Tires: Tires+ Liability load and speed rating, discount tires, technical perspective

Question
I recently had a need to have a tire repaired, I had picked up a large staple.  I went to the closest tire shop, I had been there before for a flat.  My 2010 Nissan Rogue, seems to use up tires pretty quickly, I drive on average 40 miles a day for commuting.  The car is rated for H rated tires, last September I had my tires replaced due to wear @ 32,000 miles.  

The shop had my car up and tire off when the tire repair man noticed the rating on my "newer" tires was a "T".  They would not repair the flat and also noted the uneven wear on the tires.  The service writer said it was a liability issue, did not recommend this tire for my car and put my spare on and sent me out the door.

What recourse do I have when I go into Discount tires?  I would not have purchased this tire if they had told me. I do remember the salesman telling me that there were two tires available, but they did not have the "H" rated tire available and that I could put the "T" rated tire on my car.

So 9 months later, I need new tires...

What is the best way to handle this?  Does Discount Tire have any responsibility for recommending this tire when it clearly can not hold up?

Thank you.

Answer
Carol,

First, the issue about speed ratings is complex - mostly because of the legal issues.

If a vehicle manufacturer specifies a speed rating, then some tire shops feel they are legally vulnerable if they don't follow suit.  But other shops don't feel that way.

From a technical perspective, using a lower speed rated tire is OK, but there COULD be issues regarding handling (the thing that is driving the legal issue).

I am surprised that a shop wouldn't REPAIR a tire.  I don't think that opens them up to a legal issue.  I think they are over-reaching.

So until you actually have an issue with the tires, Discount Tire doesn't have any responsibility on the matter.  They sold you a set of tires that continue to be serviceable - except that someone else decided not to repair a tire.  I am sure they will repair the tire for you - and that should handle any issues you may have.