Tire Repair (12/4/04)

Visit Summary:

While out enjoying an unusually warm December day with the car windows open a crack, I noticed a sound indicating something was stuck in one of my tires. At my next stop, I took a close look and discovered there was a nail in my rear driver's side tire!!! Fortunately, I was very close to the dealership, so I made a b-line over there. My dealer was very nice and took my car in even though I obviously did not have an appointment. I did have to wait quite a while though, as the people with appointments ahead of me were appropriately attended to first. 

The 2001-2003 Prius came with a 3 year/36000 mile roadside assistance and road hazard warranty. This means the cost of any tire repairs or replacements as a result of road hazards will be reimbursed to me during that period. Unfortunately, the brochure that I had in my glove box stated that I'd have to get "prior authorization" in order to qualify for reimbursement. I showed the brochure to the dealership and they said they'd give me a chance to call for approval before any work was done. I was surprised, then, to look out from the waiting room window after waiting  for a while and see my Prius had been returned to the parking lot. Upon inquiring what was discovered (and what I should tell the pre-authorization rep when I called,) I was told they had found the nail and already successfully patched the tire. The best part was that they also decided to just do the work for free! No unpleasant monkey business with the bureaucracy trying to get reimbursed would be needed!

After being told how long the nail was, I'm very thankful my tire didn't blow out on the freeway, and that I discovered the nail on such a nice day and so close to my dealership! 

Cost of Visit: $0.00 (Provided free under warranty)