Hey everyone. My dealer during an oil change and tire rotation last weekend didn't tighten one of my lugs all the way so it fell off when I was driving and is now lost forever. It was a flat black set of the locking gorilla locks. In addition, they scratched two of my wheels because they didn't use a thin socket or didn't hand start the lugs first and then use the impact wrench.

All in all, one lost lug which they said they will pay for a new set, and now I wonder what to do about the wheels. The one is not terrible and the other is a pretty good size scratch. They claim their "paint" guy can fix it up brand new but I'm just really ticked off about this. Anyone else experience the scratching of wheels with the impact wrench. Am I stuck here? It seems almost unreasonable to request a brand new wheel for it but I'm just pissed about the lack of care given to my vehicle.

By the way, service writer didn't even say sorry at all for any of it. Thanks for letting me vent. Suggestions welcome.

 

I would make them replace the lug fort sure, especially since you had gorilla lugs, but i personally wouldn't sweat the scratches. My jeep has so many scratches from wheeling that those little scratches wouldn't bother me none. If it bothers you though they look small enough that their paint guy could probably fix them up easily enough.

 

Yeah, dab some touch up on them and you'll never know. Won't be the last scratches you get.

 

I took my truck to the dealship to have an oil change done a few years back. Went to pick it up and they took a large chip off the door edge and tried to hide it. I bitched and got a free paint stick from them...winner, winner chicken dinner! Good luck!

 

I'd be more upset about those rusty lugs than those tiny scratches. But I do understand what your saying...they were careless and messed it up. They gotta fix it

 

I've found out that arguing will get you nowhere with dumb dealers. Your best route would be to ask for some free oil changes/alignments. I was anal with my Jeep for the first two years, then realized it was a Jeep and every imperfection is a badge of honor (except for the faulty heads and leaking roof haha).

 

They offered to replace the lugs and touch up the wheel. What else do you want for free? I don't mean to be a jerk here, but trying to gain something on such a small issue seems petty to me. But, if you feel it's warranted, by all means, get what you can.

 

You guys are all right. Especially your comment jeepstin. It's hard because I know I would take extra care when I saw a jk that has aftermarket wheels plus a matching locking lug set. I feel the mechanic either really wanted to see what he could get away with just to be a di*k or they have the lowest level person doing the oil change. Maybe I was just looking for them to apologize and even offer a free oil change or something. They really could have handled it a bit better. I also contacted gorilla a while back about the set rusting and they said there was nothing they could do. I gave up finally with them. I also just found a spare lug I have so I guess the problem is solved and I will let it all go. Or maybe i guess I could get a new set of lugs and touch them up myself real quick. Ahhh the karma would get me.

 

I get it. But, in all honesty, I think we put too much credit toward the mechanics in general. Not saying there aren't guys out there who do pay attention to details and treat it like their own, but the majority are sh*t. Thus the very reason I turn my own wrenches. Most people just don't care to respect other's belongings. Kind of like when I has 4 guys drape their sand laden towels across my Land Rover while at the beach. Scratched it to hell, etc. or, the Sears mechanic who decided to pretend he was in a nascar race and impact driver, cross threaded my lugs on my Dodge Ram which weren't even fully seated. I've learned, that when I have something done to my vehicles, like new tires, I let them know up front how particular I am and can be a real ass if they don't do what they are supposed to do. Works most of the time, on those who actually have a thought in their head anyway.

I do agree that businesses in general just don't try to make good on anything anymore. Few do, and they seem to do it right. Most don't and don't really care. Most believe you may never come back, but there are 100 people who will walk right in that door behind you.

 

The last "mechanic" I saw performing oil changes at a Chrysler dealership wasn't old enough to grow a mustache.

That said I do still have the dealer change my oil when I'm getting warranty work done or have a scheduled service.For $18 and 20 minutes it's hard to say I'd rather do it at home.
I just always check to make sure it actually has new oil, an oil cap, dipstick, drain plug and engine cover after they touch it.