I'm driving around yesterday and decided to stop at the dealer and have the trans fluid changed (trans was getting a little sluggish...new fluid cured that). When I am paying for the service the Service Writer gives me a 40 point inspection sheet. Everything is good EXCEPT the front brake pads. Technician listed 3-4 mm's left on the pads, and they try to sell me a brake job. So I figure, ah hell, I'll just get some pads and install them. I go to the parts department and get the pads for about $70.00.

Today, I put the car on the hoist and remove the wheels. I look at the pads, inside and out, and they look MUCH better than than 4 MM. So I disassemble and measure them with digital calipers. They at 7-8 mm (new are about 10.5 mm) I'm a little pissed, reinstall the OEM's and head back to the Dealer. I speak with the Service Manager, and express my deep concern about the technicians' "mis judgment".

The car is pulled onto a rack and the pads are remeasured....6-8 mm. So the Service Manager reimbursed me for the pads AND the trans fluid change.

The technician is scheduled for "some training"

I did (and still do) a lot of business with this dealer, so I had SOME clout....which probably helped.

My point....be careful what the dealer (thru the technicians) tell you.

 

Snoopy-

That is a very good point, & good the manager kept you a satisfied customer.

ie: My wife takes her Dodge Avenger in for a tiny tranny leak (warranty job),
they call her later in the day & say it's also due for tranny fluid/filter service @ $129. + tax.
It only has 30K miles on it. Wife calls me, I double check the service book.
Not due till 60K miles on her auto trans.

I talk to the manager & he goes & talks to the tech, they told me the tech was looking at a manual tranny service book (eyes roll).. Which I'm not really believing.

Needless to say, pays to keep eyes & ears open at the dealer..