Took car to canadian Tire for a "Deluxe" oil change and emission test, mentioning the noise my break power booster was making even though brake performance was fine. Get a call back saying the tech didn't think the booster need replacement as it would be very expensive and only available from the dealer. They did reccoend a long list of other things including tires (slight weather cracking), belt, PCV valve and complete rear beak job. I decline all work and say go ahead with emission test
Canadian Tre calls back and says they can't do the emission test because of the brakes causing it to fail the pre test check. They say they have prepared an estimate which I can pick up with the car. The estimate totals around $1100, with about $430 for rear brakes, lines, and wheel cylanders.
As I had no work done I need only pay for the oil change and am shocked when presented with a $70 bill. "thats for the emission check" the kid says. I counter "but you didn't do the checK". which he cliams they must charge "for the work they did do" (this despite I later see it says right on the gov form they hand out *Not allowed to charge for the pre test*. A bit of arguing and he decides I'm right and removes the $30 charge from the bill.
A few days later I decide I better get a second opinion on the brakes, so head to Speedy. I ask for the free inspection saying there is something wrong with he rear (Doh!). They indicate the rear are close to wearing and provide an estimate of $156. I ak about the other stuff that Can Tire wanted to do that brought the estimate to $430 "Not needed" I'm told, "they just do that to sell more stuff" It seems to be in substantial doubt whether any brake work was needed for the test at all, but I went ahead with the $156 job. The car was then emission tested elsewhere withough the extra brake work can Tire insisted was neccessary without problem.
Moral of the story, read the website www.apa.ca where they with W-Five did an undercover investigation that found 11 of 21 canadian tires doing fraudulant work and AVOID them at all costs.
Jamie
Kingston, Ontario
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