FK'D by Nissan

chubbs · 06-14-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWeatherman

Guys, I want you to think of who works in our service departments. These guys are working their butts' off trying to do things the right way. Think about it... They probably can't even afford a Z because of what they get paid. I'm surprised they do what they do with what they get. We're lucky to get the service that we do. Do people make mistakes? Yes. I know I do. It's okay. Stuff goes wrong. If it didn't, we wouldn't be human. Have I had my share of bad things that went wrong with my cars? Yes. I'm just happy that someone helps me.

I just found this thread via the update thread.

I have to say Weatherman, that your post is missing the point. Yes, we all make mistakes on a daily basis (everybody knows this), so when you're trusted with maintaining a piece of 'life or death' machinery (a car) you should have systems in place that identify mistakes before it's too late. Even something as routine as an oil change can cause an accident if done badly.

If someone else in the workshop was instructed to check the tightness of each new oil filter and each sump plug it would take him/her about 30 seconds ...30 seconds that could prevent a catastrophe.

I speak from personal experience, because at my last Nissan 350z Service (P2) I drove out of the dealership and down the road to discover that I had NO BRAKES. As luck would have it I was travelling very slowly, coasting towards a stop light - I was able to use the gears, turn around and get the car back to the dealership. The mechanic (who, I was told was their chief/best mechanic) had forgotten to tighten one of the brake bleed screws (2 on each caliper) and fluid was squirting all over my front nearside disc & pads. I believe the mechanic is good and I know the dealer well - he's a good and honest guy. The problem was that nobody checked the simple, routine task of tightening the bleed nuts. If the traffic lights had been green I would have accelerated onto the freeway to test out my nice new oil - and then what?

What's the alternative to dealerships having proper safety checks in place?....

1. We check everything ourselves before leaving the dealership (unlikely), or

2. We pray to our respective gods.

I am very thankful that NotMy's experience hasn't ended in an accident - and I'm sure he'll be mentioning this tomorrow.

NotmyGTR · 06-14-2009, 01:23 PM

You bet I will. One of the quickest ways to ensure quality is a second check. Thats one of the things I miss about being in Japan. Even when you get a tire change, before you take your car, the mechanic would give you a torque wrench and hit up every lug nut to ensure proper torque setting and tightening before you leave the garage. You even have to sign the work order stating that you have checked it and were satisfied with the quality and completion. Also, if didnt pull directly in to the pit area, a rep from the company would take you out to your ride and give it a 360 degree inspection to note any and all marks to the paint and body before they worked on your car. This ensured that the company would be liable for any damages to your car that may occur during the time they are working on it. I have yet to see any type of service like that back here in the U.S.

06-14-2009, 01:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
NotmyGTR Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: TX Posts: 177 Drives: 09 370Z/Pearl 6speed Rep Power: 18	You bet You bet I will. One of the quickest ways to ensure quality is a second check. Thats one of the things I miss about being in Japan. Even when you get a tire change, before you take your car, the mechanic would give you a torque wrench and hit up every lug nut to ensure proper torque setting and tightening before you leave the garage. You even have to sign the work order stating that you have checked it and were satisfied with the quality and completion. Also, if didnt pull directly in to the pit area, a rep from the company would take you out to your ride and give it a 360 degree inspection to note any and all marks to the paint and body before they worked on your car. This ensured that the company would be liable for any damages to your car that may occur during the time they are working on it. I have yet to see any type of service like that back here in the U.S. __________________ 1996 Skyline GT-R LM fully tuned by Mines/2006 Nissan Titan 5.6 SE Texas Edition/2009 370 Base w Sport Pkg