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Eastham's Exxon Servicecenter EXXON Tried to change drive belt, car with 43K miles, could not show any damage to belt! Almost got screwed! Bethesda, Maryland
I went in today (12/03/2010) to have my vehicle inspected. It has less than 43K miles and has always been meticulously kept in a climate controlled garage. All service has been done by Heishmann Audi at Tyson's Corner in Virginia, and after the warranty period, by a very competent Import shop specializing in German cars, Eurasian, also of Tyson's Corner. I have all relevant paperwork.
I had the vehicle go through Virginia State Safety Inspection less than three weeks ago and it passed without a problem, like it always has.
So my surprise was great when after checking the perfectly running car for the Maryland State Safety Inspection, I was told it had failed because of a cracked serpentine belt. I opened up the hood and the belt looked absolutely fine to me. No cracks whatsoever!
So I called for the Tech to show me the particular belt that needed to be replaced. He mumbled something and said some words about there being four or five cracks. He was unable to show me where the cracks were.
I was furious and calmly told them I will take digital pictures, and forward the case to the BBB. It is understandable that they may have wanted some business to replace the perfectly fine serpentine belt, but I consider that a Rip-Off. No modern car with less than 43K especially an Audi needs that belt and besides, it has no cracks!
I will make the vehicle available for the area representative of the Rip-Off Report to visually inspect without any obligations or certification on his/her part, and I will take it to any Audi dealer and I am absolutely certain it will pass any inspection.
Its a shame all the awards and goodwill the late owner of Easthams's accumulated during a full and rich lifetime are being put to waste
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Jim
Millbrook,Alabama,
U.S.A.
Master Mechanic Jim here
#2Consumer Comment
Sat, December 04, 2010
Cracks mean nothing on a serpentine belt.I have seen belts with thousands of cracks about 1/8 inch apart and running perfectly.
Yup they Tried to scam you, NEVER give them ANY more business.