We took my husband's car (1996 Ford Taurus) to the shop to have the spark plugs and belt changed. There was also an oil leak in the engine that the mechanics were supposed to look at. We already had the plugs and the belt for the car, since we'd intended to change them ourselves but haven't had the time to do it recently.
The mechanic called my mom about the car today and told her that we'd need to take the car to have the engine steam cleaned because there was so much oil on it and they couldn't tell where the leak was. They also told her that they had changed the spark plugs, although they had to purchase new ones (at $6 each)because the ones we had brought in "were the wrong size."
I waited half an hour for them to call me after that, then gave up and called them. At first they said the car was "ready," then confirmed that I would have to take it to a car wash, have it cleaned, and bring it back. They never said anything about the spark plugs directly to me.
2006-10-17 11:38:44 · 4 answers · asked by Akuseru 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Am I going to have to pay them for the plugs and labor since I never authorized them to purchase different plugs for the car? I'm 100% positive that they are the right ones for that engine (6 Cylinder 182 S 3.0L EFI DOHC). Also, should I expect them to try charging me double for labor since they had to take it apart to put half of the spark plugs in, and will have to do so again to get to the area that is leaking?
2006-10-17 11:41:05 · update #1
I knew that the car was leaking oil because it was being picked up by the belt and flung onto the underside of the hood. There was also a pool of oil on top of the motor. I can understand why it needs to be cleaned off, but not why I have to be the one to take it to a car wash.
I don't think I need to say that I don't intend to bring any of my vehicles back to this place.
2006-10-17 12:11:55 · update #2
Forgot to say that the only reason I wanted the plugs changed was because I had them on hand. We're going to put the car up for sale once the gasket is replaced, so if I'd known they were going to purchase new plugs for it I would have told them not to bother.
2006-10-17 12:14:29 · update #3
ok that is a good question. If you brought the parts and assuming they were wrong...the garage should have put the car to the side and let you make the decision whether you wanted them to purchase the correct plugs. Also..any garage I know has the means to clean the engine themselves rather than have you take it to the car wash and have you do it.
My suggestion would be that you tell them you will pay the same price for the plugs they installed that you would pay at the auto parts store...you purchased them yourself to save money.
That would be an unauthorized repair.
Secondly, I'd ask them for the old plugs...so you can compare at the parts store that you purchased the correct plugs. If you did then you owe them nothing for the plugs just the labor...which is what you originally had on mind in the first place.
And I would never take this car to that garage again.
2006-10-17 11:48:33 · answer #1 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Here in California we have a Bureau of Auto Repair where you can complain about practices like what you have experienced. Try and negotiate a settlement, like having the labor for replacing the plugs applied towards the labor for replacing what ever gasket is leaking. It sounds to me like you went to a pretty bad shop, since anywhere I have gone to, either would steam clean it themselves or take it to a car wash for you. Your lesson learned is that this is not the place to have your car repaired and let everyone know your feelings. Most shops rely on good referrals for a large part of their business. Let them know how you feel.
2006-10-17 11:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What might want to be perfect relies upon on the position you're positioned and what variety of using/use you do consisting of your motorcar. verify the most unread e book in the international - the vendors guide or end by technique of a Ford broking and be conscious what they advise. I due believe notwithstanding that it is a 5W20 score that Ford is now using.
2016-12-04 22:41:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just pay for their spark plugs and return yours...you shouldnt be paying more labor but you will be charge for their parts...how do you know the car is leaking oil if you cant see it???
2006-10-17 11:50:34 · answer #4 · answered by sQuIdWeEzY 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋