People with rocker panel extensions / moldings : What’s your solution ?

[Ammofirst]

Many shops (not all) are pretty darn clueless. Especially tire shops. Big O destroyed both my rocker panel extensions today on our Lincoln MKZ. Vehicles with these extensions / moldings need spacers to avoid damage when lifting for service, tire rotations etc. Of course none were used and it left both panels twisted and scraped up. I had a contour SVT back in the day and I had the same problem back then. I guess about the only thing I can do is keep some spacers in my car and insist on watching them lift the vehicle. Any other ideas? Thanks

 

[AZjeff]

No help but it's on them to not damage your vehicle. Are they going to make it right as in new parts, paint, etc?

 

[Ammofirst]

It seems so. I got a receipt listing the damage and how it occurred. They referred me to a local shop that I’ve already stopped in to see. I hope they follow thru and pay for all the damage. I took pics of the car while on the lift (getting wrecked) so I don’t think they have much of a choice.

 

[Motu]

I hate cars like that - we give them the turn around signal if one turns up, it's just not worth the drama.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

Most reputable repair shops have you sign a work order authorization or some other document before or when you turn over the keys.

Next time I would make a note on this document about the rocker panel extensions and maybe say something like this "Note - lift with care, car has rocker extensions".

Wheel locks or lock nuts are another item. If you vehicle is so equipped, make sure you note where the key or patterned lock lug is located for tire and wheel services, and then make sure when you pick up the vehicle that it is back in the location specified by you or where you left it for them to access and use.

Lastly, most newer cars have cover panels on the bottom of the vehicle. Make sure that you note the condition of any on your vehicles. I have seen more than once a vehicle gets returned to the owner without the cover installed or is missing any access hatches used for oil and filter changes.

It seems that there are techs who take it upon themselves to delete these and chucking it up to a "worthless design item" by not reinstalling them when the repair or service is complete.

 

[Kestas]

Next time I would make a note on this document about the rocker panel extensions and maybe say something like this "Note - lift with care, car has rocker extensions".

You could. Many times I've seen mechanics never read customer comments.

 

[AZjeff]

Most reputable repair shops.....

Big O Tire is a large chain in western US. Volume is the name of the game. Their rep is questionable.