Screwed by an auto garage

[dhill]

south carolina
i drove my car into valvoline instant oil change with no problems, and after their oil change/lube, my transmission shifter would not pull out of first gear. this problem was noticed immediately; as i was pulling out of their parking lot. i went back to have it rechecked, and they couldn't find a problem. i ended up fixing it myself, and in doing so, it was obvious that they had tampered with something they shouldn't have. i experienced numerous towing-related and other expenses, not to mention my own labor. i am asking them to reimburse me for those expenses (which are much less than what a transmission shop would have cost), but they claim no responsibility. i notified the better business bureau, and the national chain. if they still refuse, what should I do? if i sue, can i collect lost work time, lawyer fees, court costs, etc.?

 

[loku]

Valvoline Oil Change

One thing you could try is filing a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. They may help. Their Internet address is: http://www.state.sc.us/consumer/.

If that does not work, and the amount of loss is less than $5000, you can take this to small claims court. The following link will bring you to their brochure: http://www3.charlestoncounty.org/docs/Magistrates/summfaq.htm#MagCivil2

You do have a chance of winning lost work time and perhaps court costs and attorney’s fees, but the rules on that vary with each state so I could not say for sure.