Tires: Tire size, tires too small, small claims court

Question
I purchased a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica last year and recently had a blow out with one of my tires...found out the spare was a size 235/65-r17 tire and the tire on the car the dealer sold me was a 215/65- r17. The tire was clearly a blow out. I was told by the tire shop I was towed to that those tires were too small for my car and not meant to hold that kind of weight. Is this true? I am trying to get the dealer to pay for the replacement tires I had to buy in the right size. The dealer is trying to say the smaller tires should have worked ok.

Answer
Tamara,

First find the vehicle placard.  It is usually located on a doorpost or in the glovebox.  On it you will find the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  Take a photo of it.

Next, spend some time at tire manufacturers web sites.  You should find recommendations that say that you should replace your tires with the same size - or words to that effect.  Print out several of those.

Then go to a tire shop and get an estimate on how much it would cost to put the proper sized tires on.  Don't go overboard on the cost.  Select tires that are reasonably priced - not the most expensive.

Then go visit the dealer and point out the photos and the print outs.  Tell him if he doesn't pay for new tires, you are going to small claims court armed with those documents.  That should convince him.

BTW, if he doesn't sell tires himself, do not allow him to take possession of the car or dictate what tires go on it.  (HE will try to put the cheapest of the cheap on.)  Demand the money.

If he doesn't respond favorably - small claims court!