Cincinnati Mechanics Cincinnati, OH

Controversy overflows after mechanic's oil change

"I took my car to Bob Sumerel Tire Co. in Cincinnati to have a new tire put on and to have the oil changed. The folks at the shop are always nice, and they replaced my tire without any trouble.

"However, they called in the middle of performing the oil change to tell me that whomever had changed the oil before had damaged the oil plug and pan, so it needed to be replaced. I spoke with my mechanic who performed the previous oil change and he said Sumerel's claim was false.

"I also spoke with a second mechanic who confirmed that had there been any damage to the plug earlier, I would have seen oil leaking out of my car. Sumerel put in a temporary oil plug, so my car is now leaking oil."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I would like Sumerel to pay for the new oil pan and plug replacement."

COMPANY RESPONSE: Douglas R. Forg, manager, Bob Sumerel Tire Co.

"The damaged oil pan is the responsibility of the previous shop. The member's mechanic indeed overtightened the drain plug, causing the oil pan threads to come out with the plug. The member was advised that there may be leaks that occur with a temporary drain plug, and that they would be responsible for a new oil pan."

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