Checking on Car Service

[MineMail]

I took my car in for service this morning because the dashboard idiot light came on every morning for the past three days. The car also needed an oil change, so I took it to my regular place. The light was on when I parked the car.

The check-in clerk said that it would cost $99 to run the computer diagnostics. I approved it because I really like the car and I want it diagnosed and repaired.

They called later and said the car was ready - they had changed the oil and put air in the tires because the tire pressure was low. It turns out that my car has a "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" idiot light in addition to the "CHECK ENGINE" light. (Never saw either before this week - new to me!)

When it was being rung up, I saw the $99 diagnostics fee on the bill, so I asked for a copy of the diagnostics report. The clerk was flustered and checked with his manager who said (a) they couldn't do a printout; and (b) they didn't RUN the diagnostics because they realized it was a tire light, not the engine light. The clerk immediately took it off the bill, so really all I paid for was the oil change and I had a coupon!

I saved a good chunk of change today with one innocent question. It definitely pays to ask about each item, just to jog their memory and make sure the work was done.

 

[swilshire]

Owners' manuals are wonderful things. I admit that we had no idea what it meant when the tire light came on in our van. We'd never owned a vehicle that had that before. A quick check of the owners manual (which we always keep in the glove compartment) solved the mystery.

I love that feature and wish all our vehicles had it.

Sheila

 

[Swimalie]

Nice savings!!

 

[Sadie22]

Our local shop has never charged us anything to run the computer diagnostics.

 

[Judique]

I took my car in for service this morning because the dashboard idiot light came on every morning for the past three days. The car also needed an oil change, so I took it to my regular place. The light was on when I parked the car.

The check-in clerk said that it would cost $99 to run the computer diagnostics. I approved it because I really like the car and I want it diagnosed and repaired.

They called later and said the car was ready - they had changed the oil and put air in the tires because the tire pressure was low. It turns out that my car has a "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" idiot light in addition to the "CHECK ENGINE" light. (Never saw either before this week - new to me!)

When it was being rung up, I saw the $99 diagnostics fee on the bill, so I asked for a copy of the diagnostics report. The clerk was flustered and checked with his manager who said (a) they couldn't do a printout; and (b) they didn't RUN the diagnostics because they realized it was a tire light, not the engine light. The clerk immediately took it off the bill, so really all I paid for was the oil change and I had a coupon!

I saved a good chunk of change today with one innocent question. It definitely pays to ask about each item, just to jog their memory and make sure the work was done.

Sudden drops in temperature over night have caused my tire pressure light to come on. Also, a slow leak in one tire. Darn thing makes me nervous until I get it checked out!

I'm glad you saved the money with your question.

Do you think they were trying to get away with making you pay or was it an honest mistake?

They could have run the test and charged you so I'm thinking no communication between clerk and tech.

 

[MineMail]

I do think it was an honest mistake. The technicians get the car and work, but the front staff rings up based on what was entered into the computer originally, not what was on the mechanics' work order notes.

I immediately thought of this forum because I've learned a lot about double-checking before paying. Common sense, I know, but sometimes you need to "hear" what happened to others to be able to think fast on your feet. (ie. Ask for the diagnostics results.)

I'm guessing DH would have just handed over his credit card...

You're probably right: the pressure was low and in the morning, it was at its lowest point because it's been cold and my car has been in the driveway instead of the garage for a few weeks.

 

[mrspaha]

I'm glad you asked about it... I think my husband is the same as yours; he never questions bills (though he will make me explain every penny I spend). I'd be a little wary though about this place. I'm sure they make it a point to add additional charges if the mechanic finds other things. Why wouldn't the mechanic also note that he did not do the diagnostics...

 

[Jitzy]

You can go to AutoZone, PepBoys or NAPA and they run the check engine light diagnostic for free. For example, the light in our DS's car was on, they tested it and found out it was a spark plug. My DH bought they spark plug, replaced it and then they reset the light.

If it isn't an easy fix, then you could always take it to a shop that you trust. Labor costs are so expensive!!!

 

[pantherlj]

Good of you to double check!

I asked about a bill because over the phone they said they were going to replace X but instead had to replace Y but had X and Y on the bill! They took X of only because I pointed it out. Mechanics are so frustrating because it is very difficult to shop around!

And, I agree with the auto zone type places for the Service Engine Soon light. It came on in my car. Mechanic wanted $99. Auto Zone place did it for free and determined I didn't tighten my gas cap tight enough the last time I filled my tank. Sure enough, it turned off by itself the next time I filled it up!

 

[swilshire]

Sudden drops in temperature over night have caused my tire pressure light to come on. Also, a slow leak in one tire. Darn thing makes me nervous until I get it checked out!

Absolutely right. The first time ours came on, we had been spending the night in a mountain cabin and it was freezing cold. It came home shortly after we left to go home. We aired up the tire, but about every three months, it would be low again. I insisted DH take it to the tire shop before the long drive on our summer vacation They found a tiny little nail causing a very slow leak.

Sheila

 

[jedijill]

You can go to AutoZone, PepBoys or NAPA and they run the check engine light diagnostic for free. For example, the light in our DS's car was on, they tested it and found out it was a spark plug. My DH bought they spark plug, replaced it and then they reset the light.

If it isn't an easy fix, then you could always take it to a shop that you trust. Labor costs are so expensive!!!

I second this! All the car parts place will do this for free! My check engine light kept coming on and it was my gas cap...just wasn't tight enough.

Jill in CO