TIRE COMPANY WARRANTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
In response to dealers requests, all tire manufacturers which supply tires to GM have developed warranty assistance programs which enable the dealer to handle customer tire problems in the dealership without entering into any type of sales or service agreement with the manufacturers. Most of these programs were announced in 1979 and were first updated in late 1981.
These programs allow a dealer to obtain a replacement tire directly from the tire manufacturer 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.
Attached are updated instructions, including some new phone numbers, provided by the tire manufacturers. Since each program varies slightly in content, it is suggested that reference be made to the appropriate instructions whenever assistance is required.
Of special interest is General's new "Tire Fix" Program, which is completely new and much improved from their original program.
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 216-362-5520. 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 caseworker 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 customers with the type of service they expect from G. M. and Firestone
The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
Goodyear District Offices
Akron OH 216-796-4520 Omaha NE 402-393-2802
Albany NY 518-463-4184 Philadelphia PA 215-521-4000
Atlanta GA 404-231-8362 Phoenix AZ 602-246-1358
Baltimore MD 301-247-0900 Pittsburgh PA 412-922-2836
Birmingham AL 205-322-0521 Portland OR 503-226-2951
(Boston) Marlboro MA 617-481-0066 (Richmond) Colonial 804-526-4950 Hts VA (Buffalo) Kenmore, NY 716-874-9935 Sacramento CA 916-922-9855
Charlotte NC 704-588-0500 N Salt Lake City UT 801-292-4401
(Chicago) Elk Grove 312-640-5100 San Antonio TX 512-333-1217 Village IL Cincinnati OH 513-769-4300 Spokane WA 509-924-7711
Columbus OH 614-888-1578 St Louis MO 314-429-8767
Dallas TX 214-637-9207 Syracuse NY 315-451-6100
Denver CO 303-399-1780 Topeka KS 913-295-7293
Des Moines IA 515-265-5341 San Leandro CA 415-483-2900
(Detroit) 313-423-5616 CANADIAN DISTRICT OFFICES Southfield MI
Fargo ND 701-293-0809 Maritimes & Newfoundland Moncton, New Brunswick 506-855-1300 EIC8M7 Houston TX 713-230-5123 Quebec-St Laurent, PQ 514-334-1112 H4S1H9 Jacksonville FL 904-354-1471 Ontario, Toronto M8Z5E1 416-255-1355
Knoxville TN 615-984-6220 Manitoba, Winnepeg R3HOC5 204-772-0391
Los Angeles CA 213-725-4050 Saskatchewan, Saskatoon 306-242-0281 S7K3L6 Memphis TN 901-947-5200 Alberta, Edmonton T5J2L8 403-455-7191
Miami FL 305-592-5865 BC, Vancouver, V6B4B5 604-255-2442
Minneapolis MN 612-927-7381
New Brunswick NJ 201-745-6533
(New Orleans) 504-838-4757 Jefferson LA
(New York) Franklin 516-488-1880 Square NY Oklahoma City OK 405-943-8377
ADDRESS TELEPHONE
1. The BFGoodrich Company (215) 638-3000 3433 Marshall Lane Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020
2. The BFGoodrich Company (216) 723-3661 775 West Smith Road Medina, Ohio 44256
3. The BFGoodrich Company (205) 854-1150 3400 Pinson Valley Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35217
4. The BFGoodrich Company (214) 446-0706 1701 Vantage Road Carrollton, Texas 75006 Mailing: P. 0. Box 115019 Carrollton, Texas 75011
5. The BFGoodrich Company (312) 595-2070 1090 Thorndale Bensenville, Illinois 60106
6. The BFGoodrich Company (816) 483-8600 1501 Southern Road Kansas City, MO 64120
7. The BFGoodrich Company (714) 528-5820 950 W. Central Avenue Brea, CA 92621
8. The BFGoodrich Company (702) 786-3530 345 Parr Circle Parr Reno Industrial Park Reno, Nevada 89512
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.
