Auto Repair - They Can't Even Get Tires Right!

I recently replaced the tires on my wife's minivan. I decided to try a local facility that looked like it had its act together and specialized in tires. I did my research at my favorite online tire resource (http://www.tirerack.com/) and picked out 4 Yokohamas. Tip - be very wary of what your repair shop recommends for tires - do your research!

I let the local auto repair shop sell me the tires, as by the time I had them shipped and installed - it just wasn't worth the savings, which was minimal - plus I don't mind letting shops make money - I made money for 20 years in the auto repair industry!

Prior to the work, I negotiated free installation (mounting and balancing), free disposal, free valve stems, a discounted alignment, and free nitrogen inflation. Tip - you can almost always negotiate auto service.

They did the work for a fair price and got it done when they said they would. That these two things were achieved at all was a miracle. However, they put the wrong wheel weights on!
This may seem like a minor point, but it bugs the hell out of me.

Here's why:

1) The wrong wheel weights look like crap
2) They fit poorly, scratching the aluminum rims
3) This scratching will corrode my rims, contribute to tire leaks, and it looks like crap
4) The weights don't fit securely and can fall off, causing vibration, and requiring me to have my wheels balanced again and/or prematurely. A wheel weight that falls off while driving can also chip the paint on my fender.
5) Did I mention it looks like crap? :)

Why would a "tire specialist" do this? Visit car repair prices to learn why we can't get our cars fixed right, and what you can do about it.

-Ted
RepairTrust
http://www.repairtrust.com/
Making Sense of Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, and Auto Repair Costs

Auto Repair Average Costs

Every now and again we get a few upset mechanics or shop owners complaining that it is not possible for RepairTrust to provide accurate car repair estimates. They go on to say that we don’t know what we’re talking about…that we’re idiots…and many other colorful words.

Following is one such discussion on car repair costs. It’s highlighted here to illustrate the resistance and defiance of the auto repair industry to anyone suggesting a fair car repair price - even an average - other than the repair facility itself.

This particular shop owner writes via email:

I would like you to inform me on "what" I should charge for a given repair without you knowing anything about my business, about my warranty, my benefits for employees, my services or overhead. Please explain with clarity how you can predetermine the cost of doing business from one location to another.

I would really be surprised if anyone replied to this request. Advise at a cost?? Come-on boys... lets come up with intelligent response here...Click Auto Repair Average Costs for the full and enlightening story...

-Ted Olson
RepairTrust
Making Sense of Car Repair Costs