65 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHTire Rack and Poor Quality
Reported or suspected cause
different as is each solution
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause · Original poster
Each problem is different as is each solution, but the point is we don't just tell them to go pound sand.
Leading evidence: 'different as is each solution' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'different as is each solution' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend not' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause · Original poster
Not working with your customers when they have an issue is poor customer service.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
You may want to look at the wheel cleaner used by your car wash/detailer to ensure they are not using a harsh acid type cleaner, we had a problem at the dealership with our car wash guys using an acid type wheel cleaner that damaged some finishes on the calipers/wheels..
Set which i purchased 3 years ago(have 2 mn winters
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
The winter wheel set which I purchased 3 years ago(have 2 MN winters on them), are severely corroded and the paint is blistering and peeling all over the wheels.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
65 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T000231Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
A public service announcement to Rennlisters
Based on my recent experience with Tire Rack, I would highly recommend not using their services. The winter wheel set which I purchased 3 years ago(have 2 MN winters on them), are severely corroded and the paint is blistering and peeling all over the wheels. As someone who is in the paint and corrosion industry I can tell you this is the direct result of poor surface prep, poor paint application or poor paint. When I brought this to their attention it took multiple emails, phone calls to get a response only to be told the warranty on steel wheels is one year and there must have been a chemical splashed on them and there is nothing they will do. Granted they are steel not aluminum wheels, but nevertheless they should hold up much better. Very poor way to do business and I will be spreading the word not to do business with them.
Good luck. I don't think you have any recourse here. 3 years in and 2 winters on salted roads. I've had no issues dealing with TR, but I've only purchased tires from them, not wheels.
Did Tire Rack manufacture the wheels? If not, did they paint them?
I have had great experiences with Tire Rack. I ordered a tire and wheel set yesterday for the Fiesta ST and they arrive tomorrow. Once I put the wheels on the car though, any concerns would be addressed by the manufacturer. I personally wouldn't go back to Tire Rack for issues.
yea....sorry you're not going to win on this one
I have OEM factory wheels with 4 PA salt/somewhat harsh winters on a set and have paint bubble/peel etc....just like you're describing.
Personally I've been buying from TR for almost my entire driving career, when the only contact was phone orders, Stand up company.
Ask Damon here to help you with the situation as a Rennlist member.
But considering MN winters I wouldn't have been surprised at what you see. Todays road treatments are worse than ever.
take them and have them blasted and repaint w Etching primer and then color coated.
You might get a few more years.
Such silliness. Please, enlighten us, and tell us how YOUR COMPANY handles warranty claims 2 years out of date? This would be a great comparison, since you are in the "paint and corrosion industry" and all.
I've been buying tires and services from The Tire Rack for over 15 years. I even drive the +180 miles roundtrip, just to have tires installed, because their work quality is so excellent. When I've had contact with Customer Service, they have been extremely helpful, fair, and prompt.
I�m guessing the OP�s business is wildly different from Chinese-made cheap steel wheels? Probably not a fair comparison. Actually, the fact that OP has a business doing this line of work could indicate the need for higher quality.
I have only done TR business for tires, not wheels.
That said, I find most wheels to be cheap and poorly made in the aftermarket space, except very expensive ones that I�m too cheap to buy. So I�m not surprised the OP has these issues.
And here we go, Mr Lexvan and his silliness clearly misses the point, but I'm not surprised as there are always some who don't get it.
There are two issues at play here: poor product quality and poor customer service. Poor product quality can be the result of the factors I mentioned in my original post. Poor customer service is inexcusable. Multiple emails and phone calls regarding an issue with a product purchased from a reputable company are poor customer service. Not working with your customers when they have an issue is poor customer service. When we have a customer with a product issue, we work with them to resolve it such that they remain a customer, but Mr Lexvan wouldn't understand.
One additional data point here - bought a tire and wheel package from Tire Rack for my 2013 Mustang GT. Winter tires and "Sport Edition" alloy wheels. Used them three winters with lots of salt and they still look brand new (car is long gone but the winter tires are still in my garage...). Just ordered new tires for my 911 from them. Good company.
Daryll
Simple. You offer a solution that shows you're willing to stand behind the products you sell. Options like covering the labor to have the wheels stripped and refinished for example. That's what keeps customers, not giving them a too bad, tough luck response.
I have used tire rack dozens of times for wheels and tires without issue. I would always recomend them.
with respect, the problem is we as customers expect companies to do more then they have too. Tire rack is only required to do what the warranty states. Nothing more and nothing less. If they tell you to pound sand - deal with it. If they gave you a free set of wheels - kudos to them.
truth is they are a huge company. They do their best to make as many people as they can happy. But they cant as a bussiness bend over for every complaint otherwise they would be out of business.
We work with our customers in an effort to keep them. Each problem is different as is each solution, but the point is we don't just tell them to go pound sand.
I've said my peace, they've lost me as a customer and they certainly won't gain any customers from my recommendations(I usedto tell everyone how satisfied I was with them as well).
In other words, no.
Which wheel did you purchase? I'm curious because I looked up a winter wheel package for my GF's lexus and the "Preferred" default package lists each wheel at $116 ea. Even at double this price, these winter wheels are insanely cheap! Any stripping, and refinishing would could waaaay more than just buying a new wheel! If you're that bothered by it, buy a new wheel and move on with your life.
I don't know the details of what transpired between you and TR's customer service, but it might've been nice if they offered to speak to the manufacturer of your wheels to see if they can do anything. Other than that, I don't fault them.
My dad taught me not all customers are worth having. He would recommend the unreasonable customers to his competitors.
It's unfortunate that they didn't respond to the first request. And I am sure frustrating to have to reach out multiple times for any response. I align to this. It hasn't been my experience with them, but if I did experience that, I would also be frustrated.
Tire Rack is not a manufacturer though. They do not warrant the product. They sell a product with a manufacturers warranty. Even with the questions to OP about what they do in their own business aren't the same. I assume OP warrants their work because they actually do the work.
If I buy a TV through Amazon and I get beyond the return window, I go to the manufacturer for support.
The wheels were purchased at the agreed upon price. The wheels were provided. And the wheels were used for 3 years. Seems like Tire Rack fulfilled their obligations. Any additional concerns should be made to the manufacturer to see how they treat you.
im in the restaurant business... when a customer eats half their steak and tells me they didnt like it (and they want it taken off their tab), i tell them they�re paying or im calling the cops...
�something for nothing... call Domino�s�
Hmmmm..........my Land Rover Discovery has some corrosion on the chassis from years on salty Cleveland roads. Wonder if I can get Land Rover do anything about it?
Astro, I'm very empathic to you. In today's world, it's always point the finger. I could give you many examples where companies would rather keep stalling a customer and blaming the other instead of owning up to the problem.
"Sorry sir, it's not out fault, our computers are made with state-of-the-art technology. It's more than likely bad code or a bug in the app, contact the software company", replies the hardware manufacturer.
"Umm, sir, our software is tested to run on multiple 64 bit platforms, the manufacturers are probably producing computers with obsolete 16 & 32 bit hardware... you'll have to take it up with the retailer... they shouldn't be selling this crap!", exclaims, the software company.
"Hi, sir, sorry for the three hour wait, but we looked at your case and unfortunately that computer you bought from us has exceeded our 30 day return or exchange period; therefore, you'll need to talk with the computer and software companies to handle your issue. I wish you all the best, sir and thank you for shopping at Everglades.com" replies, the customer service representative.
Astro, I've experienced this kind of thing many times with products that you'd expect to last a reasonable amount of time before they crap out. Think about it, most of the 20 year old BBS and Borbet wheels that Porsche puts on their cars are still running strong and looking great too. However, we must manage our expectations. We can't expect the same quality out of cheapo wheels from Tire Rack to be on the same level as a BBS/Borbet. I don't know what brand of wheels you bought, but I do know that Tire Rack sells high-end and very low quality economical models.
My best advice is NOT to shoot the messenger, but instead, try to contact the people who make the wheels and see if they'll do anything for you. If you're hoping for a freebie, I wouldn't hold your breath given the fact that you've been using them for 3 years. Maybe they'll repair them for a reduced fee? I have a nice pair of Costa sunglasses. They are my favorite. I use them when fishing, driving my car, work, etc. I've cracked the lenses twice. These glasses are sold with a "lifetime limited warranty", but I don't expect them to replace or repair them out of neglect, but the first time I cracked a lens, they fell onto soft vinyl flooring. When I shipped them to Costa, at first they were going to charge me their normal repair rate of $75.00. I called to explain the circumstances and customer rep had the technician closely examine the damage. They later wrote back and said that they determined it was definitely a manufacturing defect and repaired them for free. The second time, I dropped them on cement and cracked them again. I didn't expect a freebie and it was clearly my mistake. $75 and my glasses are like new again. Catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!
If they don't support their product in a reasonable, fair fashion, then post back the name of manufacturer and that will help lots of people to avoid the same issue. Good luck!
Astro, what exactly is your business? What do you supply as a warranty? You want us to compare your business to theirs as if its apples and apples. Lets say you are in the auto body industry, maybe your paint supplier offers a 10yr, or lifetime warranty so if there is an issue the paint manufacturer pays you for your time to repaint something due to their faulty product. In an instance like that you have the luxury to stand behind your warranty longer because someone else is picking up the tab. Not saying this is the case but we have no idea what you do and how you can back it?I do agree customer service is important but from experience of running my own company there are just some customers you can not please. You know the type I am sure. Ask yourself are you being one of those customers? I feel like you are barking up the wrong tree, your gripe should be with the manufacturer, not Tire Rack.
My big takeaway from this and many other rust and salt problem posts is to live way down here where it (almost) never snows.
I love our 50 - 60� winters.
I run summer tires year round!
Ha! Finally someone brought some wisdom to the 996 community. I would argue that the 911 loves the south a lot more than the cold north! Maybe I should be quiet cause this could inflame another civil war among the Porsche nation? North vs South... or... The borescored bunch vs. the oil staved chain breakers? hahaha
Tire rack has been great over the 20 years I've used them! Bought a set of winter tires and wheels from them once and the lug bolt holes were too narrow they sent me free lug nuts and a lug nut wrench. I thought I was getting oem or at least compatible wheels. They took care of me I had them in 2 days
Wow, this thread certainly has had broad range of responses, some very professional,others not worth reading, but I guess that is what happens on blogs.
My expectations are not unreasonable. Did I buy top of the line aluminum racing wheels ? Am I expecting to get my wheels replaced ? Of course not. I bought a set with winter tires(which have been great by the way) for the winter season. My issue has simply been all along with the poor service and poor response that TR provided.
Poor response time, poor response are the issue here which is what prompted the post.
TR could have simply responded in a timely manner that the product is out of warranty and that further issues should be taken up with the mfg of wheels and provided the contact info for the mfg. Done, simple as that and there would have never been a post.
Is it fair to say that a reasonable person would've reached out to TR, and in the meantime reached out to the manufacturer as well? Finding out the manufacture's contact information isn't hard anymore. 5 minutes of searching max? It took you longer to write this post than it would've taken to find their contact information.
If you had such a long standing relationship with Tire Rack, even to the point of referring them to family & friends, why wasn't your first point of contact your TR salesperson?
Please post pictures of these 996 winter duty wheels. Let's see the problem.
I'll chime in on my experience with the Tire Rack. I've been using for years with tires for varied vehicles ranging from Triumph, Toyota MR2, BMW and of course Porsche. Also, two winter tire and wheelsets delivered mounted and shipped to my door ready to install. (2003 MINI and 2014 MINI Paceman Cooper ALL4) I've never had a problem nor issue with service or product in all instances. This includes the latter 2014 winter set for the Paceman (albeit alloy wheels that to this day is just fine! At this point with dealing with them on future orders (knock on wood) I'd expect at SOME point there may be a supplier issue or a customer service issue as who knows... Human error? Like a bad day or period (i.e company internal employee "drama"? It happens) and that may have been JUST the time the less than savory experience occurred.
I'd say take multiple experiences dealing with them in the future before a definitive thumbs down. But if one experience or two has been had well I'd go by general consensus.
It appears most if not all are positive.
That said sorry for OP's less than stellar wheel experience...;(
not taking sides in this one, but I also have had good experiences at TR. Others could have different opinions and I respect that.
Out of curiosity I looked on the website, I didn't see any steel wheel options for the 996. Maybe those wheels are no longer offered, or maybe it was for a different car ??
As a person who has been involved in sales and customer service in both retail and highly technical B2B for 30 yrs....your expectations are way out of line. TR is simply NOT going to take any responsibility for, or interest in, a warranty claim on a 3yr old purchase (I laugh out loud when I get one of THOSE emails). If they did this, they would need to start charging more for their goods and services...they are a DISCOUNT dealer. Not even Nordstrom would guarantee that they'd take them back (though Lands End might)….but at stores like this you pay a premium for the product. Your claim is and only should have been with the MFR.
Just get them powder coated and call it a day. I have had similar results with all cheap aftermarket wheels in our climate. You get what you pay for. I have had my wife�s aftermarket Land Rover wheels done locally for $100/ wheel.
BTW, I plastidipped the OEM winter wheels for my 911and they have held up great for 3 seasons.
Yes, I will be stripping and refinishing them in the spring when they come off. I've thought about the Plastidip route as well since that could be fun.
I vote for PlastiDip. That stuff is amazing! I just plastidipped my center caps and lugs. Beautiful finish I'm telling ya. I was so excited the way it looked I wanted to PlastiDip my wife. She didn't agree.
Honestly as someone in the service industry you don't come across as a customer worth keeping. You bought a cheap product and expected it to last forever. Ask any track guy and they consider wheels an annual wear item, many of them at $500+ per wheel. Things wear out, especially when you abuse them. Had they come damaged that would be a different story and I've had Tire Rack step up every time they have had something be damaged either by them or in shipping.
Sorry Astro, I have been AWOL a few days because this is our busiest time of year...........
1. Those are not steel wheels. That is an alloy wheel. See the JWL cast into the wheel in the 4th picture?
That's a Japanese cast wheel test rating.
2. I have not heard word one from you in regards to this order before reading this.
3. I'm sorry that we have not lived up to your expectations on the finish. Minnesota winters are about as bad as you get on wheels. I want a stab at making it right the best I can. PM me your order number please and I will look into.
I said in an earlier post I had just ordered from Tire Rack and the wheels/tires were received this week. I busted them open and then headed to GTechniq for some C5 Wheel Armor since they are 5 minutes from the house and their coatings are great. Set the wheels up on the kitchen island to wash them and to visually inspect them when I find that one wheel has a nick in it.
Call Tire Rack. Speak to CS. Very nice and very direct representative. Send photo. She confirms no wheels in-stock. Offers a couple of other solutions. Emails me same day with an ETA for a new wheel and tire. Confirm the order, packing material ships for the nicked wheel and order confirmation is emailed for the new wheel.
Start to finish in less than 24 hours and follow-up on a Saturday. Once again - zero complaints with how Tire Rack does Customer Service.
Edit - grammar
Wow, I come back to Rennlist to check up on some old threads and noticed that Tire Rack has responded in a professional fashion. This is really good news and reassuring. I would encourage Damon to closely listen to Astro's criticism. I'm hoping that it will be constructive. I worked many years in retail and I learned more from the so called "negative comments" than anything that trickled down from corporate. For every one person that takes the time to share constructive criticism, there is at least 9 others that didn't take the time and moved on to other stores. Those 9 people may never return; therefore, I always tried to show value to people that complain. I never brushed them off. Some you'll never help, but if they had legitimate complaints, then they should always be taken seriously.
Another reason, I came back to this thread is because I'm in need of some new tires. I was going to order them from other companies, but now, I'm going to buy them from Tire Rack. At least this thread has won over one customer.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Folks!
Hell im more aggravated at Tirerack that this guy can come in with a "can I speak to your manager" haircut and whine about the crappy wheels he bought years ago and then get coddled by the retailer...
Squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Irregardless if you think he is right or wrong, Astro is the customer and attempted to discuss the problem privately; yet, Tire Rack customer representatives ignored his multiple attempts (email, phone, etc.) to talk about the problem with a product they sell or at least help him with contacting the manufacturer. No where in this thread did I see him demanding new wheels. Had the fire been put out when it was small, I think things wouldn't have made it to Rennlist.
Winter tires/wheels? WTF is that?? !!! lol.. Seriously though your calipers have the paint faded and peeling also, usually a very robust finish on them. You may want to look at the wheel cleaner used by your car wash/detailer to ensure they are not using a harsh acid type cleaner, we had a problem at the dealership with our car wash guys using an acid type wheel cleaner that damaged some finishes on the calipers/wheels..
"As someone who is in the paint and corrosion industry". Also, doesn't know the difference between a steel or aluminum wheel, or the difference in how they corrode. Fascinating.
Steel wheels probably a third party supplier to Tire Rack, Winter takes its toll..........on everything where salt comes in contact ! Do what I do, if you see steel wheel corrosion, correct it as the years go by. Rough sand and primer and Matt Black Tremco Rust Proof Paint
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
