Thompson Tire

Review: For two (2) days I was trying to get my car state inspection done at Thompson tire. The first day I went I was told its would about two or three hours before they could wait on me, and that I could leave the car I ask can I get a ride home. Well I saw told they was short a man, and to come back in the morning at 7:30. I went the next day at 7:28 am and was told that they could not get to my car until after 12:00pm and to leave it, and they could give me a ride home, but could not pick me up. I got the feeling they did not want to wait on me kept said they would like to help me.Desired Settlement: Explanation

Business

Response:

Thompson Tire tries to accommodate each customer to the best of our abilities. Unfortunately, there are some situations that are beyond our control. With regards to the wait, toward the end of/beginning of a month, we are inundated with state inspections, as are most inspection stations. As per the requirements of the state, we take them in on a first come first serve basis. I have copied the section of the manual and listed here. Requirements for inspection stations. 19VAC30-70-10. Official Inspection Station Requirements. D. Inspections shall be performed on a first-come, first-served basis. Motorists shall not be required to make an appointment to obtain an inspection, except that appointments required by § 46.2-1158.01 of the Code of Virginia shall be made. Businesses that take in motorists' vehicles for inspection at the beginning of the work day shall not be required to stop the work already taken in to provide an inspection for a drive-in motorist, provided inspections are actually being performed at the time and will continue through the day. Regarding the state inspection issue. As stated above from the Code of Virginia, we are required to do inspections on a first come, first serve basis. Since we had inspections already lined up, we would have had to work this vehicle in with other inspections. They were short a technician which would have delayed them in their ability to pick you up, but we would make sure to get you as quickly as possible. We are happy to assist you in getting your vehicle inspected as we value all of our customers, however, we ask for your patience and understanding at this time as all inspection stations are extremely busy with inspections during the beginning and end of any given month. Should you have further questions, please contact the store manager, [redacted] at [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

Regards,

I recent had a tire blow out on my way to NC. Had to spend the night in Christiansburg and randomly selected Thompson Tire as the place to try the next morning. I had a difficult tire to get and they went above and beyond to try and help me out. Just wanted to say THANKS! by sharing my experience. I fully recommend them!!!!

Review: I sent the following email to Thompson Tire Corporate on July 31 and have not received a response. "I have visited the Christiansburg Thompson Tire location on and off over the past five years as I work near there and it is very convenient for me. Unfortunately, I have never had a positive experience with your service. I've kept coming back and hoping that the other times were just a fluke, as the people at the desk do seem very friendly. I am a female and have often found it difficult to be treated fairly by those in the auto world. However, I grew up with several mechanics in the family who own their own businesses, so I know when something isn't right, how something needs to be addressed and what things should cost. I purchased tires from Thompson Tire quite a while ago and visit for tire rotations. I assumed this was a fairly safe thing to have done there since it's very basic and it's free for the life of the tires. I visited today, dropped my car off at 8 a.m., had not received a call by 2 p.m. to pick it up, gave you guys a call and found out it was done. When I picked it up, the cover over the lug nuts was visibly loose on one of the tires, the front two appeared to have not been inflated to capacity (as I'd specifically asked them to be since they were low) and my radio (an Alpine stereo system with amp and subwoofer) was blasting when I turned it on and had been set to play a CD that was in it. I was super disappointed with this ... I am left guessing whether or not my tires were actually rotated, I will have to stop to put air in them on my commute home and I will have to check all the lug nuts to make sure they're not tight as that cover was not. Over a year ago I visited the Christiansburg location and swore I'd never return there; I should've listened to my instincts and not visited again for the tire rotation - even though it was free. I stopped by to get my state inspection done, which I'd had completed there previously. I was told that my taillight was broken (the brake light was not working) and it would cost $600 to replace the light, along with labor. I knew this was inaccurate, so I told them I would have to think about that and return another day. I went home, popped my trunk, changed the bulb in my light and it worked fine. I returned to Thompson Tire the next day for the inspection, told them I'd replaced the bulb (which they'd told me was not the problem), dropped my car off for inspection again and got a lovely surprise when I picked it up. My hood had been buffed. I knew there was no way I could prove it, but I know what a buffer will do to a car, having been around people painting cars. The clear coat was gone in some spots. I see those buffer marks every single day and they greatly reduce the value of my vehicle. When I began telling others about that experience, I heard more and more horror stories - but only from women. One lady went to you guys for an oil change. Her hood was not latched and when she left, it flew up and busted her windshield. Another was told that her window was broken and she needed a new motor. She took it to another mechanic for a second opinion and he found that her door had never been taken apart to view the motor and he fixed the problem for free - without having to replace the motor. I'm sorely disappointed in your business, as your associates do seem very nice. Sadly, I will not be returning - even for my free tire rotation. I will also be advising others to not patronize your business."Desired Settlement: I paid for my inspection with Thompson Tire and received a complimentary buffing of my hood. This not only looks embarrassing, it reduces the value of my car. I am attempting to trade my car in for a new purchase and this is impacting the amount they are willing to give me. Thompson Tire needs to settle with me how they see fit.

Business

Response:

This is in response to complaint # [redacted]. After looking into the matter, we notice that the inspection that is in question took place over a year ago. In addition, there were other items that the vehicle was rejected for which are listed on the invoice copy that I have attached. There is no estimate for the taillight on the invoice, but looking at the other items listed, I can see where the estimate for repairs for all items would be a several hundred dollars. Furthermore, Thompson Tire does not perform body work or do detailing of any kind. We do not have a buffer at our location nor would we use something to intentionally damage a customer's vehicle. Our staff at the Christiansburg store would have been happy to assist you with any issues that you may have had at the time of any incident. All that you would have to do is ask for the Manager, his name is [redacted], and he would do what he could to help. Thompson Tire appreciates your business. We extend our apologies for any inconvenience that you have experienced. Thank you, [redacted]Administrative Assistant/Wholesale Sales Thompson Tire-

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Yes, this inspection took place quite a while ago, but you did not address the recent tire rotation, which was nothing but bitter icing on a very bitter cake. When my car went through the inspection, the only thing I was informed of in regards to the rejection was the tail light. I was told that it - specifically - would be the extreme cost and the entire tail light would have to be replaced. I was not told of any other items that my car was rejected for; all I did was replace the light and it passed, so if there were other failing items, they were not addressed. My car hood was, indeed, buffed. There were circular motions - from a buffer - in the paint. The top coat was removed. There was not just one, but several spots. If your company does not own a buffer at this location, then some other tool was used for this paint damage or an employee is personally responsible and used their own tools. I recently suffered financial hardship while trading my car in toward a new one. The lack of paint in large spots on the hood damaged its value and was pointed out by the dealership. I have made them aware of how and by whom this hood damage was created. Regards,[redacted]

Business

Response:

Business's original response stands.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.There was no resolution, no apology, nothing.Regards,[redacted]

Review: I could have put this complaint under many different titles since it has a multi faceted issue. The repair was improper, there was an unreasonable delay in repair to my vehicle, there was an unauthorized repair, repairs that resulted in additional damage, and failure to respond to phone calls or written requests for assistance or support could all also be checked. I do not have a lot of time to sit down and deal with this sort of thing and gave the business manager at the Wytheville location 2 emailed notices regarding my vehicle and lack of satisfaction and one physically mailed letter stating the same. I have given ample amount of time for these issues to be resolved. No one has ever responded at all. I then emailed the corporate headquarters for Thompson Tire twice and have given ample time for a response and yet again never received one. You can probably guess at how unhappy I am about taking even more of my time on this issue to formally turn it over to the Revdex.com.

Attached is a copy of what I actually sent to both locations, multiple times. I have also had overheating problems stemming from radiator issues since my pick up date on my vehicle. This was obviously seen when the team did a "flush" of my radiator. The general appearance of my radiator since being flushed is very very poor thus creating overheating issues. I indicated I wanted the radiator "rodded" not "flushed" anyway. This apparently was not something they could do at their shop but did not tell me so when I inquired multiple times.

The original email to [redacted], general manager at the Wytheville location was September 5, 2013. A hardcopy was mailed to him on September 17, 2013 when a response wasn't received. I forwarded the letter I mailed to [redacted] along with a new email explaining the situation on October 8, 2013 to the corporate office (c[redacted]com) hoping for closure and received nothing again. I emailed them a final time on October 30, 2013 with the forwarded previous message. No response at all.Desired Settlement: I want my money back for the oil change that I did not give permission to do, the alt belt, the radiator flush, the gasket and all labor for the previously mentioned and also for the emergency brake cable installation since it does not work. I can have all of this info verified by my other shop which noted many of these issues and even saved the radiator fluid when they replaced the fan clutch and fan since it was overheating so bad. Another problem your technician should have noted when doing obvious repairs. Do to him being yanked from the job constantly to work on more important customer's vehicles, he obviously didn't do the job I paid him to do.

I am not ever taking my Scout back to them. At this point I want an apology and a refund because I tried and tried to make their services work and they took advantage of me.

Just for basic parts and things that didn't actually happen in an efficient or even working way I am asking for $179.23 back. This amount is for parts only not labor. This includes, wrong size alt belt $29, $99.99 for the radiator "flush", $10 for a carb gasket that was included in the edelbrock carb box I brought to them, $40.24 for changing my oil that I did not request having done. I was charged $591.69 in labor. That's not going to work. My emergency brake cable was not installed correctly, my foot brake is still loose, my Scout still overheats (main reasons I took it to Thompson since they have a "Scout Specialist" there). There was very little quality work done to my Scout and it sat there for 2+ weeks while other cars came in and out and the Scout was put on the back burner. I was as understanding as I could be but 2+ weeks was a bit much. I caused a 3 day delay over a weekend when I had a part shipped, the rest were delays because the technician wasn't allowed to work on my truck until all the other vehicles in the garage were out. The assistant manager told me that several times as did the technician. Very poor customer service. I would like most of the $591.69 back since very little was done. Add that amount to the incorrect parts amount of $179.23.

I was also charged for a points contact and condenser that I actually brought in from another shop (the shop the Scout sat at to have repairs done after leaving Thompson since it was in such poor condition). The timing was completely wrong and would barely even run to make it to the shop 7 miles away which ultimately got it right. I just don't feel I should have been charged for that either since again, it was not done right. Also, each and every time I spoke with the store manager and the technician they were extremely unfriendly, not willing to help and talked to me like I was a burden. I wish I had never taken my truck to them in the first place. Absolutely horrific customer service and I had to turn around and pay another shop to actually do the necessary repairs that should have been fixed at Thompson Tire.

I apologize for the length of this letter but I want this settled correctly this time because I absolutely do not have a second of time or an ounce of emotion left to give to this screw up anymore and would like to be done with it.

I am asking for $179.23 +$45.00 = 224.23 + labor back. I want at least 50% of the labor back because it is bad business to charge me a made up number when very little was done correctly, in a timely manner or efficiently. 50% of 591.69 is $295.85 which is still not fair. Bare minimum return is $520.08. My total bill was $934.89 and I brought you all of the parts. To even pay you all $200 would be really pushing it. Please make the right decision. Wouldn't you be furious if it was your project Scout?

Business

Response:

My apologies for the delay in responding to you, we are currently looking into this matter and will get back with you as soon as possible. The Vice president is currently out on sick leave and both of us are working to resolve this issue. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Thompson Tire - Corporate

Business

Response:

We spoke with Ms. [redacted] at the end of November and after our conversation, she agreed to a settlement of $430.00. She said that she would contact the Revdex.com after receipt of the check to let you know that the matter has been settled to her satisfaction. Attached is a copy of the check made payable to her. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory though it is less money than I wanted to settle for I would just really like to see this issue go away. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. I just received the check on 12/24 after waiting for it for a month. I am finished dealing with this business and hope to never do so again. I did receive the call from Revdex.com about my lack of response but I was still waiting on the company to make this right.

Regards,

Recently we were on vacation from Ohio to myrtle beach when we noticed the tires on our RV showed excessive wear. At that time we went to the office at the KOA we were staying at to see their recommendations of a tire store. We were told to visitor Thompson tire. Upon arriving at the tire shop we were treated to courteous and professional staff. They replaced all four tires within two hours at a fair price. Months later when we back in Ohio we noticed a tire that had a defect, we contracted Mel from the Radford location and he was more than helpful! He forward us a adjustment to purchase a new tire in Ohio. I would highly recommend Thompson tire for all your automotive needs. They are very fair folks! Yours truly, [redacted]

Review: I went into Thompson Tire on May 15th and bought four tires for my 2012 Fusion.I was informed that the left rear rim was bent. I said they could order a used one for 248.00 and fix it. I was called and went in on May 21st to have it repaired. I asked them to put bent rim in my trunk. They told me I couldn't have the old one unless I paid an extra 40.00 to which I said ok forget the old one. They wanted to align my car and I said "no" Then on June 24th I had the car aligned at another shop and the repair guy said" do you know your front right rim is bent?" I feel certain they moved the tire and never put the new rim on. I called Thompson Tire and talked to the service manager and he said "my computer shows we fixed it for $261.14. -You can type anything on a computer I am extremely dissatisfied and feel I was taken for my money without getting my car fixed!Desired Settlement: I feel they should either refund my money or get a new rim and let me watch them fix it without a charge

Business

Response:

We would like to apologize for any issues that you had at our [redacted] Location. After reading your complaint, I can see where there may have been a breakdown in communication between the sales associate that was filling in that day and you, our customer. Issue 1: Regarding your request for the wheel to be returned to you. We have to turn items like this back in to the manufacturers for core charges. The reason(s) for this would be so that they can be reconditioned and in some cases for them to inspect these items for cause of failure. The core charges vary depending on the part. In this case, the core charge for this particular wheel was $40.00. That is why the associate would have stated there would be an additional charge for the old wheel. That said, our staff should have shown you the old wheel upon removal so that you could have seen the damage to the wheel yourself. Issue 2: Bent wheel different location. Since it appears that the damage wasn't shown to you and due to someone filling in at this location at the time, they very well may have not replaced the correct wheel on your vehicle. Since we are uncertain of this and because of there still being a bent wheel on your vehicle in another tire position, we will be happy to replace the wheel for you. We are ordering a replacement wheel ASAP so that this issue will be taken care of for you. Once it arrives, we will give you a call to get it installed and get you rolling again. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach the Area Manager, [redacted], at our [redacted] Store. His number is ###-###-####. Thank you very much for your time and for bringing this to our attention. [redacted]Thompson Tire - Corporate [redacted]. 24141###-###-#### (Office) ###-###-#### (FaX)

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: I went to Thompson Tire on Monday, 5/13/2013, to receive a state inspection. They failed my 1996 Chevy S10 because of an exhaust leak. An employee told me to go to [redacted] Muffler to get it checked out. I took my vehicle to [redacted] Muffler the same day, and he found a rattle from the oil cap that Thompson Tire may have misunderstood as the leak. [redacted] Muffler had me pull my truck up onto the ramps in the shop and he lifted it up and put his hand over the exhaust while the other guy felt and listened for a leak. After about 15 minutes he pulled me to the side and said there was no leaks. I went back to Thompson Tire that afternoon and the guy who helped me, [redacted], wasn't nice at all. He told me his guy does the inspection and that is what he noticed. I told him there was no leak and he started getting very upset towards me. He did not even offer to recheck the truck, which I thought was not good customer service at all. He then told me that he would get with a state trooper and meet me there on Tuesday, 5/14/13, to check it over. I called him on Tuesday morning around 9:30am and he told me he would call me back a little after lunch. At 2:30pm I hadn't received a phone call so I called him and he then told me the state trooper couldn't meet me until Friday afternoon. So instead of dealing with this Thompson Tire, that is very unprofessional and don't seem to care if they have business and don't know how a business should run, I will not go back to them ever again. It is the worse place to ever send vehicles. So Tuesday evening I went to another shop and got my truck inspected with no problems at all. To end this story, why did two places tell me no exhaust leak but Thompson Tire did? This makes me wonder how many people that are going there that are having work done that is not necessary.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive the $16.00 I paid for an inspection back.

Business

Response:

In response to the complaint by Mr. [redacted]. We apologize for any inconvenience that he has incurred while awaiting contact from our store. We did contact the State Trooper over inspection stations for this area, as we stated we would, but we are at his mercy regarding his schedule as he has his other duties as well as the inspection stations. He did contact us back and will be at the location at 10:00 am Friday Morning in Salem. We gave the Trooper the customer's information so that they can communicate as well so as not to waste anyone's time. We perform these inspections as per the State Inspection Manual and perform them to the best of our abilities. After the Trooper has looked at the vehicle, if an error was made, we will gladly refund the customer's inspection fee.

Consumer

Response:

The vehicle has been inspected elsewhere and passed. Two other businesses have checked the vehicle and there was no problem. The best customer service in the beginning would have been to reinspect the vehicle that day instead of not doing anything. I have other obligations and will not be meeting at the time specified. If that is the best customer service that you can provide, so be it. You have lost my business as well as the business of others. Regards, [redacted]

Business

Response:

Our sincerest apologizes you don't find the offer acceptable.We are going to mail you a check for $16.00 but this is a Virginia State Police inspection issue.Once we are made aware of an issue involving the inspection program we must involve the Trooper assigned to our station.He has every right to contact you and inspect the vehicle himself as they set the inspection rules we must adhere to. If we have made an error he will advise us so and take corrective measure's as he will do the same if another staion has made an error. You have been given every opportunity to take the issue up with the Trooper himself which is who will have the final say in where the error was made. We wish you the very best, [redacted]