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Quote:

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951 (Post 8508895)

Not oil related, but in the shyster category.
Last summer I dropped my volvo off for inspection. Later in the day, I received a call-
"Your car is ready, but bad news, the front brakes are worn through and we can't pass you on inspection, do you want us to replace them?"
Not thinking a thing of it (because I do my own work), I replied "No thanks, I will just pick it up and do it myself."
Went to pick the car up, and a shiny new inspection sticker was on the window.
Suddenly the brakes had grown some pads, which are still working fine 6 months later.

I really wish there was someone I could trust because I'm at a point in my life where I would like to hand off some of these jobs.
Ughh!!!!!

I'm in the same situation. I had a shop I thought I could trust, but they failed me on a state inspection. Someone else has to perform the inspection, so my only choice was to take it somewhere else, and I did, and it passed. I will never step foot in that place again.

I should have reported the technician to the state, but didn't. I did mention that he should become more knowledgeable of the state statute and departmental guidelines.

Just so everyone here is aware: States that have decentralized vehicle inspection programs the inspector makes a $ flat rate % on the actual inspection, but also typically makes 50% on labor with small repairs in the bay like lights or adjustments. Further any 'real' repairs like brakes or exhaust are then sold to the customer and an performed by a technician. The inspector gets a cut of that labor as well, typically 10%

In Va it goes like this:

Vehicle inspections: $16.00 - inspector gets half (usually)
Emissions inspections: $28.00 - inspectors gets half (usually)
Replace tag light bulbs, labor only: $12.00 - inspectors gets half (usually)
Front brakes needed to pass, labor only: $125 - inspector gets $12.50 (usually 10%)

The last indie shop I worked, they were open 7 days a week 7-to-7, shorter hours on weekends. There were 2 inspectors / shifts during the weekdays. Guy on the first shift grossed just a tad $110K in 2012. You can easily see why vehicles frequently 'fail' inspections and the inspectors cheat.

That guy was 69 years old and rarely got dirty. I worked next to him and will confess I did not make anywhere near his income and worked longer hours.