it is was sitting around in a compound somewhere for a number of months before you took delivery?

Sidicks

[TwoSheds]

It would be worth checking the DOT code on the tyre sidewalls to see the date when they were produced as a matter of interest.

(Its probable they were made in 2005 though)

[Sponge]

The tyre guy checked the code at the time and it coincides with when we bought the car.

[Sponge]

I've written to Audi UK via their online email form. Watch this space.

[Sponge]

Dealer submitted a report to Audi UK. I've just had a call from them (dealer) and Audi UK have spoken to Dunlop and concluded tyres are ok.

Cracking is normal and not dangerous. They say because it isn't down to the wire, they're nothing to worry about.

I think I might ask for that in writing.

I might just buy some new tyres though, because I've lost all confidence in them.

[jettadeluxe]

[ QUOTE ]

So far, both dealers I have spoken to are denying responsibility and that any issue I have needs to be directed to the manufacturer of the tyres.

[/ QUOTE ]

So if your in-car stereo goes wonky, do Audi shake their head and say, "You need to speak to Bose, mate, not our problem!"

[Sponge]

Exactly.

[Tarmac_Terrorist]

I'd try and get them to quote that in writing - tell them you're about to undertake a high speed trip across Europe and need some reassurance.

I guess as far as Audi is concerned, it comes down to goodwill with tyres