Tyre issue

I recently purchased the new VW T-Cross from Lindsaker East Rand Mall and had an unfortunate incident where I hit a pothole on my way home from work on 27th August 2020 and damaged my front right tyre.

The tyres on this car are Hancook 215/45R 18. My husband and I have looked for this tyre everywhere, at every tyre shop, but keep getting told that this brand, let alone size, is not available. The dealership was just useless! VW SA only sent a tyre request form this week to source a tyre from Port Elizabeth which I was told I can now go to Tiger Wheel and Tyre in Edenvale today for fitment.

When I got there I'm told it's a second hand tyre which is fairly new, and I agree to this. The team at Tiger wheel and tyre then inform me that the tyre to be fitted has bubbles and therefore cannot help me as this is dangerous and not ethical for them, which I highly respect. My spare wheel was then put back on.

Please note that I am an essential worker, and with this pandemic I use my car to travel to and from work in Mpumalanga to Johannesburg. I have been at home for the 2 weeks already, clearly going for the 3rd week because of this tyre issue, compromising my job and salary.

I have asked why I cannot get a courtesy vehicle in the meantime, but the dealership says it needs proof from VW SA. And VW SA won't give the proof because it's the dealership that should offer this service.

I'm starting to regret purchasing this car because of the reluctant service I have received thus far. Why install these size tyres on cars with no brand replacement readily available?? I'm so tired being sent from pillar to post with this issue