Tire Of These Scams
(My sister is babysitting me while getting her car serviced and MOT’d. The garage she has it done at doesn’t have the tires she uses so she is sent to a recommended garage. While my sister isn’t the brightest at times, one thing she is an expert on is cars.)
Sister: “Yes, I just need my front passenger side tire changed with [Make], please.”
Mechanic: “We can check all your tires, just to be sure.” *winks*
Sister: “No. I just need the one, thank you.”
Mechanic: “Sure… I’ll do the full check, just for you.” *winks*
(We both get a bad vibe from him, but my sister just shrugs. He comes back ten minutes later.)
Mechanic: “Looks like you need four new tires. They’re all below the limit. I can’t legally let you leave on those. I recommend [Expensive Make], as they’re more durable than your own.”
Sister: “May I?”
(She extends her hand for the clipboard the mechanic is using. He offers it and she examines it.)
Sister: “Okay, we’re going to go out to my car, and this time we’ll check my tires together.”
Mechanic: “I don’t think that’s necessary—”
(My sister is already through the door, me closely behind. The mechanic reaches us as we get to her car.)
Sister: “Go on, then.”
(The mechanic grudgingly kneels down and does the check. My sister kneels down and grabs his instrument before he finishes and does her own check.)
Sister: “This is how you check tire tread.”
Mechanic: *wide eyed* “H-how do you know that?”
(My sister ignored him and finishes her own check, compares the two measurements and motions for me to get in the car.)
Sister: *handing empty clipboard* “[Garage] will be very interested to see these.” *gets in car*
Mechanic: “They would even know what you’re talking about, stupid b****!”
Sister: “I think they will, given I’m best student they’ve had.”
(We left and dropped by my sister’s garage. She handed the inspection sheets over and disappeared from view for a few minutes. When she got back she said one thing to me: “blacklisted.” The formerly recommended garage was closed due to bankruptcy within a year, as no one would touch it.)