Short story: I have a flat tire in my driveway -- a tear in the sidewall that is my fault (2024 convertible, location: USA). Don't think the tire repair kit is my fix. Called Lexus Roadside Assistance. AAA shows up, since Lexus contracts all its towing to AAA. The driver tells me that he doesn't have the equipment to tow a "specialized" car like the LC 500. AAA confirms they won't tow unless I sign a damage waiver stating that they aren't responsible if they damage the car. Nope, I'm not doing that.

The AAA driver tells me I could call the local dealer, but they will probably sent out another AAA flatbed that's not appropriate for the LC. The AAA driver gives me the name of a specialized towing company that can tow the car; Lexus Roadside tells me verbally that they will re-imburse for the cost.

It seems like my best bet is to handle this myself outside Lexus Roadside assistance -- but what is the benefit of Lexus Roadside if I have have to manage and pay for my own towing, then apply for reimbursement through an unknown process? Shouldn't my local dealer be able to resolve this, and send the right truck even if it outside their network? What would you do if this was your car?

 

Strange that Lexus would contract a tow company that can’t tow their car.

At least the car is in your driveway with a flat. If it was me, I would take off that flat tire wheel and bring it to a tire shop to get it replaced. If the rest of the tires need to be replace due to tread wear, you can at least drive the car to the shop and get it corrected.

 

100% this is what I'd do, assuming you have a 2nd car (I hope you do, lol).

Even if you have to call a friend/family/neighborhood to bring you a jack and a 17mm lug wrench to help you do it.

 

Thanks guys, good thought! Yep, I have a second car. I guess my expectations are too high that Lexus Roadside (and/or my local dealer) should solve this problem for me...since that service is part of what I paid for!

 

Understand the expectation thing. Once one of my RXL's battery died while in the garage under Warranty. It had been jockeyed in due to us going on vacation so was at a weird angle. Requested a new battery, was a no brainer it was the problem since I have my own diagnostics. They wouldn't release a new battery unless they could do their battery diagnostics check first (wanted the whole car though). They were willing to send a Tow service to check the battery but the car was required to be outside which I wasn't willing to push it out. Was easier tor me to just go buy a new battery and install.

 

Be very careful with towing the LC. My experience is that most cannot accommodate for our very low front, and damage is imminent. It commonly takes more experience, and the use of some timbers placed in front of the ramp to more gradually raise our front end over its front edge.

 

This is why I’m very leery when purchasing a car without a spare tire. Those goop pumps only can do so much.

Have you tried the goop pump? lol.

 

So why do the LCs need a specific tow vehicle? Is it the height/clearance or the drivetrain or something else?

 

Front clearance.

 

I wouldn't risk damage during towing for a flat tire. Stuck in the middle of nowhere maybe. But in the driveway? I would remove the tire and take to a tire shop. If not able to do, I'm sure someone would do it for a fee.

 

take the wheel to tire shop and have new tire mounted and install it yourself..problem solved.

 

When I had my catastrophic flat last January, I called AAA for a tow to my home. AAA sent out a flatbed, a MUCH better option than towing, IMO. And - I now have a spare. I kept one of my old wheels with the mounted tire as a spare, but it sits in my garage

Lou

 

True this is another option. Mobile tire techs are definitely a thing now, but you pay a little more for the convenience. I did this last time as it wasn't worth me taking time off work, they charged $50/ea for mount and balance.

 

for $50 they can do it..Im 75 and not as nimble as I oncewas..gettingup off the ground is a chore sometimes.:}

 

I don't blame you. The LC wheels are heavy! I didn't enjoy putting the 21s back on after I coated them lol. Thankfully the bolt guide pins made it easier than doing it with just the bolts, so glad I purchased two of those ahead of time