Went to dealership...

For 5k service. Forgot to physically mark a wheel to confirm actual rotation (after being made wary on here of this not taking place for other members). So when i got out i simply walked to right rear tire and took off valve stem cap.

Fast forward 40 minutes and I am told my vehicle is ready and Im all set. I start driving to work and realize I forgot to confirm rotation. I figure no big deal I will look at the office. Get out of vehicle and check....aaaaaaand right rear tire is still missing valve cap.

Before I call, is there any way you can think they will try to deny or talk around this? I mean, i was bent down removing cap when service manager walked up to greet me for heavens sakes.

Thanks for the advice....

 

I used to think a lot of dealership-sucks stories were exaggerated but I had one put my rear shoes back together incorrect and made them completely inoperable. Had to complain to the BBB and Yelp and Toyota Corporate before they would fix the problem, never going back again.

In your case, I'd decide how to handle things after seeing what the dealers reaction is. If they deny or don't apologize, find another.

 

LoL yeah just call them. I find that being polite and pointing things out gets me a lot further than walking in and being a dick.

 

When I had the leaf spring TSB done they didn't tighten up the shocks. They rattled like crazy. I didn't really care because I put 5100's on when I got home. One of many issues I have had.

 

Was the rotation the only thing you were in for, or was it just part of tasks to be done?

I assume in addition to your asking for a rotation, you also have paperwork showing the rotation was done?

If yes, just call and advise you'd marked your tires and you note that they did NOT do the rotation they said they did. See what they say.

There's no reason to tell them 'how' you marked your tires to tell. If you give that info, it will just open the door for excuses of how you are wrong.

BTW. Does your truck call for different pressures F & R? If so, a rotation would require a pressure adjustment. Meaning all caps off at some point. And when I serviced a vehicle with a missing cap, I grabbed one out of a pile of old ones and replaced. Seems to add to the evidence your tires weren't touched.

 

For sure. I used to work in a damage control role and absolutely despise the belligerent screaming people. I have always handled things calmly.

 

Rotation and oil change is what 5k service called for. And yes, they gave me paperwork saying it was complete. Just upset i have to babysit them. Nearest dealer besides them is like 45 minutes. Upsetting.

 

Gotcha. Would have been a more interesting discussion if a brake 'inspection' had been part of the process. You know, like 'you had the wheels off for the inspection, right?'

Yes, babysitting is a pain.

It's why I either DIY or use a quality trusted independent shop when I don't have the time, tools or skills for a task.

Only time a dealer sees my vehicle is for warranty work or recalls. Free oil changes aren't worth it to me.

 

Yea. I am totally on fence of learning to do oil changes. I feel like it would be hard to screw up. Its just i dont really have a ton of space for all necessary items (floor jack, impact, oil, etc). Father owns a shed bout 20 minutes away, maybe i will set up a place to do it out there...

 

Maybe they saw that you had the right rear valve off, and determined that you wanted it that way for a reason. When they rotated the tires they took that valve off and put it on the tire that used to be there...maybe

 

Exactly what I was thnking! I am debating whether I should wait for 10K service to mark them more properly with a marker. Thoughts on driving tires 10k miles w/o a rotation (if they in fact did not rotate)?

 

LOL yeah.... no.... they simply did not rotate your tires.


OP dont even bother.... I had them almost start my truck without oil in it as im standing right next to it talking to the head service tech about a tsb he was improperly measuring for with angle finders i provided as they ordered the wrong one.... needless to say my truck doesnt go back to the dealer.

 

Honestly though, if it were me I would just wait until the next oil change. Your tires will be fine. When I take it in, I would say something like:

'Hey last time I came in, I'm not sure the tires got rotated because when I got home I realized that there was still brake dust on the front wheels from the brake pads. Can you make sure it gets done this time? Also, I did some research and found out there are a couple different patterns that can be used in tire rotation; which one do you use? Do you reset the tire pressure after rotation?'

Just let them know that you are informed, aware, and can tell what work has or has not been done.

edit: I mean, if it were REALLY me, I would be doing my own work. But yeah, if you're going to take it to the dealer....

edit: Discount Tire rotates my tires for free and does a mighty fine job.

 

I believe you are over-thinking this. NO need for an impact or a floor jack - ratchet or box wrench for the drain plug. Get a 8-10 qt drain pan, good sized funnel, gloves, and an old 12oz plastic soda bottle to drain the filter. Nice to have an empty 5qt jug for the old oil. First time, get an experienced friend to help. Use the family shed - 20 mile drive insures engine completely warm, start draining first and give it 30 minutes while you remove filter and replace.

 

+1, get a Fumoto valve and becomes even easier. No need for a wrench or pan and much cleaner. Only drawback to Fumoto is the oil takes longer to drain. Small coffee can is what I use under the filter drain. The problem I have with dealers is the service writers are no more than parts peddlers. It was worse years ago when a lot of them were paid commission on parts and service they peddled. Last time I was at the dealer for the free service I knew they had at least checked the air in my tires because 3 out of 4 valve caps were over tightened and the heads cracked. Plus they put 30 lbs in all when door sticker says 46. You would think that even some lube shop flunkie would stop to think that maybe there was a reason they had so much air in them.

 

I generally agree with you, but on this truck I participated as long as I had Toyotacare. When my emission pump and valves went out just past warranty the first thing they did was look at the service history. They said," well you bought it from us, and had it serviced here, we think we can get a goodwill repair for you." Saved me $1,800 for the new pump.

 

Probably wants an impact and floor jack for tire rotations

 

Not to be a skeptic, but I SERIOUSLY doubt the guys working in the lube shop would pay that much attention to detail. My money is on them not doing the rotation, just like they didn't change my oil once, even though I had a paper that said they did. It sucks that WE have to watch everything this closely, but that is just the way it is sometimes (I know not ALL dealerships are like this).

 

I was thinking about going this route...and I do see how the front wheels have the brake dust yet.

But now I really wonder if they even changed the damn oil. I guess I should be able to look at it and it shouldn't be too dark if its new, right?