A relaxing vacation should never begin with a tire shop visit, but that’s exactly what happened to Robert Langley when his Budget rental car nearly rolled off the lot on a blowout.
Instead of winding roads and scenic stops, Robert’s early road trip memories were filled with frustration, a $200 bill, and the kind of customer service that makes your blood boil.
Unsafe at Any Speed
Robert and his wife had just arrived in town for a weekend getaway when they noticed something wasn’t right. The car didn’t handle well, and a visual check revealed a troubling issue: the left rear tire looked dangerously worn.
Out of caution, Robert took the car to a tire shop. What they found was alarming: not one, not two, but three of the tires were severely overinflated, and the fourth was in such bad condition that it needed immediate replacement.
It was late Friday, the tire shop was closing, and there was no spare in the trunk. So Robert did what any safety-minded driver would do: he paid for a new tire out of pocket and kept his trip moving forward.
From Safety Risk to Reimbursement Denied
When Robert returned the car to Budget a few days later, he reported the issue, handed over the damaged tire, and filled out an incident form. A reasonable customer might expect a refund, or at least an apology and a thank you. What he got instead was a surprise phone call.
Budget not only refused to reimburse him but also tried to charge him another $200. This time, because the tire he bought wasn’t the same brand as the others on the vehicle.
That’s right: instead of taking accountability for handing over a potentially dangerous vehicle, the company told Robert it was his fault for not spotting the issue during pickup. Apparently, the average renter is now expected to carry a tire gauge and perform a full inspection before leaving the lot.
Accountability Shouldn’t Be Optional
Fortunately, Robert didn’t stay silent. After pushing back and getting the attention of the corporate office, Budget reversed course. They refunded the tire cost and dropped the additional charge.
But this case highlights a larger issue: why are rental car companies still pushing liability onto consumers when the safety responsibility should fall squarely on them?
A quick online search reveals similar stories – flat tires, bald treads, even cars without spares. While most customers don’t expect perfection, they do expect basic roadworthiness. And when that fails, the burden shouldn’t fall on the driver.
What to Do Before You Drive Off the Lot
If you're planning a trip and renting a car, don’t assume it's ready to roll. Take two minutes before you drive away to:
- Inspect the tires for visible damage, low tread, or extreme wear.
- Check for a spare – you’d be surprised how often they’re missing.
- Snap a few quick photos of the vehicle’s condition, including the tires.
- Ask about roadside assistance coverage and tire replacement policies.
If something seems off, ask for a different car. It's your right, and your safety could depend on it.
Conclusion: Stand Up, Speak Out
Robert’s story had a rare happy ending, but it shouldn’t take persistence and media attention to get fair treatment. When rental companies cut corners, it's often the customer who pays – in time, money, or safety.
Stay sharp, take photos, and never assume the car you're given is road-ready. And if a company tries to pass the buck on a problem they should’ve prevented, don’t be afraid to push back.
