TIRE COMPANY WARRANTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

MODELS/YEARS: ALL MODELS

All tire manufacturers which supply tires to GM have developed warranty assistance programs which enable the dealer to handle his own customer tire problems in the dealership without entering into any type of sales or service agreement with the manufacturers. Most of these programs were first announced in November 1979 and were updated in 1982 and 1985. Since that letter there have been some phone number changes to several of these programs. This bulletin contains information on the current Oldsmobile original equipment tire supplier dealer programs.

Basically, these programs allow a dealer to obtain a replacement tire directly from the tire manufacturer, usually without the involvement of the local tire outlet. This is especially valuable when a particular tire size is unavailable locally, or when the tire manufacturer's outlet is inconveniently located. Of course, current procedures covering tire adjustments through local tire outlets continue as in the past.

Since each tire company program varies slightly in content, it is suggested that reference be made to the appropriate instructions whenever assistance is required.

These phone numbers (toll free in most cases) can also be used for technical information, tire warranty questions, and any other tire inquiries.

We urge you to take advantage of these programs where necessary to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction in connection with the handling of tire warranty adjustments.

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company maintains a "G. M. Tire Dealer Assistance" program specifically to help new car dealers obtain replacement tires. As in the past, tire adjustments should still be handled through the nearest Firestone dealer or store. If, however, a tire is not available from a Firestone dealer or store located within a reasonable distance from your dealership, the following procedure may be used to assist you in obtaining the replacement tire:

1. You may call Firestone station-to-station collect at 216-379-7096. A recorder-message unit operates when the staff is not available and, if you leave a message, your call will be returned as soon as possible.

2. All calls will be answered "G. M. Tire Dealer Assistance", and we strongly recommend this number be used by only G. M. dealers and not be given to retail customers.

3. While on the phone, the Firestone Consumer Affairs case- worker will take the following information:

A) Dealer name, address and telephone number

B) Customer name, address, vehicle identification, tire size and type required

4. The caseworker will search for a nearby Firestone dealer or store which has the needed tire and advise the G. M. dealer that the customer can be handled at the Firestone location or a replacement tire is available for the G. M. dealer to pick up.

5. If a Firestone dealer or store is not located within a reasonable distance of the G. M. dealership, arrangements will be made to have a tire shipped directly to the G. M. dealer. The direct shipment arrangements can be made with the caseworker handling the telephone call.

This program has worked exceptionally well over the years and we urge you to use it in order to provide our customer with the type of service they expect from G. M. and Firestone.

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.