So I went in today to get new tires for my 05'. As it's sitting in the air I inspect the rear to see hoe much pad I have left. The guy rolls the tire under the car places it, starts the nuts by hand, then snugs them with an impact. Well as he gets to the 4th one he tries and I see him flip the socket and tighten it then he tries the next one and has to flip the socket again. I stop him and ask what size did you just change over to for that lug? He tells me 21mm the others are 19mm. I said "wouldn't you think that would be something you might want to mention?" He looks at me bewildered and I ask "What if I get a flat on this tire and have to change it", still in utter confusion. I said I only have 1 size lug wrench, and his eyes light up and he realizes what I am talking about. I then ask him if any of the others are that size and if I can buy a 19mm lug nut. He asks a guy who asks a guy and the second guy comes back and says they would have to order it. I tell him that's ok I'll make a junkyard run this weekend and get one. Then he starts torquing the lugs with a torque wrench. Well this guy gets to the 21mm flips it and stops to move on to the other side. Well I was watching and said "hey you missed one" and he says he didn't so I ask him would you please check this one, and point to it. So sure enough he missed it and says sorry and so I watched the rest of the torquing of the lug nuts. I leave and get back and one of the guys asks what took so long and tell him. He says you need to check the center caps and valve stem caps. Well I had Pontiac symbol caps on them and wouldn't you know it all but one are missing, Plus one center cap!
Every time I take a car in to have something done they mess it up. I no longer let anyone change my oil because of a cross threaded drain plug incident. I have one mechanic I can trust and that's it. If it's something that requires a lift I take it to him, but if it's anything else I end up doing it myself. At least if I screw up I know who did it and there's no denying it.
Jeff