My wife had an appointment for PA State Safety Inspection, Emissions Inspection, Oil and Filter Service, Tire Rotation and Wiper Blades. They called and told me the front brakes need replaced and the front rotors are trash. I asked what the brakes measured and was told 3/32" which pass but are at minimum and they said the rotors are all rusted and pitted and do not pass. They also wanted to do a brake fluid flush (which is snake oil). I advised; I will take care of the brakes myself, as I felt that $400 was way out of line for a repair that I can do for $169.00 in parts from NAPA and about an hours worth of my time. The brake rotors have no rust on them and are slightly above minimal thickness to pass.
I took my wife to pick up the vehicle and Dillon waited on her at the counter. He did not go over any of the charges with my wife and after paying $245.21 for the work that was done, she noticed there was a charge for $49.00 for Cleaning and Lubricating Caliper Slides along with an additional charge of $9.99 for shop supplies to do so, which we did not authorize the shop to do. I immediately went into the store and made Dillon aware of this and after he sat at the computer terminal, completely confused and shaking like a scared rabbit while trying to figure out what to do looked at me and stated, "I'm going to be completely honest, I'm new to all of this and was never taught how to do a credit card refund. I'll have my manager call you in the morning." I asked him how long he's been working the Service Counter and he replied, "About 3 weeks." I asked him how the store manager could leave him in charge when he has no idea how to remedy an overcharge. He stated, "I was here by myself last week and everything was fine."
The following morning, Ian McNaughton called me and explained he was sorry for the oversight and if we came back to the store the same day before the end of the day, he would be able to refund the overcharge to our card. My wife took the vehicle back to the shop and he wasn't able to refund the money and gave her a phone number for Corporate and to speak to Customer Service. When she got home at 4:30PM, minutes after leaving the MR. TIRE store, I called and Dillon answered. I asked to speak to Ian. He stated; he's gone for the day.
The brake rotors on the vehicle may need replaced, however, they meet the minimal requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania State Safety inspection code. I will be addressing this issue with their State Inspections Enforcement Officer.
One additional thing, they never reset the Service Required Light in my wife's vehicle after performing the Oil and Filter Service. So, it makes me wonder if they even changed the oil and filter. I ended up having to reset the light myself.
I would not recommend this repair facility to work on your vehicle. They are not only very unprofessional, they just want to push you out the door if you don't approve their "up-sell". I will be contacting their corporate office; the BBB and the PA State Police Inspections Officer regarding this entire incident. It's a damn shame that Valley Tire (who was bought out by this company) is not still in business there....we never had issues like this when they owned it!!! read more
