Vehicle Repair Request: Fill & Download for Free

I live and work in Louisiana. Here, once your car is reported stolen, you file a claim to your insurance. Stolen vehicle coverage encompasses anything that happens to your vehicle from the time of theft to recovery; up to and including being shot up. Most insurance policies cover a stolen vehicle with the exception of basic liability. But that option can be added separately. The situation will always dictate though. In one instance, a victims car was stolen and they only had basic liability. The vehicle was wrecked after a short pursuit and suffered minor damages. The sheriff then took it upon himself to pay for the repairs requested by the owner. Anything could happen

There are two sides to this argument.From the CONSUMER side:Over-billing, use of sub-par parts, extra repairs that were no requested, requests for more repairs needed, and just plain sloppy workmanship. And many of these consumer complaints are valid and documented.From the AUTO TECHNICIAN side:Customers not understanding that a vehicle is a set "systems", designed to work in harmony, and with information fed from other systems. Fixing "A" problem does not always fix "THE" problem, especially when a component(s) of another system lead to the fail of the first problem.Your garden hose doesn't seem to have the pressure it used to, so you call me to take a look at it. I immediately notice that water is gushing at the spigot/hose connector, and suspect a bad washer. I replace it, and the leak stops. Did I fix your problem?Maybe not, since now that more pressure is available, we see many pin-point leaks in the hose where is has been chewed on by your dog. AFTER I made the requested repair, I am left to tell you that the entire hose needs replacing. You get mad because you already paid to fix the damn thing, then want more to replace it. To you, I look like a thief, but to me, I simply did as you asked, but found OTHER problems.When you get your vehicle repaired, anywhere, TALK to them...what happened, why did it happen, what MIGHT happen further down the road, WHY do they want to do the extra diagnosis or repairs?If they can't, or won't, answer these questions, or be willing to sit and talk with you...run, don't walk, to find another repair facility.

I received a message from my vehicle dealer, stating that they are organizing a monsoon 120 point FREE service camp. The message had its usual conclusion with an asterix* , “Terms and conditions apply”.I reached the Service Station/ Dealer well before time at 8am and am the first to report for the day.By 9:30, the staff begin to arrive. And after about half an hour, their Foreman arrives with the Job Card booklet.Before he begins filling it up, I again confirm whether the Service Camp is absolutely free or not? He confirms, after having a brief look at the message.My vehicle is parked at a Service Bay, lifted on the Hydraulic lift. By this time there is a mad rush and as usual, the mechanic is frequently disturbed by several other tasks at hand.I am very much there with my vehicle and am closely observing his antics. He checks the lights, brakes, gear stick movement, and thereafter as I had requested changes the Coolant, since my vehicle has already done 45 thousand kilometers.After some time he notices that the suspension rubber boots, covering their telescopic arm have fallen loose and have got ripped off, he states that the rear and front right suspensions need to be changed immediately. Upon enquiring the price of the duo, he stated that the entire replacement of both the suspensions will cost me around 20 thousand rupees in all.I frequently watch chrisfix videos on youtube and was aware that my vehicle suspensions were in perfect state as there was no leak of fluid, no unusual bumpy ride, steering behaved normally , e.t.c.I refused to oblige to his advice and he asked me to write down on the Job Card Receipt. I willingly wrote that I do not need a change in suspension.Thereafter I brought to his notice that my clutch is unusually hard. To which he quipped, that its pressure plate has worn out and that needs to be replaced. That too would cost some 20 thousand rupees plus the vehicle will have to be left at the Service Station for two days.Now my clutch is not slipping at all and the gears engage very well. So it was understood that the Service Station was trying to rip me off through generating fear and manipulative means.Now that I did not fall prey to their tricks, when the payment time came, I was required to wait for a considerable time at the reception where the payment counter was.Upon seeing the bill, I was astonished that the Bill had some unusual labour charges. When asked the Company said that the Service was free but not the labour charges. I did not understand the logic and after much argument, we arrived at a particular sum.I left the Showroom/Dealer, vowing never to return.It is always better to take your vehicle to roadside mechanics who have gathered fame and trust of your vehicle make. However tread very cautiously, as most of them too are crooks. Buy genuine spares, get your vehicle repaired and leave paying a paltry sum , as compared to these organized thugs that cheat gullible customers at the drop of a hat.Also refrain from reacting to any such FREE messages. They are just a bait.Good Day and safe driving.