One of the very best things you can do when dropping your car off for service is a 'walk around' with the service advisor. In fact, a really pro service advisor will insist on doing so. If he doesn't insist, *you* should! Any dings, scratches, etc are noted on the service order.

It's also your chance to say (with a smile of course) "This car is my baby. There isn't a mark on it. I expect to get back in the same condition".

This needn't be adversarial. It protects BOTH parties equally.

(BTW, when an advisor says "Would you like an estimate to replace that broken tail light lens" or "Gosh, too bad about that door ding. That must've been a heartbreaker" what he is REALLY saying is "This damage is pre-existing. I see it. You see it. Don't blame us!" )

Cheers
DD

 

The dealership are going to look at it Saturday. I cannot go earlier due to work. The lady that booked me in confessed that the plastic fasteners "do let go". Hmm, seems to me the guy changing the oil and carrying out the multi-point inspection dropped the ball.

 

If the plastic fasteners often fail then they oughta outfit the oil change guy with a box of 'em to keep right there at his work bench....with instructions to always replace any that look flakey.

Many shops have an arbitrary charge ("shop supplies") for incidental items like this. It's a good example of how that charge should be used.

Cheers
DD

 

Dealership made it right. The service adviser took a look to see that none of the holes showed signs of pull-through, asked if i wanted the car washed and then told me to go help myself to coffee and mini-muffins. The system works.

 

Are you talking about those white nylon things holding the undertray up? Two of mine had become worn and I had to replace them.