I just gotta vent on this. Today, I took my kitty to the local garage and tire shop (which I never do!). Just to get a slow leaking rear passenger tire fixed. Surely they can't screw this up! I brief them on particularities of the lug nuts and valve stem cap so they don't mess them up or loose them. Several hours latter I call and they can't find a leak anywhere. No charge. It's in walking distance but the first thunderstorm of the day keeps me from walking over to get it. I tell them on the phone to make sure the windows are up. Walk over there about an hour later and there she sits, out beside the work bay with the driver's side window partially down, key in the ignition, soaked carpet and water all over the leather seats!

They spent 20 minutes trying to shop vac the water out and clean everything up while I'm standing there fuming. Then another bonehead comes over and starts trying to wipe the light grey leather down with a towel with black grease on it! I used the F word and some GDs before it was all over! They did offer to pay to have it detailed but I'm leery even of that offer now! Afraid I might get the same talent pool! Dear god, is everyone incompetent anymore!

Got her down in the garage now with the windows down and a small fan running in the driver's foot well and a dehumidifier running in the garage. Just checked and the carpet is still wet! Wondering about mold and mildew now!

Any advice on drying out a damp kitty?

 

 

Google them and someplace you'll find online reviews for them. Add yours. Don't get mad, get even

 

Taking the seat out could help accelerate the carpet drying process and reduce the risk of damaging the seat covering.

Sympathise with this situation. It's many years since I've let any gorilla in a tyre depot near my cars. Just the sound of air wrenches as I approach these places sets my teeth on edge. I take the wheels off at home and deliver them separately.

Graham

 

Similar situation just last week. Took our new car to the dealer to have a small warranty issue corrected. I picked up the car late that night and didn't realize until the next morning black grease stripes on the drivers door and carpet. Dirty, greasy hand prints everywhere.



Took me 2 hours with leather cleaner and conditioner to get the WHITE leather back in shape. I was so pissed off when I called they offered to do the next scheduled service for free.



What happened to the days they put down those paper mats and wore clean gloves and booties? Or just gave a damn.

 

Whenever I need a tire repaired/patched, I remove that wheel and take it in separately. I even do this with the one tire shop I trust implicitly - force of habit....

 

I took the car to have it tuned. When I picked it up the cream leather seats had been sat on with someone with very dirty overalls. The centre rest and the arm rest too were black. Not a happy bunny here.

I took the car into the dealership for a service and gave clear, slow specific, instructions that the car was NOT to be washed. On the way back to pick it up you can guess where it was. I just managed to stop them washing it with one of those nylon brush things attached to a hose that looked like it had not been cleaned since it was new. Annoyed to say the least.

 

Rebel, Hey don't forget how well cool/dry air conditioned air will suck up moisture. When you start her up, Set the temp to Lo and let physics help do the job.

John

 

there is something about rain and wet cars. the rain carries mold spores which "come to life" in the damp carpets. you might not want to hear this, but you must take them out and wash both sides with one part ammonia and white vinegar in three parts water. this is the preferred mixture used by mold remediation companies. wash the exposed body and any other hard parts with this same mixture and you will not have the lingering smell. it only takes about two days for the turn to occur. the seats will be ok, but to be safe, condition them with pure coconut oil as it inhibits microorganism growth and is actually quite good for the leather.