Long story short: drive my SUV to Lake Tahoe, CA over weekend, SUV’s coolant tank froze over night, SUV towed to nearest dealer, dealer called said the coolant mixture was not right for the low temp in the area, called my dealer, dealer said it is not their fault that I drove my car to the low temp area, should have flush the coolant put in the right mix before I go. My question is if my SUV’s coolant was frozen due to not having the right mix of coolant for that temp, shouldn’t all the SUVs who came to Lake Tahoe that weekend from the bay area have the same problem like mine? Is my dealer trying to deny any responsibilities so they don’t have to pay any repair cost? Maybe they put too much water mix in the coolant that they just don’t want to admit? What should I do? Help!
2007-01-16 16:54:24 · 9 answers · asked by chowwi2 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
I work at a shop in northern california that you have to drive past to get to or from tahoe and the bay. I know what you mean, its frustrating but its not the dealers fault. It also is not your fault as you dont think before you head to tahoe lemme change my coolant and washerfluid before I head to a colder climate. This is a tough posission to be in for you and the dealer. they do make specific coolants that are rated to different climates for exactly this problem but since the bay area only ranges from 30's - 90's for the most part the dealer and most mechanics dont bother saying everying changes when you go to hotter climates or like this case colder climates. All I can suggest is try talking to the dealer and see if they can meet you half way, cause honestly they arent anymore responsible for this problem than you are.
2007-01-16 17:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by Smarty Pants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple, do you have the receipt from the dealer that they changed your antifreeze? Possibility, that the mechanic drained some coolant out and then added water so the water would still be clean and he gets his commision. Will not be the first time. I had an 82 Toyota and they charged me for a NEW carburator and what they did was cleaned it and put a new gasket it. I am a mechanic but was in the army and had my gf take it in. When I saw it, it was such a bad job. I took it back the same day and ARGUED with the manager and threaten to call the police. I told him that that was not a NEW carburator. I got a new one and 4 new tires out of it. If the dealer will not do nothing, and you have the receipt, that he will be talking to your lawyer. Tell him that there is no way that a car with the proper antifreeze should not have frozen up. Also, you can call the Customer Service of the SUV company and explain what the dealer is doing to you. Most of the time problems should be resolved here. But talk to lawyer first. If he says you got a good case and he works on contingency then SUE their rear end. I think you got a good case.
2007-01-17 01:17:24 · answer #2 · answered by Big C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have a very recent receipt that shows that these guys were to check the radiator fluid and have specs written down to what temperature the radiator fluid was supposed to be good in, it will be EXTREMELY hard to prove anything even though it sounds like there could be a PARTIAL liability of the dealership. My experience with cases such as this (having been in court numerous times over people suing me as a car dealer). 9/10 the car dealer is going to win if the case actually goes to court because unless YOU paid for a service to be done, have a receipt that it was done, and then prove that it wasn't done properly and directly caused the outcome.......then you will always lose. It sounds like in this case they will have many angles to win. HOWEVER....realize that attorney fees will cost them much more than just paying you, so right now chances are the stronger bluffer wins. If you actually file a lawsuit (even if you can't really prove it all) chances are they will fix your car for you. GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-17 01:08:57 · answer #3 · answered by gin and juice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they refilled it, and you have the receipt saying that, they are at fault. There is no difference in the mixture that is required in new cars that is dependent on location, well except for Extreme Cold, it is usually a 50/50 mix.
Call them and tell them to expect a certified letter that will let them know you are taking them to small claims court, then follow through.
2007-01-17 01:18:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is that if they did mess up the mixture its next to impossible to prove and even if you did the manufacturer is going to say that you should have changed the mixture before you drove as far away as you did, and even if no one else had the problem you did it doesn't mean that the manufacturer is at fault. Sucks doesn't it!!
2007-01-17 01:10:32 · answer #5 · answered by heyhey95 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time a 50/50 mix is ok, what was the temp ?
2007-01-17 01:01:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and i do a lot of work on RV,s,and i think their at fault,,id admit it if i was,,but they don't want to deal with this,,so its easier to throw it back to the owner,,than it is for them to admit they should have checked it real good,,basically they screwed up,,that's putting it mildly,,id be mad about right now,but really what can you do,,you,ll be lucky if there's no damage to it,,from the cold,,so how you handle it from here on out is up to you,if it was me,,id be going back,,and having a good talk with a manager ,or an owner,,good luck,i hope this help,s.
2007-01-17 01:03:28 · answer #7 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every vehicle is going to have a different mixture of collant in thier car but possibility whom ever last put collant in it put2 much water and not enough collant,,, one thing u can do is call the area rep for that delership and see what he can do 4 u
2007-01-17 01:02:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've already asked this question.
2007-01-17 01:02:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋