Tire Plus in Elk River Scratches on passanger side of hood. Minnesota

I brought my car to Tires Plus on Sunday, October 12, 2003 to have my brakes inspected. They called me and recommended front pads and rotors, air filter, serpentine belt and a fuel filter. I explained that I had recently gotten my fuel filter replaced and they commented "Are you sure that they actually replaced it."
I told him that I was certain I brought it to the Dealership where I had bought the car from eight months prior.

I told them that I would consult with my Fianc and let them know. I n the meantime they were going to take my car down. I called back within ten minutes and told them to go ahead with the brakes.

Three-fifteen came around and I had not received a call so I showed up at the shop. I paid for the repairs and was on my way... I then went home.

I noticed that my brakes did not sound better so I called Tires Plus again. Jason stated that it is normal to hear the squeaking and grinding for the first 50-100 miles. I was advised to bring it back at that time if it was not better.

After three hours past I went to my car to replace the air filter. I noticed two large deep scratches on the passenger side of the hood of my car. I immediately called Tires Plus and they were closed. I then drove my car there to show them the damage because I knew that they would be there late cleaning the garage.

Upon arriving a few mechanics walked up to my car so I got out and showed them the damage. They denied that it had happened in their shop and stated that the hood was up in the open when they raised the car for brakes. They advised me to return the next day to talk to Manager Jim. Well I called Jim because I have to work when he is at the shop.

A $230 brake job for a $500 paint job.

I explained to Jim that my brakes sounded the same as they did before they were repaired and that someone scratched the hood of my car. He said that they would take care of it if they did it. He then asked which Mechanic did it. I explained that no one admitted to it. He said that we have a problem then because I have no way of proving it. He said that I should bring it in to get my brakes fixed anyway, he told me to meet with Wayne.

I showed up that night after work and he placed the car in the shop after my daughter and I waited for thirty minutes. They raised the car and did not take anything apart. They lowered the car to inspect the scratches; they raised the car one last time and again and did nothing. He lowered the car and drove it back to its parking space.

I then met with Wayne again and Wayne stated that the brakes might grind for 500-1000 miles. He advised that I bring it in at that time if it does not go away.

Wayne also stated that the Mechanic was a very honest person and would not be liable for the damages so there would be no reason for him to be dishonest. I told Wayne that I did not scratch my car myself and it was not like that before I brought it in. He stated that he did not say that I did it and that it may have happened while it was parked in the parking lot and they are not held liable if it happened there.

They painted the scenario that a box was placed on the car one way and slid off the other. I told him that I was not happy and had already opened a claim with my insurance company. He agreed to buff the scratches if I drop the car off. And I left.

The scratches are the same size as my box of rotors...
How convenient...

I called to speak with Jim the following day to explain my expierence with Wayne. Jim stated that maybe the scratches happened in their parking lot but it was not their responsbility if it did. Why didn't I receive a call on my cell phone when the work was completed? It may have saved my car from being scratched.

I am trying to find a way to show people that they cannot always trust shops. You should inspect your car before and after repairs and never leave your car there.

I am going to do all that I can until I am satisfied with Tires Plus decision. I have already notified a radio station and told many people. I will continue to do so unless I am satisfied by Tires Plus.

My next step is to write the paper.
No one should feel uncomfortable about dropping a car off at the shop. If I would have known this would happen my fiance would have replaced my brake pads and rotors.

Let them deny it all they want. It was not right and I will continue to voice my opinion until it is.
There large Corporation will throw away a good customer for $504.80.

Rebecca
Elk River, Minnesota
U.S.A.