Staggering tyre fiasco!

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KeithS

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I noticed yesterday that according to the TPMS the rear drivers side tyre was a little low on pressure.
I pumped it back up, and took a note of the make and model of tyre in case I needed it replaced, and to get an idea of cost.
The tyre is a:-
Kumho Solus HS63 195/55 R16 87H.
I started an Internet search and began to get concerned when I couldn't find any online supplier that offered the same specification, and I would add in the cars handbook it advised keeping with the same specification if a tyre needs replacing.
To my absolute amazement, as confirmed by Kumho GB, the tyre that MG are supplying on its cars (MG3 HYBRID) to the UK and presumably Europe is only available in Australia!!!!!!!
Furthermore as they had no experience with this tyre they could not recommend any alternative, suggesting I speak to MG.
Speaking to MG Customer Service was a total disaster. After confirming they also could not supply a replacement, the 'advisor' and I use the term only loosely, suggested I speak to a tyre expert for an alternative. I explained that I had done so, and because of MG's monumentally stupid decision to supply its cars with unobtainable tyres in the UK/Europe there was no suggestion that could be made by Kumho. When I pressed him on this, all he could do is repeat that I should contact a supplier - a circular pointless conversation ensued. I asked to speak to a manager, as afterall I potentially had a car that was unusable, only to be told (unsurprisingly) none were available, and even when they were they may not call me back, apparently preferring email!!!
At aged 59 I have been a car owner for some 40 years, owning a wide range of makes and models, and I have to say this utter garbage situation is something that I have never come close to experiencing before!!!!
This just smacks of a manufacturer who can't be bothered and couldn't care less...
Fortunately the day ended more positively. My dealer MG Glyn Hopkins Mill Hill came to the rescue, when I said I would potentially need to regret the car by agreeing to taking a tyre from another car, if it transpired the existing tyre couldn't be repaired.
I took the car to a Tyre fitters that are suitably careful and know what they are doing - Edgware Tyre Brigade, they took the wheel off and found the issue - a big screw embedded in the tyre, and most importantly it was close enough to the middle to be repairable. So unless I get another puncture disaster has been averted.The tyre fitter just couldn't understand why if the tyre is not available, MG didn't import stock when the car was launched.
However I remain utterly dumbfounded at the approach adopted by MG UK. The company is riding the creative of a successful wave thanks to the MG4, and are looking to move upmarket with the Cyberster. They should remember building a bad reputation is enormously easy, leading to a massive turnaround in that success.
Finally how can MG continue to market and sell a car where something as fundamental as a tyre is unavailable!
I am waiting to hear from MG as to what will happen in the future.
 
Forgive my ignorance but why do you need an identical tyre, loads of alternatives in the 195/55 R16 87H spec?

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MickeySw said:
Forgive my ignorance but why do you need an identical tyre, loads of alternatives in the 195/55 R16 87H spec?

Click to expand...

For sure there are plenty of other tyres of the same size, but and as MG say in the cars handbook, it’s never a good idea to have different makes of tyre and tread patterns.
99 times out of 100 there maybe no issue, but if you had an accident as a result you would be responsible, and MG and your insurance company will be the first to tell you that you shouldn’t mix the tyres. In fact MG will refer you to the highlighted in yellow paragraph in their online handbook.
By the way the Tyre fitters also agreed with my point. This such a rare tyre they would have no idea what to offer as an acceptable alternative.
Their suggestion was to tell my dealer to fit four new tyres from a brand that is readily available.

Just for the sake of completeness, I’ve attached a screenshot from the car’s handbook.
Also as I’ve said above many will fit any tyre if necessary to keep them mobile, and to keep costs down, particularly if it’s an old car if little value.
However as alluded to above, the ‘Solus HS63’ from Kumho will have its own unique tread pattern that was chosen by MG during development as it meets the requirements of the car. But given how unusual this tyre is, not even Kumho GB could recommend an alternative brand that is recognised as being an alternate if the OEM is not available.
This is something that is just unheard of, and quite negligent on the part of MG.
I think it’s certain if this wasn’t a monumental screw up by MG, I’m sure my dealer wouldn’t be as staggered and mystified as me, let alone willing to take another car off the road to replace the tyre on my car.
The only thing that is worse is the absolutely awful attitude from MG UK who whilst admitting this was an issue had no suggestion of any value as to what to do.
I’m sure if it were possible to fit any brand of tyre as a replacement, they would have been the first to suggest that, but they were clearly aware of the dire safety implications for giving such advice.
Sorry if this is turning into a rant, and I am the first to admit any new car can have issues. My MG3 is booked in for a replacement trim part which was found to be damaged on delivery, but I was quite happy when they said they would order a replacement from China, and said don’t worry these things can happen, but to sell a car in a market where something like a tyre or indeed any known alternative is unobtainable is beyond belief!
 

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Yep, MG should fit 4 new tyres that most closely match the specified variety. Do you have anything like an ombudsmen there? Consumer protection of some sort, would have to agree, that something has to be done, to get you mobile in a safe way that doesn't abrogate your insurance.
 
KeithS said:
I noticed yesterday that according to the TPMS the rear drivers side tyre was a little low on pressure.
I pumped it back up, and took a note of the make and model of tyre in case I needed it replaced, and to get an idea of cost.
The tyre is a:-
Kumho Solus HS63 195/55 R16 87H.
I started an Internet search and began to get concerned when I couldn't find any online supplier that offered the same specification, and I would add in the cars handbook it advised keeping with the same specification if a tyre needs replacing.
To my absolute amazement, as confirmed by Kumho GB, the tyre that MG are supplying on its cars (MG3 HYBRID) to the UK and presumably Europe is only available in Australia!!!!!!!
Furthermore as they had no experience with this tyre they could not recommend any alternative, suggesting I speak to MG.
Speaking to MG Customer Service was a total disaster. After confirming they also could not supply a replacement, the 'advisor' and I use the term only loosely, suggested I speak to a tyre expert for an alternative. I explained that I had done so, and because of MG's monumentally stupid decision to supply its cars with unobtainable tyres in the UK/Europe there was no suggestion that could be made by Kumho. When I pressed him on this, all he could do is repeat that I should contact a supplier - a circular pointless conversation ensued. I asked to speak to a manager, as afterall I potentially had a car that was unusable, only to be told (unsurprisingly) none were available, and even when they were they may not call me back, apparently preferring email!!!
At aged 59 I have been a car owner for some 40 years, owning a wide range of makes and models, and I have to say this utter garbage situation is something that I have never come close to experiencing before!!!!
This just smacks of a manufacturer who can't be bothered and couldn't care less...
Fortunately the day ended more positively. My dealer MG Glyn Hopkins Mill Hill came to the rescue, when I said I would potentially need to regret the car by agreeing to taking a tyre from another car, if it transpired the existing tyre couldn't be repaired.
I took the car to a Tyre fitters that are suitably careful and know what they are doing - Edgware Tyre Brigade, they took the wheel off and found the issue - a big screw embedded in the tyre, and most importantly it was close enough to the middle to be repairable. So unless I get another puncture disaster has been averted.The tyre fitter just couldn't understand why if the tyre is not available, MG didn't import stock when the car was launched.
However I remain utterly dumbfounded at the approach adopted by MG UK. The company is riding the creative of a successful wave thanks to the MG4, and are looking to move upmarket with the Cyberster. They should remember building a bad reputation is enormously easy, leading to a massive turnaround in that success.
Finally how can MG continue to market and sell a car where something as fundamental as a tyre is unavailable!
I am waiting to hear from MG as to what will happen in the future.
Click to expand...
Can’t see the problem I live in Australia ??
 
I think the key here is MG 'strongly recommend' that the same specification tyre is fitted which I would take as size and load rating, they are not saying you must fit the same tyre as supplied. Apart from high performance cars OEM tyres tend to be a compromise of price and performance and sometimes what's available in the supply chain. I too prefer to not mix tyres on the same axle but sometimes that's not possible, and if its safe to drive with a space saver at sensible speeds a same specification tyre with similar tread pattern is unlikely to be an issue.
 
KeithS said:
Just for the sake of completeness, I’ve attached a screenshot from the car’s handbook.
Click to expand...
IMHO spec MG is referring to is 195/55 R16 87H, tyre pattern or brand is irrelevant in this regard, can’t imagine a good quality alternative will completely change the handling/performance of the car.

Many owners actually reported an improvement when moving away from stock tyres once they needed replacement.
 
The main point of my argument, and as I said my dealer offered me a solution straight away - a tyre from another car, was the total lack of any help from MG UK.
It's clear no one in a management position wanted to take control of the situation, leaving what seemed as a relative junior customer service advisor with no where to go!
That is a recipe for disaster for MG's future, as it won't take long for a reputation of budget customer service to take hold.
When I first got the car I like others was plagued with the defining speed camera 'Bongs'. I rang customer service, and they hadn't got a clue, saying there technical department told them you have to adjust the volume down when you hear them. Total nonsense, and like others I fortunately discovered the option to switch them off in the Sat Nav menu.
To sum up, if its any kind of remotely tricky issue, which would be why you are ringing them in the first place, the approach is - can't be bothered, couldn't care less!
Shame as the product itself has clearly been designed engineered and built by people who do care!
 
I had Kumho tyres on my Smart car years ago. I was dubious at first but was told by a retired guy who had worked in the tyre industry that Kumho tyres were excellent. I kept the car for 10 years with the original tyres and they were perfect. The car and tyres sailed through every MOT. The car did do a very low mileage though.

Why not fit two new tyres of any make and keep the other repaired tyre as a spare?

At the moment on my VW the tyres are Good Year 195/40/17 standard fit which i find perfectly ok but a lot of owners have fitted 205/40/17 on the same wheel.

As for dealers. Yes i am amazed at the lack of interest even from sales staff who do not return calls when you are about to spend thousands with them. I often get better customer service from a newsagent when i spend 50p with them. Thankfully i bought my last car a VW online with a massive discount so i did not have to see a salesman until i collected the car.
 
KeithS said:
I noticed yesterday that according to the TPMS the rear drivers side tyre was a little low on pressure.
I pumped it back up, and took a note of the make and model of tyre in case I needed it replaced, and to get an idea of cost.
The tyre is a:-
Kumho Solus HS63 195/55 R16 87H.
I started an Internet search and began to get concerned when I couldn't find any online supplier that offered the same specification, and I would add in the cars handbook it advised keeping with the same specification if a tyre needs replacing.
To my absolute amazement, as confirmed by Kumho GB, the tyre that MG are supplying on its cars (MG3 HYBRID) to the UK and presumably Europe is only available in Australia!!!!!!!
Furthermore as they had no experience with this tyre they could not recommend any alternative, suggesting I speak to MG.
Speaking to MG Customer Service was a total disaster. After confirming they also could not supply a replacement, the 'advisor' and I use the term only loosely, suggested I speak to a tyre expert for an alternative. I explained that I had done so, and because of MG's monumentally stupid decision to supply its cars with unobtainable tyres in the UK/Europe there was no suggestion that could be made by Kumho. When I pressed him on this, all he could do is repeat that I should contact a supplier - a circular pointless conversation ensued. I asked to speak to a manager, as afterall I potentially had a car that was unusable, only to be told (unsurprisingly) none were available, and even when they were they may not call me back, apparently preferring email!!!
At aged 59 I have been a car owner for some 40 years, owning a wide range of makes and models, and I have to say this utter garbage situation is something that I have never come close to experiencing before!!!!
This just smacks of a manufacturer who can't be bothered and couldn't care less...
Fortunately the day ended more positively. My dealer MG Glyn Hopkins Mill Hill came to the rescue, when I said I would potentially need to regret the car by agreeing to taking a tyre from another car, if it transpired the existing tyre couldn't be repaired.
I took the car to a Tyre fitters that are suitably careful and know what they are doing - Edgware Tyre Brigade, they took the wheel off and found the issue - a big screw embedded in the tyre, and most importantly it was close enough to the middle to be repairable. So unless I get another puncture disaster has been averted.The tyre fitter just couldn't understand why if the tyre is not available, MG didn't import stock when the car was launched.
However I remain utterly dumbfounded at the approach adopted by MG UK. The company is riding the creative of a successful wave thanks to the MG4, and are looking to move upmarket with the Cyberster. They should remember building a bad reputation is enormously easy, leading to a massive turnaround in that success.
Finally how can MG continue to market and sell a car where something as fundamental as a tyre is unavailable!
I am waiting to hear from MG as to what will happen in the future.
Click to expand...

The following is the tyre label for the MG 3 Hybrid +. As others have said, I would not get too hung up on brand, once the speed and load rating along with size and aspect match.


KeithS said:
I noticed yesterday that according to the TPMS the rear drivers side tyre was a little low on pressure.
I pumped it back up, and took a note of the make and model of tyre in case I needed it replaced, and to get an idea of cost.
The tyre is a:-
Kumho Solus HS63 195/55 R16 87H.
I started an Internet search and began to get concerned when I couldn't find any online supplier that offered the same specification, and I would add in the cars handbook it advised keeping with the same specification if a tyre needs replacing.
To my absolute amazement, as confirmed by Kumho GB, the tyre that MG are supplying on its cars (MG3 HYBRID) to the UK and presumably Europe is only available in Australia!!!!!!!
Furthermore as they had no experience with this tyre they could not recommend any alternative, suggesting I speak to MG.
Speaking to MG Customer Service was a total disaster. After confirming they also could not supply a replacement, the 'advisor' and I use the term only loosely, suggested I speak to a tyre expert for an alternative. I explained that I had done so, and because of MG's monumentally stupid decision to supply its cars with unobtainable tyres in the UK/Europe there was no suggestion that could be made by Kumho. When I pressed him on this, all he could do is repeat that I should contact a supplier - a circular pointless conversation ensued. I asked to speak to a manager, as afterall I potentially had a car that was unusable, only to be told (unsurprisingly) none were available, and even when they were they may not call me back, apparently preferring email!!!
At aged 59 I have been a car owner for some 40 years, owning a wide range of makes and models, and I have to say this utter garbage situation is something that I have never come close to experiencing before!!!!
This just smacks of a manufacturer who can't be bothered and couldn't care less...
Fortunately the day ended more positively. My dealer MG Glyn Hopkins Mill Hill came to the rescue, when I said I would potentially need to regret the car by agreeing to taking a tyre from another car, if it transpired the existing tyre couldn't be repaired.
I took the car to a Tyre fitters that are suitably careful and know what they are doing - Edgware Tyre Brigade, they took the wheel off and found the issue - a big screw embedded in the tyre, and most importantly it was close enough to the middle to be repairable. So unless I get another puncture disaster has been averted.The tyre fitter just couldn't understand why if the tyre is not available, MG didn't import stock when the car was launched.
However I remain utterly dumbfounded at the approach adopted by MG UK. The company is riding the creative of a successful wave thanks to the MG4, and are looking to move upmarket with the Cyberster. They should remember building a bad reputation is enormously easy, leading to a massive turnaround in that success.
Finally how can MG continue to market and sell a car where something as fundamental as a tyre is unavailable!
I am waiting to hear from MG as to what will happen in the future.
Click to expand...

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