car help
I have a complicated car question that I need some help with. It's kind of long, so please, bear with me. I have a 1993 Honda Accord EX coupe, with an automatic transmission. It has 170,000 miles, but is trouble-free.
At least it was until I had 2 new tires put on it at a local tire and repair store. I had replaced 2 tires about 11 months ago, then I replaced the other 2 in June, and had them rotated. I only drove to and from work for the next week.
I stopped at a convenience store, got out a flash light, and took the wheel cover off the front driver's side wheel. Sure enough, the lug nuts were all loose. I took out a lug wrench to tighten them down, but one wouldn't tighten at all. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it didn't match the other lug nuts. I believe they must have installed the wrong lug nut, which caused it to not seat properly and come loose.
This is important information for me, because it will affect what I settle for in terms of reimbursement. I appreciate any help you can provide, to help keep me from getting taken to the shed by a repair shop. Thank you for your time.
8 Replies
why tf is this in valorant
server
😭
talk to the repair shop gang
@Icarus ...
type shit
im gonna ask gpt
You're absolutely right to be concerned — your safety and the condition of your car are at stake. Here's a breakdown of what likely happened, how serious it is, and what steps you can take:
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🔧 What Likely Happened
Based on your description:
A wrong lug nut was used on the front driver's side.
It did not seat properly, which caused it to loosen during driving.
The wheel had multiple loose lug nuts, which is dangerous.
You only drove a short time before discovering the issue — this likely prevented serious damage.
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🚨 Why This Is Serious
Loose lug nuts can cause the wheel to wobble or come off while driving.
A mismatched lug nut can damage:
The wheel stud (which the nut threads onto)
The wheel itself (seating area and balance)
If the threads on the stud are damaged, the entire stud may need to be replaced.
Shops are legally responsible for properly installing lug nuts.
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📝 What You Should Document
1. Take Photos:
The loose/mismatched lug nut
The wheel area (with and without the wheel cover)
The other lug nuts for comparison
2. Keep the Mismatched Lug Nut (if possible)
It's physical evidence
3. Write Down Everything:
When you got the tires
How soon you noticed the issue
What the problem is
What you did (tightened the others, discovered mismatch, etc.)
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✅ What You're Entitled To
This depends on the damage, but at minimum, you should ask for:
1. Replacement of the wheel stud if it’s damaged
2. Proper replacement lug nut
3. Inspection of the wheel and other studs for damage
4. Labor costs covered
5. Documentation of their inspection
6. Possibly compensation if damage occurred to your rim or you experienced risk driving
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🛠 What to Ask a Mechanic to Check
If you're taking the car somewhere else for a second opinion or repair, ask them to:
Inspect wheel stud threads for damage
Inspect wheel rim for damage or wobble
Confirm lug nut compatibility
@hands so tuff
Check torque on all wheels to ensure proper installation
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💬 How to Talk to the Shop
When you return to the original shop:
Stay calm but firm.
Say:
“I had tires installed and noticed the lug nuts were loose after a short time. One lug nut is clearly the wrong type and wouldn’t tighten. This could have caused serious damage or an accident. I’d like you to inspect and replace any damaged parts and make this right, including covering any associated labor.”--- ⚖️ If They Push Back If they refuse to help: File a complaint with: BBB (Better Business Bureau) Your state’s consumer protection office Local small claims court (if needed) Let them know you’ll escalate if they don’t address the issue properly --- Would you like help drafting a sample message or in-person script for when you go back to the tire shop? Here if u wanna read
if I wanted a machine to hallucinate at me I would have gone to an atm
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