Back a couple of weeks ago I recommended getting a 4 wheel alignment as one of the first things to do with a new 987 (New 987-first things to do?). At that time I advised that I had driven…
“…my Box 3 months last season and 3 weeks this season for a total of 3900 miles. The fronts are like new but the rear tires only have 3/32's left. They seem to be worn pretty evenly and no I don't drive crazy, I drive like an old lady. I hate to admit it but it's been all highway (back and forth to work) and a few weekend tours (with my wife) so no spirited driving. Have kept the air at 32F, 36R religiously and I've been extremely careful to the point of obsession about avoiding potholes, bump, curb etc. It's hard to believe the tires could wear like this. I will be going to the dealership (Boston), Friday to see what they will do. I don't hold out much hope. The dealer has probably heard a hundred stories like mine.”
Well, I took the Box to the dealership (HC/Boston) expecting to hear the usual rhetoric sending me on my way to fight the Michelin wars. However, when he and the service manager inspected the tires, were simply amazed at the extreme wear while the fronts were like new. The right was down into the tread wear bars and the left was close to that. They checked the undercarriage and found no scuffing or evidence of having driven over any dead bodies.
Much to my surprise the dealer looked at me and said, “If you were a young kid, I’d have the answer for you immediately.” (personal note to: don’t touch the gray hair or hit Weight Watchers until the warranty has expired).
They finally put the car on the alignment rack and determined that the toe was out of alignment! When they broke the news, I didn’t have to say a word; the read the look on my face. Thereafter, service manager spent the next 2½ hours trying to locate the Porsche rep. Just as I was about to call the game, the rep returned the call. That call lasted two minutes. Believe it or not, the service manager came back the good news that Porsche would spring for new rear OEMs, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 265/35/19s, about $325 each on line! They couldn’t find any in town that afternoon (Friday) but promised to have them shipped in by Monday morning (last week).
I drove to the dealership Wed., and had the tires installed without incident. As a matter of fact, when I arrived, they immediately pulled a 911 off the rack and put mine up for the tire installation. Talk about priority! And, here’s the bonus: throughout the entire matter I was treated with nothing less than civility and cordiality.
The moral of the story is, well… sometimes being old and fat, and polite, and honest works when you have a dealer or service manager who approaches things with an open mind. It also doesn't hurt to get an alignment done when you first purchase you Box.
Two thumbs up for the dealership!
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