adamis wrote:
I am wondering if by chance is this policy maybe just a greedy manager at this one store? I don't have any experience but it would be shocking to me if this was actually a corporate policy for all of their locations. They would never sell brake pads again. I don't doubt what you are saying is your experience, I am just wondering if this is a bad apple in the bunch at this location or indeed a corporate policy. Did you try any other locations?
Nope...unfortunately.
Straight off their website:
"Get Complete Brake Service at Les Schwab
Corners aren’t something you want to cut when you’re talking about brakes. When we replace your brakes, you get complete service. This includes premium quality brake pads and remanufactured brake calipers that are as good as the those your vehicle had when it was new.
Remanufactured calipers come with new seals and dust boots, bleeder screws, and hardware, which have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected for quality, performance, and safety.
Bottom line, your car will stop when you hit the brakes. And that’s something we can all appreciate.
Les Schwab Tip: Understand the ins and outs of brake repairs with our Brake Servicing 101: Advice on Making Sure It Gets Done Right.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT"
Doesn't mention rotors, but the nifty animated video along with the text I quoted is probably very convincing to anyone who is less than saavy with cars.
At least you got the good buddy deal on shocks. My quote on the same truck as the brakes was around $1000.
I deal with a fleet of trucks and construction equip. And Schwabs is a big name, they're convenient, they are Johnny on the spot at 2am when you pop a loader tire in the middle of closed freeway that needs opened in 2 hours. But they are nowhere near the best value to the "normal" customer, IMO.
And I could go on with dozens of examples, and many different shops around WA.
- Telling me they don't balance trailer tires, because it is not necessary.
- Telling me I need a couple new rims (aluminum, less than 10 years old, supposedly too corroded around the bead). After arguing w them, they agreed to mount them but wouldn't guarantee they wouldn't leak...never leaked and in the rust belt, they'd have to replace 75% of the rims that came into their store by this determination. (They also "could get me new OE rims next day for only $____" I don't remember, some ridiculous price.)
-Wont mount and balance a customer provided used tires, or even new tires.
(I get it if they are trying to compete with internet tire sales, on the latter, but you need to be at least in the same county on price.)
Bottom line, they are just another of many that built a great reputation to the point that they are literally turning away work and decided to profit even more based on their rep to every unsuspecting customer that walks through the door.
The worst though is recommending things that absolutely go against the basics of tire care/maint to, what? Ensure lower tire life in order to sell more tires?
But mostly I like giving them bad PR because I don't like having smoke blown up my ___!
