Chrisinvermont
Member
Hey, just wanted to post a heads up to folks here. Last week I brought my 2010 Limited into the dealer for an oil change. I usually keep going to the dealer during the warranty period in case anything pops up as well as to use up the "free" maintenance.
Anyways, the local dealer just opened a new service building and as part of the new setup they have a free alignment check in the drop off lane. Apparently this scam is getting more common as I have since heard of other local dealers doing the same thing. I thought nothing of it, it showed my rig in perfect alignment so no worries. Immediately after it was done I drove across the street to visit a friend at his body shop. As we were walking out he asked if they had worked on my wheels. Being in the business he is always looking closely at vehicles. I said no, just an oil change, why do you ask. He then showed me what appeared to be marks around every rim where they put the hubs for the alignment check. Upon closer inspection the hubs left noticable marks on every rim. The top layer was dust but underneath were major marks.
I drove back to the dealer and they tried various cleaners and polishes but could not get the marks out. Ultimately I dropped the rig back off for a day so they could have their detail guys try and get the marks out with a buffer. This was semi successful in that it got the majority of the marks out but it looks like the guy slipped with the buffer on 2 rims. Pretty good dings that were not there before. The dealer is stepping up and replacing both rims. They are pretty freaked out that the system caused so much visible damage.
If you have a limited with the 20" rims it looks like they can be easily damaged by the quicky alignment tests. I recommend not allowing them to test but if they do, take a close look at your rims before leaving. Other than the hassle of repeated trips back, it looks like everything will be resolved but I don't want anyone else to have to go through this.
Anyways, the local dealer just opened a new service building and as part of the new setup they have a free alignment check in the drop off lane. Apparently this scam is getting more common as I have since heard of other local dealers doing the same thing. I thought nothing of it, it showed my rig in perfect alignment so no worries. Immediately after it was done I drove across the street to visit a friend at his body shop. As we were walking out he asked if they had worked on my wheels. Being in the business he is always looking closely at vehicles. I said no, just an oil change, why do you ask. He then showed me what appeared to be marks around every rim where they put the hubs for the alignment check. Upon closer inspection the hubs left noticable marks on every rim. The top layer was dust but underneath were major marks.
I drove back to the dealer and they tried various cleaners and polishes but could not get the marks out. Ultimately I dropped the rig back off for a day so they could have their detail guys try and get the marks out with a buffer. This was semi successful in that it got the majority of the marks out but it looks like the guy slipped with the buffer on 2 rims. Pretty good dings that were not there before. The dealer is stepping up and replacing both rims. They are pretty freaked out that the system caused so much visible damage.
If you have a limited with the 20" rims it looks like they can be easily damaged by the quicky alignment tests. I recommend not allowing them to test but if they do, take a close look at your rims before leaving. Other than the hassle of repeated trips back, it looks like everything will be resolved but I don't want anyone else to have to go through this.
