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?
I have had similar experiences.
I took my wife's pristine Hyundai in for a wheel alignment - it came back with door ping dents and scratches, parked with both windows wound all the way down and about 25 kms more on the clock. And the alignment was crap - had to redo it a few months later. I 100% know it happened that morning as I hand washed the car before taking it in. Fresh scrapes are very obvious.
Just slack bogans with no care or concern Made me angry, very angry but ultimately nothing I could do.
What I DO do, when getting anyone to service a car, is put cheap Kmart seat covers and a steering cover on (just for the servicing) for the reasons mentioned here. Greasy handed halfwits in dirty overalls who don't care.
Best of luck OP. I believe you. Most people notice changes and if you are the only driver, you likely felt the difference immediately.
Probably rings on the mechanic's hand or holding a tool while manipulating the wheel.
Nothing you can do though.