Garage test drove car after changing tyres - I'm fuming

[s2rjn]

Hi all
Just wanted to get a sanity check
I'm fuming after I had four tyres fitted at a dealer
I bought the tyres from Tyre Leader, brand new set of P-zeros N2's and booked it into one of their recommended dealers.
Tyres delivered to them no problem, paid £15 per wheel so I am happy with that.
However they took over 2 hours to change them (I waited) which was my first bug bear, then 15 mins before they gave me the car they came to say they were just balancing etc then out of the corner of my eye I saw my car leaving the car park racing down the road. The car game back 5 minutes later and an argument ensued!
In my opinion you don't test drive a car when you change tyres, they gave the excuse that they needed to check they were balanced, I counter argued that that was the balancing machines job.
In my opinion they were trying to take me for a mug!
I shall be complaining but I want to check I'm correct in my thinking!
In my 25 years of motoring I've never heard of test driving a car after tyre changes!
Dealer was a Vauxhall main dealer that offer 3rd party tyre fitting.

My thoughts are they were too excited on seeing a Porsche to resist and I caught the bastard, however your opinions are welcome
Cheers
Rich

 

[dpoynton]

I use Event Tyres. They come to you, fit the tyres, you pay, they go, end of.

I think you're right to be upset, I would be too.

Mind, I wouldn't use a Vauxhall dealer to fit my tyres. Their grease monkeys would relish taking your pride and joy for a spin. They'll never otherwise get to drive one.

Not quite sure what appropriate recompense for that is though.

Hope you get satisfaction.

David

 

[pauljmcnulty]

they gave the excuse that they needed to check they were balanced

So presumably they'd have to give it a good run right up to motorway speeds? []

 

[carreraboy]

Maybe take in a track day too ...

 

[Levasseur]

They'll also need to check if it is possible to drift on these tyres.

 

[frankydoom]

and a test if they can get the brakes to smoke ..... just saying ;-)

 

[Chris_in_the_UK]

Inappropriate and unnecessary.

 

[guitarplayer63]

I'd be getting in touch with the Dealer Principle first off, ask him how he would feel with his P&J tearing down the road.

Wonder if it got flashed anywhere...

Then I'd go for them, this is totally out of order. I'd be asking for them to foot the bill for a full engine check just in case...

 

[dpoynton]

I feel for you, given some of the comments your post has faced. Purile and unhelpful.

I agree, ask for a meeting with the dealer principal. He/she should be embarrassed by the actions of their staff.

D

 

[STiG911]

Heck no this shouldn't have happened and I echo talking to the dealer principle.

Similar thing happened near me in Maldon a couple of years ago - couple of tyre monkeys took a jolly out in a 911 after fitting new tyres and ended up killing someone.

 

[dpoynton]

When you see the dealer principal it may help to show him the story the previous poster mentions - if you can find it.

D

 

[colin944]

Totally out of order. How much life did they remove from your new tyres. Tell the dealer principle that you wanted a set of new tyres fitted not part worns!!!

 

[s2rjn]

Great thanks all, they'll be getting a phone call tomorrow! I knew I was right to be mad!,

 

[944s2]

Get ECU interrogated for over revs?

 

[skendrick]

I'm fuming just reading it!

I would have got my keys off them calmly and then told them to order a new set of tyres in to replace the ones they've just wreaked.

I would have then refused to pay until the new tyres are on my car and drove off.

I've been using Bracknell Tyre & Battery for as long as I can remember and they don't even drive the car from the car park to the garage.

 

[Boxstercol]

Disgusting.

I'm really picky about who drives my car, even the OPC service technicians when the car is in for work.

I'd be really worried about over revs in this instance. Chances are some complete tosser has revved the nuts off it posing.

One of the VW technicians at the local VW dealership told me about a customers Mk4 Golf R32 they had in for a service. After it was completed, 2 technicians took the car for a spin down a quiet access road to a steelworks where they took it to 140mph apparently. Completely irresponsible & when my Golf is in for work I insist that any test drive is done with me accompanying them.

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: guitarplayer63
I'd be asking for them to foot the bill for a full engine check just in case...

I'd want at least this to check there's been no over-runs which may well cause issues for renewing extended warranty for you in the future.

 

[isysman]

I would have had the same reaction as you. In fact I would have most likely gone crazy. Is this not 'taking without owner's consent'? You should get in touch with the dealer principle and remind him of this

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117750/Kwik-Fit-mechanic-took-customers-Porsche-mowed-schoolboy-8-jailed-half-years.html

My OPC will match any prices found anywhere else. So I wouldn't take my car anywhere but the OPC. Is that not the same all over?

 

[s2rjn]

complaint is being handled by customer services after a heated discussion with the 'manager' this morning
i've asked for a full refund of fitting (only £60) and for them to pay for an over-rev test at my OPC
will keep you informed

 

[weaponsguru]

It is certainly something that I too would be "quite upset" about.

I put mine into the OPC to investigate a "niggly" traction control issue.

I was told that they'd need to take it for a test drive, which I was quite happy with.
Before the the bloke had got off the PC carpark, I'd had a text from Cobra, and while it was in sight, I'd got a telephone call from them telling me my car was moving without the "fob" inside it. (I told them it was OK, but happy with the service!)

Strange that the garage told me that they normally put the tracker fob onto the key ring.
I thought that was a "little daft" so keep mine in my wallet instead.

Anyone moves my car more than 50 odd meters and I know about it.
If they'd taken mine out for a spin without my agreement, I'd have informed the tracker company it was not being driven with my consent and had the "Busy's" after them!

Certainly something I'll keep an eye out for if I ever take mine anywhere for someone to do any sort of work on!