On a similar note to the windscreen excess, my experience in trying to replace the tyre sealant that I had to use, I found them unhelpful and a little unsympathetic.
I was told to get a replacement from the dealership that supplied the vehicle and Motability would cover the cost. A bit of a pain considering it’s not in the same town that I live, but still a fair solution.
The problem started when none of the 3 nearest dealerships had any stock. The nearest said it’s on back order with no ETA. The others said that they never stock the original (Continental Mobility Tyre sealant) and only supply Slime branded kit which includes another electric pump (which I didn’t need) and is compatible with ALL tyres. Motability authorised this. I collected the kit and read the instructions. Turns out I need a larger sealant with this Slime product as my wheels are large SUV ones.
I contacted Motability and asked if I could just buy the correct sealant (I have a few long journeys from Monday) and be reimbursed. I explained that I will of course go back to the dealership to give them the full kit back so they get a refund (obviously worth more than sealant cost). That was a no go and they didn’t seem at all bothered about the kit being returned. They told me that all Motability customers get free RAC cover and if I get a flat, I need to contact them.
I really don’t want to rely on and wait hours for RAC, especially after knowing how quickly I repaired the original puncture with the correct kit and sealant.
I will buy my own correct sealant. If anyone else faces a similar issue and are offered a Slime, or other universal kit, just remember to check it’s suitable for your tyres. Also note that the Slime kit doesn’t run through the pump like the Continental sealant. You must remove the inner part of the tyre valve, with supplied tool, then squeeze the sealant bottle in to the valve. If you’ve not lost the small inner valve, this needs to be replaced. My fingers aren’t very nimble, so I don’t think I’ll try it, even though the parts department at local KIA dealership said the kit “will be fine”.