Can Rollback Damage Front End

Why did you tow it to a tire dealer and not a Toyota dealer? As I understand it, the warranty on our new Prius Prime is bumper to bumper, including tires, as long as the damage is not from abuse.

 

I'd first suspect the tires and mounting. Not balanced right can cause vibrations.
Is the replacement the same model?
What is the wear difference between the replacement and original tires? The shop might be able to wear the new tire down to match the others.

 

Oh, missed both fronts were replaced.
I'd have the tire shop check the balance. If that seems to be good, then switch the front and rear tires to see if the vibration moves with them.

 

The biggest change to your vehicle is the two new tires. I'd first suspect the balance. While they're checking have them check the balance on all 4 tires to eliminate variables. If you still feel the vibration one of the new tires might have an out of round issue.

 

Just rotate the tires front to back and if the issue ceases it is the tire balance, a bent rim, etc. If it continues, contact your insurance company and document the issue to the tow company for future follow up.

 

I've never heard of a new car warranty covering tires. It's typically tire defect warranty only, and through the tire manufacturer, not Toyota.

How many miles on the car? Where both tires replaced due to significant tread wear?? What was the tire damage, ie: a puncture in the tread, or sidewall damage?

Assuming it was a simple nail in the the tread, I would have just plug-repaired. Nowadays it's not kosher, and a lot of tire places will not do it, but it's worked for me.

 

Just noticed a tire/service place I pass every day does free tire repairs.

 

Tires are excluded by the auto manufacturer, but have their own warranty. However, if the car suspension was damaged in the tow, that is an insurance claim, either against your own company or the tow company. Plugs are fine except for hair replacement (written as I pause to run my fingers through my full mane and glance approvingly into the many mirrors scattered about my study). Many shops offer free repair in hopes of selling a tire when they state plugs are no longer acceptable. These people are typically bald, by the way (not to be trusted).

 

I did a plug repair on one of our OEM Michelin Pilots, about 4 years back. A second on one of the Michelin X-Ice snow tires, about a year later. Both tires still in service, no need for "professional" intervention. Doesn't always work out so smoothly I'm sure, but...

 

Were the tires manufactured in Japan like the OEM ones? There are at least 3 different Ecopia 422 Plus. Warranty and tread patterns vary depending on where it is made. There may be other differences.

 

Toyota does not cover the tires. They refer to the separate tire warranty.
My Ecopia 422 Plus warranty specifically excludes OEM tires from the warranty. Basically they have no warranty, officially.

 

This is a real bug bear. I wish they'd go back to using Ecopia EP20. Those were readily available in North America, and as far as I know: invariable.

 

I suspect that either a tire lost a wheel weight or one of the tires is defective and will be replaced by the shop at no charge to you. Do get the car inspected for suspension damage if the tire balance turns out to be OK.

The new tires belong on the rear, but with 8k on the old tires, I'd probably get the new ones rotated to the rear before winter weather comes.
"When tires are replaced in pairs in situations like these, the new tires should always be installed on the rear axle and the partially worn tires moved to the front. New tires on the rear axle help the driver more easily maintain control on wet roads since deeper treaded tires are better at resisting hydroplaning."
Tire Tech Information - Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?

 

was the car in neutral when he hoisted it on? i can't understand all the creaks and groans, should roll quietly except for the thump overtime the flat spot goes under.

 

My initial bumper-to-bumper warranty on my current Prius did not cover a road hazard tire failure. Nor even a simple repairable flat the very first week on my first Subaru.

 

I don't understand putting new tire pairs on the rear. The logic is that the rears need deeper tread. Trouble I see: tires on rear wear tread slower than front, so they never will catch up with front tire tread, in fact the difference in tread depth can only get worse.

 

I agree. Tire shop old wives tale. Goal is to sell more tires. Get those partially worn rears on the front where they will wear out faster.