Strongsville Express Tire & Automotive

As we have indicated in previous responses, weeks had elapsed and over miles of driving since we serviced the vehicle before this incident occurred and was reported to us. Anything could have taken place during that time period and mileage driven that could have contributed to the issue. Had fasteners not been installed as per the customer's conclusion, we feel that as issue would have become evident much sooner than weeks and over miles. Returning to the place of occurrence will not prove anything at this point due to the fact we can not duplicate or remotely retrace all that time and mileage that had passed since our service and truly will never know what may have happened over that span of time and mileage

[redacted] 2007 Audi A4 - Lube, Oil & Filter performed 10/31/15 by Dan B[redacted] -On or about 12/14/15 [redacted] called and informed store that when his wife was backing out of a parking space, the lower front bumper/fascia got caught on the curb and ripped the bumper. He advised that he and his...

neighbor "mechanic" had already looked at it and came to the conclusion that fasteners were not reinstalled during oil change, which resulted in damage. We asked him to bring vehicle in for us to look at it asap. Discussed immediately with Dan who remembered servicing the vehicle and informed management that the fasteners were absolutely properly installed. -Vehicle was brought in 12/17/15 for inspection. Mr. [redacted], Eric W[redacted] (Store Manager) and Shane S[redacted] (General Manager) all inspected together. We were able to verify damage, though we could not verify the root cause. Later that day, Dave J[redacted] (Owner) also visually inspected. NOTE: 6 weeks had elapsed and over 800 miles had been driven when we received the call about the damage being sustained and Scott's conclusion it was our fault. -We took vehicle to [redacted]'s Auto Body with customer's permission to get another (unbiased) opinion and obtain a repair estimate. [redacted] at [redacted]'s said this type of damage was a very common problem on these vehicles due to height of the front bumper. In addition, he indicated that the "missing" fasteners would have certainly been ripped out when the fascia caught the curb (they only install / seat with approx. a quarter turn). - Further researched online and confirmed indeed this is a common problem due to vehicle design. Numerous search results and forums listing the exact scenario happening. - https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=l&espv=2&ie...⇄

I will pursue getting a written statement if this will resolve the issue and I will be fully reimbursed for the repairs. This appears to be a ploy at this point because they have ran out of logical explanations. I presented the facts and I am willing to go back to the exact parking lot where the damage occurred. Re-enacting the scenario is worth WAY more than a mechanics statement. As a matter of fact I am willing to take the bolts back out and drive the car for 6 weeks and 800 miles AGAIN to see what happens, as long as I don't pull into that same parking space where the damage occurred.