CT tried to rip me off and I have proof, now what?????

[Jenesis]

So I went to Canadian Tire because I had a slow leak in my tire. I get my tires from there and they were under warranty. It was a valve stem issue so they fixed it.

They said I needed two new front tires and my tires are not under warranty anymore because I didn’t get the tires rotated or something. Whatever.

Then they said I needed an alignment. That the tires wear pattern are different on each tire. $120 for an alignment. Then they said they can only fix the alignment if the suspension is good and a suspension test is like $70. So $200 on top of two new tires if they don’t find a suspension issue.

I said thanks, I will be back and left. I went to my mechanic because of course I have one and an awesome one at that which I have had for over 15 years. He puts the car on the hoist and sure enough, tires are close to the ware-bars on the front but I don’t need an alignment. Wear pattern is identical. Wear is correct and he sees no issues. He says get two new tires and then they will put it on the machine and check the numbers digitally to make sure. All free of charge of course. If the alignment needs to be done, would only be $90.

So now what do I do because I am pissed. Is this a sexist thinking “I am stupid because I’m a woman” thing? Is this just an equally “we will rip off anyone” thing?

I think I will start with the garage manager first but I know he is an asshole because of a previous issue ( I went to get my tires put on, they made me wait an hour after I got there to tell me the tires were not in the store yet (they were ordered in), when I complained to the manager he said I was free to go elsewhere but he didn’t really care because he had bigger issues to deal with) So I don’t think I will get help from him.

I will then go to the store manager directly who will say that it is the garage department and they have no control.

But then what - call corporate I guess???? Should I record the conversations? I’m not a “Karen” and I don’t want to come across as one, but this is a blatant attempt to rip me off and it is not right.

Do I say fuck it and just post all over social media and in reviews?

All of the above?? As a guy - what would you do? And do you think this is a sexist thing? Would they try to pull that shit on you?

 

[bluebro69]

Although I will buy merchandise at Canadian Tire, I would not go anywhere near them for service. I learned my lesson back in the 80's and I've never regretted it.

Then a few years ago (2017) I was on the road and got a flat tire. Canadian Tire was the nearest and I thought, what could go wrong? Well, they fixed the tire all right, plus the technician told me I needed a new battery--the one I had was about to die. My car was a 2015.

"It's practically a new car, still under warranty," I said. "I highly doubt it needs a new battery."

"Yeah, they're really putting shit batteries into cars these days," he told me. "Anyway, take it or leave it but you'll be back soon for a new one. I just hope you're not stranded somewhere."

Needless to say I did eventually have to change the battery--in 2020, three years later.

 

[nervousintheservice]

Why did you not just buy the tires from CT and get them installed by your mechanic? Or better yet why not have your mechanic order the tires for you and let him make the money on the sale instead of CT?

I wouldn't let a Canadian Tire "mechanic" anywhere near my vehicle. The most I'd do is buy parts from them and have it installed elsewhere.

 

[Jenesis]

Why did you not just buy the tires from CT and get them installed by your mechanic? Or better yet why not have your mechanic order the tires for you and let him make the money on the sale instead of CT?

I wouldn't let a Canadian Tire "mechanic" anywhere near my vehicle. The most I'd do is buy parts from them and have it installed elsewhere.

My mechanic just doesn’t do tires. Never has and never will. If he did, I would. I have never asked why but I assume he is just too busy with everything else to deal in tires as well. Tires is like an industry on its own.

 

[Jenesis]

@stedon I will admit that other then tires, I have no experience with Canadian Tire as a garage and when I have taken my tires in and they have seen an issue and I have gone to my mechanic - they were correct on their suggestions.

So while I know the “stories” of CT - it hasn’t been my experience until now and since I only go for tires because my mechanic doesn’t do them - I have no other way to gain a different experience. Until now of course. And clearly I am learning my lesson but I really don’t want to just let it go because that is what everyone else does.

 

[DesRicardo]

Canadian Tire garage is a crooked operation. At my location, I've witness them jack up prices after completing work and insult customers in their face.

This actually reminds me to right a bad review.

 

[corrie fan]

I always deal with Tirecraft for tires. My local store is great and they have locations in many towns. For repairs I have a good independent mechanic across from me.

 

[stinkynuts]

I've been ripped off countless times. One time a mechanic told me that it was illegal for me to drive my car and that he couldn't let me leave. The car had to stay to get fixed. I knew it was complete bullshit, but ended up paying for whatever repair it was. Mechanics will size you up and fleece you, especially if you're a woman. They take advantage of your lack of knowledge.

 

[jdeck]

There was an investigative report done many years ago by CBC or CTV. Had their mechanics set up a car in good condition and do something which would require a minor fix costing like $50 or less. Went to all kinds of service shops. Results ranged from some charging nothing for the fix, to Canadian Tire being by far the worse charging over $2,000 for all kinds of unnecessary repairs. It was really bad. I buy lots of products from CT, but would never consider using them for auto service.

 

[Jenesis]

There was an investigative report done many years ago by CBC or CTV. Had their mechanics set up a car in good condition and do something which would require a minor fix costing like $50 or less. Went to all kinds of service shops. Results ranged from some charging nothing for the fix, to Canadian Tire being by far the worse charging over $2,000 for all kinds of unnecessary repairs. It was really bad. I buy lots of products from CT, but would never consider using them for auto service.

I didn’t know that. I guess I’m just an idiot behind the times regarding CT and it seems that any complaint I have will go on deaf ears anyways.

That sucks.

 

[boomboom]

There was an investigative report done many years ago by CBC or CTV. Had their mechanics set up a car in good condition and do something which would require a minor fix costing like $50 or less. Went to all kinds of service shops. Results ranged from some charging nothing for the fix, to Canadian Tire being by far the worse charging over $2,000 for all kinds of unnecessary repairs. It was really bad. I buy lots of products from CT, but would never consider using them for auto service.

Yes
I was going to say the same. It was CBC done in Waterloo Region.
Email CBC Go Public, they do a weekly thing on the news about rip offs like this where big corporations try to hide from proper service or refunds.
Tirecraft have always treated me great for tires, as has Costco. Both just do tires
I only shop Canadian Tire for sale items.

 

[RZG]

All of the above?? As a guy - what would you do? And do you think this is a sexist thing? Would they try to pull that shit on you?
[/QUOTE]
I`d go to a dedicated tire dealer or purchase them from a dealer of your car`s manufacturer, always worked quite well for me. FWIW... I went into the local CT last week for some fuel stabilizer, hadn`t been in one in over a year. The place is packed with expensive, shoddy Chinese made garbage...how about an impact driver/screwdriver with a plastic handle, probably good for 30 seconds. And surly, rude, pissy employees. Nope.

 

[squeezer]

The CT mechanics are reviewed weekly by their superiors and I believe the more they make in repairs the more they make on their pay. They are incentivized to bring up the bill.

The same thing will happen if you go into Mr. Lube for an oil change. They will try to upsell you on all kinds of nonsense.

 

[sirspankalot]

I didn’t know that. I guess I’m just an idiot behind the times regarding CT and it seems that any complaint I have will go on deaf ears anyways.

That sucks.

1) complain to store manager. That person is responsible for overall store operation.

2)failing above, call the corporation and tell them about this and past experience and that you will not go back and will advise others not to trust CT.

3) definitely social media with their X handle in the post.

End of day though, lesson learned and move on from going there. Lots of other tires places to explore and get good reliable service.

 

[Dirkpit]

Sadly, it is pretty much accepted that a garage will try to rip you off. Not a sexism issue, if you seem less knowledgeable about cars, they will probably rip you off.

 

[xix]

I as well don't bother with CT car service. Even buying a windshield wiper is a pain going through their stupid tablet.
I been told by a few people they found it better to buy wipers from the dealer.

I have learned from a woman to buy used tires at a specialty tire service center. Reason most new cars get into a crash and write off, or some customer don't like them and change them. Local owner not name brand service center.

Funny you mention my dad went to CT for a quote on tires yesterday. All four at $700 plus taxes. I told him where to go, that is cheaper, place was empty when he arrived just after lunch, had it done right away for $400 total and they fixed his bumper by pushing back out at no extra cost.

I learned in life have a oil change center a local guy, tire center a local guy, mechanic good luck and my retired because of Covid.

 

[xix]

Sadly, it is pretty much accepted that a garage will try to rip you off. Not a sexism issue, if you seem less knowledgeable about cars, they will probably rip you off.

I was told by an ex-coworker, about 10 years ago, there is a place in Guelph which they don't do this. They charge both genders the same, except you have to be smart choose quality part or less quality parts. The business increased by 50 %.

 

[GameBoy27]

1. Never, ever have your vehicle serviced at Canadian Tire. Ever!
2. Never buy tires at Canadian Tire. Much better deals out there. I swear by Sailun tires, summer and winters.
3. Never, ever have your vehicle serviced at Canadian Tire. Ever!
4. Never buy a battery from Canadian Tire. They're the worst. Kirkland brand from Costco are excellent for the price.
5. Never, ever have your vehicle serviced at Canadian Tire. Ever!

Jenesis, don't waste a second of your time complaining to CT. Shaming them on social media is far more effective and satisfying. If nothing else, it may save others from being scammed by those thieves.

 

[squeezer]

 

[dsc]

I've been ripped off countless times. One time a mechanic told me that it was illegal for me to drive my car and that he couldn't let me leave. The car had to stay to get fixed. I knew it was complete bullshit, but ended up paying for whatever repair it was. Mechanics will size you up and fleece you, especially if you're a woman. They take advantage of your lack of knowledge.

This is the MO of CT and many other chains and even independents with Service Managers. They will take advantage of women and men, anybody they feel like. They scare a person by saying it's not safe to drive and they can't let it go, until you fight them. Give you a long list of items needing replacement, so you will do the emergency fix then come back.
I hate these shops, but the cost of diagnosing a problem will probably be more than the repair if done right especially with fault codes. Some mechanics just throw parts at a problem hoping it gets fixed. I had good mechanics over the years but they have all retired and closed shop mainly because of the costs involving buying new equipment.