Pep Boys PepBoys Dino (manager) replaced radiator once, then kept reheating and fixed it twice, then 3rd time engine blew and they said my car was a piece of junk and said no refund! Ripoff Temecula California

When you bring a broken car in for repairs the only thing a mechanic can do is repair the obvious problems. When an engine overheats the added strain to all engine components can and usually does destroy or deteriorate gaskets, seals, wires, warped castings and burnt ceramics so its only a matter of time before something else goes and the domino effect s****.>

I'm responding to this because I had to replace my headgaskets recently. I did all the work myself, but I understand your frustrations of having a recurring problem. I flushed my cooling system, replaced the thermostat, and was still having overheating issues. I had to do all the research myself to finally figure out the problem, but had a shop give the final diagnosis. Unfortunately, if all you say is the car is overheating, they won't check for a headgasket, it's not a common problem (unless you drive a '96-'99 subaru). Your engine may not be ruined, and don't take the other shops word for it. If you didn't run the car hot for too long, then there is a good chance your heads and block are still good.

When you have a recurring problem like this, don't continue to frequent the same shop and tell them to replace what was already replaced. Ask them for more help, tell them what is happening, and let them figure it out themselves. If you just go back and say "replace the radiator", that's all they'll do.

and keep this report right here for all to see. I had a huge problem at the marlowe heights store here in maryland about two months ago. And you had better check the signatures on the paper showing the mechanics and his buddy.

On my paper it shows a mechanics and a alien signature which I know their was only one mechanic on that day. I think the person that signed it was the service writer and being from that department and knowing the ins and outs of that department she was no way qualified to sign the buddy part of the order checking his work.

Just tell pep boys I will see you in court.

Bob Haynes of Pep Boys has contacted me, letting me know he will work with me. However, the stipulation is that I take this rip-off report off this website before we move any further.

George,

You never stated what kind of car you have or how many miles, etc. This is all essential information for us to see the big picture.

Also you stated that you took it to Pep Boys to have the radiator replaced. Did they not do what you asked of them?

I did not see where you said you took the car to Pep Boys to have the overheating problem diagnosed.

Maybe the manager was right, even though his wording and/or attitude may have been wrong. However, there is nothing illegal about this manager expressing his opinion. And what exactly did the eyewittnesses witness? The conversation? The diagnosis? the repair? Or you knowingly driving your car in an overheating condition?

Driving a car even 1 time in an overheating condition can do serious engine damage. You clearly stated that it was still overheating on the 3rd of March, but you continued to drive it and brought it back on the 7th of March! That is 4 days of driving an overheating vehicle! Now, on the 13th it finally gives up. That is 6 more days of driving an overheating vehicle!

After 1 overheat, you should change your oil immediately. Did you? If not, why not? Did use use full synthetic oil in your engine or the cheap $12.99 oil change?

I think the only problem here is a poorly maintained vehicle, and operator error. This comes from an experienced mechanic. I have seen this movie too many times.

People refuse to properly maintain their vehicle and/or stop driving it with a serious problem, and then want to blame the last person who worked on it.

Why exactly do you feel that you were entitled to a refund for the work that was obviously performed as agreed? Please explain this.

I think we need to get the Pep Boys manager on here to give us the rest of the story.

did you have them install the radiator on your word, or did you have them diagnose the overheating issue themselves? Not that I am a backer of those guys by any stretch, but there is a difference.