First off, these guys are my local mechanics whom I have praised them for their honesty, quality…read moreand customer service, in the past. Recently, my opinion has changed due to my last experience. *Note the owner has been away. I drove in with a perfectly running car to have a battery cut off switch (purchased on Amazon) installed by a professional in the hope of not inadvertently causing electrical problems myself. The mechanic (great guy) installed it and I was charged $118 for what amounted to 1/2 hr of labor. Fine, at least I won't have to worry, I figured. I drove home and the car seemed to be running slightly rougher than previous. Maybe my imagination, I thought.
That night as I took off to work the car shut off in my narrow driveway. Too narrow to tow. I ended up removing the component but not before taking the photos I posted and taking a video. An AAA guy who came to give a boost agreed that it would be best to remove it, as the boost would be useless. The car started and the next day I went about my day only for the car not to start while in Manhattan. Previously I called them and was told by the young manager that the issue was due to a faulty component they did not purchase and he wouldn't take responsibility. But I can speak to the owner when he's back in two weeks.
When I got stuck in Manhattan I was told by the same person I probably I had a faulty alternator all along, a separate issue altogether, get it back and they would take a look. He was dismissive and somewhat irritated at my calls as I tried to tie things back to the install. I got it towed to the front of garage the next day and gave them the keys so they can check it out as I rented a car to go to work. An hour and a half before closing they still hadn't looked at it as they were "busy" with other customers. I reiterated that despite the hardship of the car suddenly not working after they worked on it I brought it back to them in trust and due to my good past experiences. I felt it was unfair to be placed last on the list. Half an hour before closing I was told the problem (see images) was a 180 amp battery fuse which melted when the cut-off component was attached to it. I had questioned the mechanic as to what it was during the installation and whether it mattered, he continued thinking it would be fine. Again, he was a cool guy. He found what the components was and a replacement part that could be ordered from Amazon. I even tipped him again after the whole experience was over.
The manager however repeatedly blamed the part and not the work. I ordered the part (battery fuse) and had it installed the next day. The manager acted like they were doing me a favor by installing the part they had destroyed and I had to pay for out of my own pocket. After missing work, inconveniencing my neighbors, having to get towed, and renting cars, they did me a favor by not charging me to put the fuse back on. I'm sure the young guy thinks he's doing the right thing; perhaps protecting his staff , or making more money for the owner. But this is the short term thinking of a street mechanic, which is precisely why I go to them to avoid. It's understandable to make a mistake but to not to rectify, and in fact try to hustle it the way he did, hoping I would accept such nonsense, hoping people couldn't be bothered is not good business nor what they are commended for in reviews. "Your Family Auto Service". Essentially I went in with a perfectly working car and left with one that would fail, losing the price of installation, the price of the cut-off switch, tows, rentals, and a new battery fuse. But I should be grateful? Lol Only thing I'm grateful for is they admitted it was a fuse and didn't try to get me for the alternator as he suggested. I've photos, vids, receipts and voice recordings to back my claim. This has been an insult to my intelligence and would be taking advantage of anyone lacking.
