Mycar Damaged My Steering Wheel

Linfpt on 27/12/2024 - 14:11
Last edited 27/12/2024 - 22:03 by 1 other user

Hi OzBargain Community, I would like to hear the community feedback on what people do in these types of scenarios.

TL;DR If a car gets damage such as scratches during a car inspection or service do you seek compensation or do you just let it go?

I brought my car in for pinkslip inspection and after an hour or so later, I picked up my car. I drove off but immediately felt something was off with my steering wheel like there are small bumps which it felt unpleasant to touch. I've inspected the steering wheel and found there are 3 different spots where the leather has been scratched where the leather is layered on itself.

I went back to the shop and spoke to the mechanic that inspected it, and he claims he didn't do it and he then brought out his manager to talk to me. I was told the essentially same thing, but he was much more dismissive and told me to "cut my losses" and "don't waste my time". I'm telling him that it wasn't there before, and I don't bring my car in for it to be returned to me damaged. He told me he can't do anything about it and go complain to the head office.

I know it is hard to prove who damaged it and the damaged is relatively minor to someone else, but it is not right to just suck it up and deal with it. I already distrust automotive shops for their lack of transparency, but to return my car after a "lousy" inspection in a worse condition is unacceptable.

I've already made my complaint to their the customer care team. But the reason I made this post is to know what will you do in my shoes and how are your experiences with automotive shops?

Photo of damages.

Automotive Car Toyota

Related Stores

mycar Tyre & Auto
mycar Tyre & Auto

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 27/12/2024 - 14:16
    +19

    Its outrageous. Demand they replace the vehicle!

    Seriously though, no way of proving they did it. Youve made your point to them. Now suck it up and get a leather restore kit and patch it up.

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 14:22
      +1

      Haha! Thanks I look it up. Although I'm going to wait and see if their head office will respond.

      • HeWhoKnows on 28/12/2024 - 18:19
        -1

        You said.."I brought my car in for pinkslip inspection"

        That doesnt involve clamping the steering wheel with anything

        Its a visual inspection of mainly the underside of the car and the brakes.
        Then they take it for a test drive to test the brakes.

        Its likely those small nicks were already there - you just didnt notice them

        So OP I dont think you have a claim on Mycar because tehcnically they only handle the steering wheel by hand to steer the car, the same way you do.

        Everyone will just laugh at you

        And I would change the title of your post because its both offensive and defaming to mycar
        Hence you might find they make a legal claim against you.- and legitimately so!
        And it could be tens of thousands

        • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 18:40
          +2

          Someone said the brake test machine could have hit into it when got in the car. It would explain how the damage is on the bottom right corner of the steering wheel.

          Let's just say that only hands were involved, everyone handles things differently. I handle all things with care especially when the thing is my own car. It may be prejudice to say but I would say a mechanic is maybe more rough when they do things, don't you think?

          • 2esc on 28/12/2024 - 21:24

            @infpt: Brake test machine? Been a while since ive had a rwc done but are you suggesting a machine is placed inside the car? First ive heard of that normally i thought it was a simple inspection of all components followed by a test drive.

            • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 21:31
              +1

              @2esc: Yes, it should be inside you can google it. You get a foot brake test receipt. I got one each year from the same store. Although this year I didn't get one. With that knowledge now I have actually asked them to confirm if they had use it or not. I suppose it is legal requirement to test the brake using this machine as part of safety check although I can't find any information online.

          • Lichen6420 on 28/12/2024 - 23:22
            +1

            @infpt: Yes a device is placed over the brake pedal, it's like a metal sleeve, slips over the pedal with a sensor attached.

            This is connected to a machine that contains a decelerometer with GPS and a few other bits and pieces, usually prints a test docket. A certain level of brake force and deceleration must be reached to pass.

            https://www.autotest.net.au/product/autostop-heavy-brake-met…

            My guess is they were careless getting in an out of the car with the unit and dragged it across the steerting wheel. You can't prove it though.

            • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 23:48

              @Lichen6420: Thanks for the clarification and explanation.

              They claimed no tools were used inside the car during the inspection. Surely it is convenient for them to have omitted that they had use this machine. I'm aware that even if I can get them to confirm they did use the machine and in their carelessness scrape my steering wheel, they won't admit without something like interior dashcam footage.

      • Franc-T on 28/12/2024 - 20:36
        +2

        Yah you are shit out of luck if they deny you did it, impossible to prove they did. Frustrating as well.

        I had a dealership scrape my car, realised and photoed the car straight away they ended up respraying that panel after they looked at their own cameras etc. I really had to push them though they did the right thing in the end.

        That said, dont go back.

        We took a car there once (as they were only place open who would take a broken down car that was on a tow truck) - they fixed the problem but didnt keep a charge on the battery so it broke down again on freeway next day. They never returned calls so I only had it sorted when my good mechanic was back from holodays and he confirmed what was the problem. (we had a spare so it wasnt a big deal not driving it, but could have been if we didnt)

        Live and learn. My uncle used to work there and ….. lets say he did not recommend them.

        • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 20:45
          +1

          Thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, I definitely won't go back.

    • ATTS on 29/12/2024 - 16:56

      Would a dashcam which record the cabin help in these cases?

  • SBOB on 27/12/2024 - 14:17
    +3

    You said/they said issue, so unless mycar are feeling overly generous at Christmas time, you're unlikely to get any outcome you're happy with.

    (And while 'damaged', those are some rather tiny blemishes)

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 14:29
      +2

      Yeah, I know. To be honest, I don't know what to expect in these scenarios hence my post. However, it just frustrating these people can get away with it and no consequences.

  • MS Paint on 27/12/2024 - 14:23
    +4

    They must have used a crow bar to check your indicator stalk was functional.

    • AndyC1 on 27/12/2024 - 16:29
      +1

      To kill one of the three on the tree to make it two on the tree?

    • Baysew on 28/12/2024 - 20:53

      They would need to if it was a BMW.

  • Protractor on 27/12/2024 - 14:45
    +9

    Don't go to a butcher for a pedicure

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 14:51

      I love the sarcasm (unironically)

  • Dollar General on 27/12/2024 - 15:07
    +1

    Get a quote to repair it and then contact head office

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 15:25

      Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

  • Nucleus Acumbens on 27/12/2024 - 15:17
    +3

    Cover it with black sharpie.

  • Caped Baldy on 27/12/2024 - 15:18

    Best you can do is move on, try repairs if you're game and leave them a harsh review.

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 15:27
      +1

      Probably for the best. I appreciate the response.

  • brad1-8tsi on 27/12/2024 - 15:37
    -7

    If you went for a Registration eSafety Check (what's a pink slip?) what on earth could they have done as part of the process to damage the steering wheel on your 5+++ year old car?

    You conveniently neglect to state the age and model of vehicle and overall condition of the vehicle.

    MyCar service is variable but what part of the eSafety Check process could possibly have damaged the steering wheel?

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 15:45
      +2

      It is 7 years old with just over 50km on the odometer. I'm the only driver. Your guess is as good as mine how did it happen. Those damages weren't there before, I know it's impossible to prove it, but my seat was adjusted and there is dirt on the sun visor so it is not unreasonable that to think the mechanic damage while moving about. I wouldn't make a fuss about it if it was self-induced and waste my time and everybody else.

      • joka on 27/12/2024 - 15:53
        +3

        That’s 7km a year!

        • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 15:57
          +1

          Sorry I meant to say 50000km!

      • brad1-8tsi on 28/12/2024 - 07:24

        LOLing at the negs.

        I'm 167cm and it's normal for my seat to be adjusted when someone else drives it.

        Was the sun visor in a different position to when u left it?

        Hopefully you can find a trusted workshop to take your car to.

        • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 10:58

          Didn't neg you. No, the sun visor was in close position yet there is smear of brown grease on it. The paperwork was the same. They definitely drove my car it was moved and the mechanic never denied it, he just said he can't see how it happened.

          Thanks, hopefully I can find one.

    • kiitos on 28/12/2024 - 09:00
      +1

      Safety checks include testing brakes, which (usually?) involves driving the vehicle

  • elgrande on 27/12/2024 - 15:39
    +1

    Why the privacy team? Did your steering wheel contain personal information?

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 15:47
      +1

      Haha I thought it was strange too, I contacted the correct department now.

  • Stalker on 27/12/2024 - 15:45
    +2

    Sorry, but your first mistake was going to MyCar. Don't make that mistake again.

    • Some Human on 27/12/2024 - 16:18
      +1

      Agree. Went there for a tyre replacement. They said leave it overnight and it will be done by tomorrow. Went in the next day to pick it up and they hadn't touched it. 10 mins later it was done. Wasn't impressed with their service, that's for sure.

      • Jonesy555 on 28/12/2024 - 09:26
        +4

        Another agree…
        1st time, had oil change, over tightening, had oil leaking all under carriage.

        2nd time, mother in law took car in for service, tried to say all suspension, sway bar, caps needed replacing, not safe to drive. Quote over 6 grand for a old vw golf. Took it to my own mechanic, only thing needed was replacement of rubbers for sway bar and caps on suspension. Less than 500 bucks….

      • CommuterPolluter on 28/12/2024 - 19:10
        -6

        They said leave it overnight and it will be done by tomorrow. Went in the next day to pick it up and they hadn't touched it. 10 mins later it was done.

        Were you expecting them to literally work on it overnight? Sounds a bit precious to have a whinge about waiting 10 minutes.

        • Some Human on 28/12/2024 - 22:15
          +1

          I left it there at 1.30pm. They said come back tomorrow. I went back the next day at 1.30pm. They literally had 24 hours to complete the 10 minute job. At no point was I whinging it took 10 mins, more that they said it would be done by then and it wasn't.
          Get the facts before becoming outraged over nothing. Talk about being precious.

          • CommuterPolluter on 29/12/2024 - 07:05
            -4

            @Some Human:

            They literally had 24 hours to complete the 10 minute job

            Can’t believe you’re chucking a wobbly over a 10 minute wait. You expect them to run the shop 24 hours a day?

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 18:16

      Where you would you recommend to go?

      • brad1-8tsi on 28/12/2024 - 06:37

        Where you would you recommend to go?

        Where have you been going for the past 7 years? Where did u get your eSafety Check done last year?

        • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 10:35

          Same place. Didn't have any problem before today.

  • brendanm on 27/12/2024 - 17:08
    +7

    Looks like textured rubber and not leather to me.

  • milanoxpress on 27/12/2024 - 17:43
    +2

    Looks really similar to Toyota basic steering wheel. Leather like plastic mold steering wheel.
    What happened at mycar Kmart shop?

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 18:14

      Yes, it is a Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. I don't know if it's genuine leather or it is another material. I got leather interior fitted at the dealership brand new and always thought the steering wheel was also replaced with genuine leather but looking up on Google it does seem to be the standard wheel.

      • milanoxpress on 27/12/2024 - 18:44

        I see more cases of “leatherette” Toyota steering wheel used in upper grades of Corolla, Camry rav4 et al. poor durability in hot, humid, sunny Aussie outdoor conditions. Unless the owner uses an indoor closed garage for parking I prefer the Toyota basic steering wheel fitted in ascent sport is better long term durability.

        In terms of getting it repaired, I’m thinking Toyota genuine parts bin for a replacement steering wheel kit. I don’t think you get just replace the steering wheel. The kit may include a new airbag assembly & honk sensor in the central mold.

        Another idea would be source a genuine steering wheel at a 2nd hand/vehicle parts recycler & chip off some bits from that & implant it on your steering wheel. Using a super glue or something like that & cover up the indented area.

        “ Not Happy, Jan!” MyCar Kmart

        • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 19:07

          Thanks for your insight and possible repair solutions.

      • brendanm on 27/12/2024 - 19:12
        +2

        It's a standard textured rubber wheel, no leather in sight. I doubt they've caused the damage, can't see how it why it would have happened. By another steering wheel off eBay for $20 of it really bothers you.

        • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 19:31

          It doesn't. It's more about the principle that I shouldn't have to experience these issues in first place when getting an inspection.

          My guess is that they had a clipboard, as I seen them using one, or something on it must have lean and scratched the steering wheel. You can believe it or not, but why would I publicly make a post
          and make accusation if I didn't genuinely believe it happened.

          • brendanm on 27/12/2024 - 20:18
            +2

            @infpt: A clipboard won't do that. More than likely a ring worn by the owner.

            why would I publicly make a post
            and make accusation if I didn't genuinely believe it happened

            To attempt to shame my car into fixing your steering wheel that's likely.been damaged for years that you hadn't cared about until today.

            • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 20:33

              @brendanm: You would think it will be something more obvious like an external scratch or dent on the car instead of something so obscure as this. And no, for the record, there was no damage before today. I take care of my things, but you won't believe that anyway.

              • brendanm on 27/12/2024 - 20:34

                @infpt: Perfect opportunity to upgrade to the pleather fancy steering wheel.

              • brad1-8tsi on 28/12/2024 - 07:03
                +1

                @infpt: I worked in "retail based automotive repairs" as both mechanic & various management roles for ~7 years.

                Multiple times clients returned accusing us of damaging their vehicle when it was existing damage that they hadn't previously noticed. They weren't trying to rip us off, they simply hadn't paid attention before and getting work done on their vehicles had made them focus on their car a bit more.

                I will say that the worst clients were the non-regulars, especially those that came in due to a promotion. We were busy enough that I had the luxury of suggesting our business relationship will never be successful and other workshops may be a better fit.

        • CommuterPolluter on 28/12/2024 - 19:13
          +1

          I doubt they've caused the damage, can't see how it why it would have happened

          Well somebody caused the damage. If you can’t see why it happened then there’s no reason to distrust OP and assert that they didn’t cause it.

  • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 18:01
    +3

    Just update for those are interested.

    The customer care team got back to me quicker than I expected and asked me to provide any timestamped photos showing the steering wheel without damage prior to dropping the car. I told them I don't have any as it is not like I would've expected any damage done especially to the steering wheel. They then told me they spoke with both the store manager and the technician who worked on the car and claimed there was no damaged occurred under their care. Well, of course, they wouldn't admit liability for something that can't be proven in this case.

    As someone here said unless they are feeling generous I'm unlikely to get a happy outcome.

    Thanks for all the responses, especially those with genuine advice. I probably just let it go as it is not worth the time and expense to repair it.

    Any automotive shop you trust and take care of their work around the Bankstown Lidcombe area you can recommend me moving forward?

  • Sye on 27/12/2024 - 19:45
    -1

    You could ask for all the CCTV but they will probably say no.

    • infpt on 27/12/2024 - 19:52
      +1

      It's unlikely a CCTV can be of much use. It is not like the damage is external of the car. Thanks for the reply though.

    • DoctorCalculon on 27/12/2024 - 22:04

      They would need CCTV footage inside the car (i.e. a dashcam with cabin facing camera).

  • tabitha731 on 28/12/2024 - 08:09
    +5

    Don't waste your time complaining to head office coz they're more useless than their so called mechanics. I took my car for an oil change years ago. They unscrewed my under carriage cover, I drove off thinking food job done… Only to hear my under carriage dragging on the road soon afterwards. I returned to get them to screw things back .. was told to go to head office … Months later and lots of emails and phone calls led to nothing being resolved… No apology, nothing… Have never given them my business again!

  • Cave Fire on 28/12/2024 - 08:54
    +2

    Friend had something similar happen at a car wash. He kept his car immaculate. Claimed and won a $3000 claim for damage after a hasty shopping centre interior detail. The repair work was extensive, including removing the dash.

  • imme1386 on 28/12/2024 - 10:27
    +3

    i had a similar experience with my car only i had before and after images, they out right denied doing the damage even with time stamps, i had a thermostat housing replaced and it had serial numbers on it, after getting my car back it had an old corroded on in there and the coolant exploded in the engine bay, i made a complaint and they used the oh they wouldnt do that excuse.

  • howcan on 28/12/2024 - 10:57
    +3

    Since it's a safety inspection then it's more than likely they've accidentally hit the steering wheel with the brake testing machine that they take with them in the car to measure deceleration force under full braking. They're pretty bulky and would have whacked the wheel with a corner while getting into the drivers seat. Unless you have an interior facing dash cam then all you can do is suck it up and spam every review site and local Favebook community page possible with bad reviews.

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 11:01
      +2

      Thank you that's probably it. As the two holes on the steering wheel were at the bottom right side next to the door. My seat was moved backwards too.

  • lunchbox99 on 28/12/2024 - 11:13
    +1

    I once got my car back from a service. They cover the seats and put glad wrap like stuff on the gear knob, which is normally removed before handing back to the customer.

    I picked up the car just as they were closing and the covers were not yet removed. Upon removing the gear stick cover I notice it's got the finish somewhat damaged where you would grab it. They denied responsibility and I was really pissed off cause I was sure it wasn't there before.

    Upon later reflection I did wonder if it could be due to hand sanitiser use during covid and it happened so gradually that I never noticed before. ie the act of removing the protective cover made me notice it.

    I will never know what actually happened but my point is yours could be the same. Maybe you've only just noticed it because you looked more carefully after their inspection.

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 11:29
      +1

      Point taken. However, in my case the steering wheel is something I see as I look at the speedometer and I noticed the scratch on front steering wheel immediately as it still had the bit of material coming off. If it was old it would rub off. The mechanics just peeled off that piece when I showed him. Unfortunately the photos was taken after. And the two holes on the side of steering wheel I was able to feel something rough when I turn steering wheel. It has always been smooth. Otherwise I would have never ever inspected the side of the steering wheel.

      Anyway, just want to make it clear that I didn't just happened to noticed after their inspection.

    • CommuterPolluter on 28/12/2024 - 19:16
      -3

      due to hand sanitiser use during covid

      Still laugh that they had us all sanitising like crazy for an airborne virus. What monkeys we were.

      • lunchbox99 on 28/12/2024 - 19:52
        +1

        Well it can live on surfaces for several hours, you then eventually stick your fingers in your gob, or touch food etc

        It's not rocket science.

        • CommuterPolluter on 28/12/2024 - 19:55
          -1

          Can I get COVID-19 from food?
          There is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food or food packaging. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and the transmission route is through person-to-person contact and through direct contact with respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes

          The WHO was saying this back in August 2020 lol. It’s not gastroenteritis.

          • lunchbox99 on 28/12/2024 - 21:31

            @CommuterPolluter: Back then WHO also said:

            People may also become infected when touching their eyes, nose or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus.

            But this is not surprising. Of course you can catch a coronavirus in this way. This is basic virology.

            There have also been papers showing transmission from hands and surfaces. One such example is this paper

            But look I’m not debating basic science with you. You want to be a conspiracy theory nut, go right ahead.

          • 2esc on 28/12/2024 - 21:36
            +1

            @CommuterPolluter: Covid was certainly a over reaction that could be very dangerous in the future if another much more serious disease appears the public might not take it seriously.

            But in regards to transmission please check out the following link to WHO if your going to quote them then please read what they actually publish.

            https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/cor…

            "People may also become infected when touching their eyes, nose or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus".

            • CommuterPolluter on 29/12/2024 - 07:10
              -2

              @2esc:

              if your going to quote them then please read what they actually publish.

              If I’m going to quote them I should read every document they’ve ever published? Seems like a bit of a high bar.

            • CommuterPolluter on 29/12/2024 - 07:16
              -3

              @2esc:

              But look I’m not debating basic science with you. You want to be a conspiracy theory nut, go right ahead.

              It’s basic science that COVID is an airborne virus. I wish you wouldn’t debate basic science with me.

              I read that study. Sick people sneeze on tables. There’s no evidence that anybody actually caught COVID off those tables. Nice of you to share the first thing you found on Google though. Thanks for calling me the conspiracy nut. Here’s a rather telling quote:

              Since we didn’t systematically sample household air, we cannot rule out airborne transmission occurring in parallel

              • Ughhh on 29/12/2024 - 10:19
                +1

                @CommuterPolluter: Do you reckon the viruses live/stay airborne in the air, but as soon as it hits a table, door knob etc, it just…dies immediately?

                • CommuterPolluter on 29/12/2024 - 11:57
                  -1

                  @Ughhh: No, @Ughhh, of course not. It is, however, a negligible source of transmission as is now well understood (only outside of OzBargain it seems).

                  Hand sanitisation has its place in high risk settings but the level to which it was practiced was, in hindsight, disproportionate to any benefit. In retrospect it’s an artefact of the WHO mistakenly and unequivocally stating COVID was not airborne.

                  • Ughhh on 29/12/2024 - 17:18

                    @CommuterPolluter:

                    however, a negligible source of transmission as is now well understood (only outside of OzBargain it seems).

                    How many times do door handles in public places get touched you reckon? How many of those didn't washed their hands after going to the toilet, or sneezed directly onto their hands (I know someone who does this, it's gross)?

                    Publicly provided hand sanitations were mostly located in high traffic/contact areas afaik. Of course there's going to people who go a bit over the top or maybe are a germaphobe.

                    Airborne or not, if someone sneezes, that snot/spit is going to land somewhere. Best practice is not to touch your face, but if you had to/forgot, having sanitized hands is going to reduce the chance of contracting.

              • lunchbox99 on 29/12/2024 - 11:13
                -1

                @CommuterPolluter: You're replying to the wrong person.

                Stop wasting your time with this nonsense and do something productive with your life, such as telling the rest of ozbargain where you get deals on tin foil.

                • CommuterPolluter on 29/12/2024 - 11:59
                  -1

                  @lunchbox99:

                  Stop wasting your time with this nonsense and do something productive with your life

                  I’m probably wasting my time talking to a brick wall but at least I’m not denying the science.

                  • lunchbox99 on 29/12/2024 - 12:37

                    @CommuterPolluter: Lfmao it's obvious you have zero knowledge of the science and zero training in science. You think people can't get infected by coronavirus through surface contact. Talk about confidently incorrect.

                    • CommuterPolluter on 29/12/2024 - 14:46
                      -1

                      @lunchbox99: Ditto on the confidently incorrect because that’s not what I think and I’ve never said that.

  • TightAl on 28/12/2024 - 11:24

    Maybe the fella tinkering with your car was wearing a watch or a ring? Bracelet?

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 17:11

      It's possible. No way of proving it, though.

  • highon2str on 28/12/2024 - 15:50

    Did the car get a wheel alignment done? If so, the marks may line up with the steering wheel clamp/lock that they used.

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 17:04

      No wheel alignment. Just safety check.

  • BuDWiZe on 28/12/2024 - 16:38
    +2

    i will never use mycar again. had my water pump go and couldnt get through to VW service so ended up getting towed to mycar. they confirmed water pump after pulling car apart. then days later told thats not it that its the bracket. im liek wtf you pulled it apart confirmed water pump. for much the same price then im meant to pick it up oh alternator is gone needs replacing. im liek um alternator was fine before i dropped it off. So they replace that at a handy 2k then maybe coincidence but a month later massive oil leak and water pump goes. i get car towed to VW this time was i was in the middle of tradein and they showed things like fuel line put back in reverse as they asked me to come out into garage after they quickly had a look to see whats up.
    they also said mycar removed things to fix the water they shouldn't have and that is what lead to the oil leak and the water was already a issue and vw told me if they replaced bracket even if it was bracket at fault by design if they removed bracket it compromises pump. so i lost 4.5k on my tradein as the extra repair bill
    never taking a car to these guys ever again use less idiots who then play dumb when you call them up on it. i honestly feel like i could have hit up youtube and done a better job despite not knowing much about car engines at all.

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 17:07
      +1

      Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm definitely not going back that's for sure.

  • hasher22 on 28/12/2024 - 18:12

    Sorry OP you had this experience. I have no valuable input but to share similar experience.

    Went to Autobarn to install a head unit (good old 00s), anyways, got in my car and McDonald's chips and wrappers on the floor. There was a drink spill as well of coke. It was sticky. I didn't leave the store until they cleaned it up but they refused to clean it and blamed that it was me that ate McDonald's and spilt the coke when the car was with them for 8 hours …. Wtf? Way to gaslight me.

    Anyways made a complaint to head office, multiple bad reviews. They knew it was me that gave the bad reviews, they offered 50% off the installation. I said no, I want it all back since my car was with them for 8 hours, a head unit doesn't take that long to install. They said no.

    Bombarded them with more bad reviews, a week later some dude called me offering the rest of the refund if I took down my reviews. I agreed. Got the refund, didn't take down my reviews.

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 18:20

      Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely absurdity to blame it on you especially when you know that it wasn't you.

      Glad to hear you had a positive outcome! I agree with leaving the review so others are aware, but I would update it to include they did resolve the issue in the end.

  • CommuterPolluter on 28/12/2024 - 19:17

    In a situation like this your only recourse is to threaten them.

  • doctordv8 on 28/12/2024 - 19:58
    +2

    The only good thing about mycar is the Flybuys. That Managers attitude thou is a sackable offence for them.

    I did a stint with them years ago. They took over and cut services and upped prices day one.

    Besides that, that doesn't look like leather, and decades of spinning spanners, unless the Road Tester ad some item in his hands, no clue as to how it was damaged.

    Notwithstanding that, I feel the OP knows his wheel hand feel, and if those 3 cuts were NOT there prior… without further Fact or Proof otherwise, I believe them.

    • infpt on 28/12/2024 - 20:49
      +1

      Thanks, I appreciate it that you can understand that I know the feel of my own steering wheels.

  • pogichinoy on 28/12/2024 - 21:10

    I suspect the road tester was wearing a ring or two.

  • Commander Shepard on 28/12/2024 - 21:17
    +1

    Looks like it would be pretty easy to make to mark in that material if you simply slip a nail, hit it with the keys or a piece of jewellery.

    If you dont have a recent photo. Might just need to deal with it. A steering wheel rewrap will look worse anyway.

  • druex on 29/12/2024 - 08:33
    +1

    The last time I let MyCar do a repair on my Yaris, they needed to replace a sagging engine support. Immediately after the repair I start the engine and there's a huge vibration through the car that wasn't there before. I walk inside and explain the situation, they take a look at it for 20mins and say i'll have to bring it in next week when they get a new support.

    A week later they replace the support, but the vibration is still there. They say they'll order in a Toyota genuine part, but it will take another 2 weeks. So 3 weeks total of me having to drive around in a car that feel like its about to fly apart. I bring my car in for the genuine part to be put in, and it does reduce the vibration, but not to the level it was before the original repair.

    Never been back to a MyCar again.

  • GoldenDragon888 on 29/12/2024 - 08:54
    +1

    I went to a western sydney store back in 2022 for the Pirelli tyre deal. While there I saw that store, mechanic run over a radiator cap they left loose. They left a package in my ute. A couple of months later I released they hadn't put back my tyre winch thing to lower my under chassis spare.

  • JediNite77 on 29/12/2024 - 10:06
    +1

    We went to a MyCar franchise several years ago and had been a regular customer for service work, etc but on this particular occasion I asked them to have a look in the fuel tank as it seemed to be not measuring the amount of petrol in the car properly. Anyways got the car back and they said they could not find a fault with the fuel tank indicator, but when my MIL borrowed the car, she could smell a strong smell of petrol. Pulled over and got RACQ to come out and inspect the vehicle on the side of the highway and turns out MyCar had not replaced one of the seals properly on the top of the fuel tank, so the petrol fumes were coming into the vehicle from under the back seat . We let My Car know, but never went back.

  • WildZero on 29/12/2024 - 14:01
    +1

    A friend had a similar experience with an insurance repair of some bodywork following a not at fault claim.
    The car was taken back after the first repair had orange peel in the paint and extremely poor panel alignment.
    After the second stint there, the bodywork was fixed properly but it then came back with a gash in the steering
    wheel leather. Likely from a ring on the finger given the position on the wheel.

    They of course also denied it could have happened while they had it. It was only through leaning
    on the insurance company some more they eventually approved for the steering wheel to be recovered by an upholsterer.

  • sAmiZZle on 29/12/2024 - 16:13
    +1

    I've had Subaru scratch my car once and I only noticed it immediately after I drove home. I notified them and they covered the damage. But from that day on, I learned I need to be more attentive immediately after I pick up my vehicle, because things like this are hard to dispute after driving away. It's frustrating but honestly like someone else suggested above, with a leather steering wheel, you can lightly sand and re-die/seal the area without too much difficulty. All the best.

  • gezza90 on 30/12/2024 - 00:36
    +1

    I've almost always had issues with mechanics / auto electricians when they've worked on my car.
    1. Have had tyres changed and they scratched my rim. luckily I had before photos. I took them to NCAT and only got $150 back. Not enough to cover the repairs which was approx. $600
    2. Changed my centre console unit to DVD screen with reverse camera for $1050. The reverse camera had water filled in it 12 months later. They charged me $150 for a replacement camera and assured me it's the best on the market and is IP67 rated. Well guess what… 12 months later it filled up with water again and started having CANBUS issues. Number plate light not working because they damaged the housing while drilling the camera (confirmed by auto electrician which I paid $154 for). So now everytime my lights turn on, I get a warning light on my dashboard that number plate light is not working that takes up the slot that shows the outside temperature.
    3. The other thing that pisses me off daily is the inside plastic cover under the boot lid (hatchback). There's missing screws and clips which makes a click sound everytime I close the boot lid. The camera installation was poor.
    4. When I had my tyres changes, my back left was installed inside out. Like really, how could you do that. The next day I drove Syd to Brisbane and back twice with a "vroom vroom vroom vroom" sound which did my head in.

    Moral of the story, most mechanics/tyre/auto elec. technicians don't give a crap. Some issues are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the sooner you return to them, the higher your chances of them fixing the issue.

  • ahoihoi on 30/12/2024 - 00:45
    +1

    Scratches/wear mark missing bits and things is very common in Australia.

    Car handed back dirty. Swamped with oil in the interior+exterior. Service manager came and spit on my car for complaining.

    Job paid but not performed, etc.

    This is at high end dealers.

    I can only imagine what happen in places like what you said.

    It should not be like this. But this is how it is. It should change…

    I have found a independent specialist which I had good experience in. But that is one make service and a particular location.

    If you can find one that is good dealers/specialist/independent, if there is still one available, then that would be the best bet.

    There are few occasion I am able to claim on the damage.

    1) If the area of damage is exactly where the tools they are using is directly around. Based on balance of probability. And is quite obvious. Where otherwise no usual wear and tear would cause the damage.

    2) Where things like engine oil cap is missing. Right after service. Start the car drive around, smoke from engine bay.

    3) Sizeable paint damage. Which service advisor originaly right out claim it was already there when they pick the car. Then I insist on seeing security footage of the car going in. Which proof no damage going in.

    There are lots of thing I just need to let go.

    Anything requiring servicing and insurance is a big weakness.

    More things, more problem.

    To directly answer your question OP. And perhaps if it make you feel any easier. I had bigger damage on my steering wheel from servicing. And I let it go. I just don't see how I could proof it was them.

    But by all mean try your best if you have the time and energy. They might give discount on your servicing fee or something. Not sure how they could fix this to a good standard.

    It is a good idea (though a hassle) to take picture (as much and detailed as you can) before handing things to service.

    • infpt on 30/12/2024 - 09:42
      +1

      Thank you for sharing this. I appreciate the thoughtful response.

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