Dunlop Dealership / SUMITOMO

Hi My WORSE experience started with fitting on Sumitomo tyres. I fitted a set of 195/50R15 Sumitomo tyres on my VW mk1 and from the get go I had vibration problems. I went back to the dealer and was told my shock mounting is worn and should be replaced. Done that and vibration was still present. I then noticed that the tyres did not sit the same on both sides on the rims. It looked like there was different tyres on my car. I went back again to the dealer but to my surprise they could not see the difference on the rims that i see. I consulted many other people and they too saw that the tyres look different although they were the same.

The dealer tried to get to the problem and took of Sumitomo tyres and fitted a set of new Dunlop tyres to check if vibration is on the tyres. My vehicle continue having the vibration. I was then told the fault cannot be the tires. Sumitomo was put back on my vehicle. I was then told my inner cv joint on my car is worn and also needs to be replaced.

When my mechanic worked on the cv joint, he took it apart and told me there is nothing wrong with cv joint. He only replaced cv boot. This is when we discovered a bubble on the outside wall on my front right tyre. By this time i was very despondent.

By returning the tire to the dealer, I was told that its an pothole damage and i have to buy a new tyre. The damaged tyre would be send to Dunlop for inspection but I was assured that the outcome would be that its not an manufacturer problem. I bought a new tyre and when I drove away from dealer I just decided I am not going to have these tyres on my car any LONGER.

I sold the tires immediately. Isold the tires to a second hand tyre dealer and bought myself a new set of FALKENS and to my surprise no more vibration. Driving is so much smoother and i am very happy with my new tyres. I have learned a very expensive lesson and do not want others to make the same mistake as i did.