I'm here to visit my Mom. And when I visit, I try to take care of whatever needs to be taken care…read moreof. One is a new headlight. She had been driving around with only one headlight for months. She relayed Firestone had quoted her a $500 estimate to replace her headlight. WTF?! I called around and found cheaper estimates. I also thought of simply purchasing the bulb and having my brother put it in, but I know that can be complicated (some headlights are very involved). Long story short, she wanted to go back to Firestone (Ugh!) after they quoted her a lower price.
We get there, and the mechanic explains that it is indeed $600 (increased since her last estimate) due to the type of bulb that is being replaced. Again, I would rather go elsewhere, etc., but my time here is limited, and I want to get it done. So, just do it. They had to order the bulb we now know we needed. It was explained that it would arrive to the shop in 20 minutes.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the manager's expertise (I believe he was the manager) who came out to the waiting room a few times to explain some issues to the customers. He seemed concerned, thoughtful, and professional.
While we waited, several customers arrived and waited....... and waited....... and waited to be addressed. It got to the point that I would advise them to knock on the window to get the attention of the mechanics. Perhaps they were short staffed. The manager left at some point, and I saw only 2 employees (maybe they were on break). This was at about an hour into our wait.
At 2 hours into our wait (it's a headlight, c'mon now), I started walking back to the garage to see what was going on. I saw Dominick (sp) working on it, so I assumed it wouldn't be long. But hey, I have nowhere to be. Both Mom & I used the bathroom. When I went it I saw, it left much to be desired. Yes, it's a tire shop, but that should be on the list of things to check.
Now it's 3 hours into our wait. FOR A HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT. What gives?! I will say that Dominic (when he would see me at the window watching their work) would come and explain the progress, always ending with...... and then you'll be done, but still waiting. Finally, almost 3.5 hours in we paid $600 for a new headlight.
Waiting 3.5 hours to have Mom's headlight replaced - Aggravating, but time for us to talk.
Replacing Mom's headlight after she's been driving around one-eyed, because she couldn't afford it - PRICELESS.
She always brings her car here for service. If I lived here I'd find a real mechanic to service her car; perhaps use after-market headlights, etc. But, she's gonna do what she's comfortable with, so...... Firestone it is.