Seems that I have a slow puncture on my rear left tyre (Michelin 215/55 R16 93V). I hadn't noticed it earlier because it was on the passenger side and it had gone down to 6 psi before I spotted it. I pumped it up to 33 psi last night and it had gone down to 32 this morning. I can't see any obvious damage.
I was toying with the idea of taking it into KwikFit. From previous discussions it seems that they will repair for about £17 (although they don't give a price on their site). When I did look on their site it looks like they will replace for about £130 (including labour).
I had Googled the tyres and £130 seemed OK compared to what it cost to source the tyres from elsewhere.
However, this morning, my dealership called me to remind me that my service is due by March 25th. I mentioned the tyre to them and asked how much it would cost to fix. He was a bit evasive, even when I asked him to just give me the best and worst case, but he eventually said that it should cost less that £10 to repair as part of the service and, if it needed a new tyre, it would be £30-£50 depending upon the tyre.
Now, his slight evasiveness and everything that I have read about dealerships trying to fleece people, has made me a bit suspicious.
Does the £30-£50 figure seem likely?
I didn't really want to take the car in a month early, because then I am really paying £175 every 11 months rather than every 12 months. That is only £15 extra a year, but it is the principle.
On the other hand, I don't intend to drive around on this tyre for a month, so I need to get it fixed. If I feel confident that the figures he gave me are correct, I might as well take it in now, get everything done in one go, and in the worst case, pay £50 rather than £130 if they have to replace it.
So, again, does the £30-£50 sound about right, or am I just going to go there and get hit for KwikFit type prices anyway?
Any thought appreciated.
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