Is it acceptable practise for an auto repair centre to charge for towing they've incurred during a test drive?

Question

On a recent road trip, I had my car lose all the electrics then restart after having it sit for five minutes. It did this three consecutive times, all within 20 km before I decided to have it towed home. The next morning, I drove it a short distance (400 m) to a service centre. I told them what had happened and despite this, they end up taking my car for a test drive and getting stranded themselves and charged me the towing fee back to the shop. Is this acceptable policy for an major North American repair shop? I've talked with many friends and they don't think it is. Can anyone in the industry please enlighten me? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Yes.

It's your car and your problem.  Part of the process of diagnosing and then fixing the problem might include a test drive.  If the problem occurs during that test drive and the vehicle can not be restarted then that is part of the cost of the service.  It is not the shops fault your car is broken.  They certainly don't want to waste time and money having it towed.  

Answer 2

You have to be kidding. Tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine. Tell every one you know to stay away from them crooks. No wonder mechanics get such a bad rap.

Answer 3

Yes, it is acceptable. The car stranded them and the towing was part of what they had to do to get your car fixed.

Answer 4

I AM NOT IN THIS INDUSTRY,

I WOULD SAY THAT THE REPAIR CENTER YOU USED SHOULD PAY FOR THE TOW.THEY USUALLY HAVE A TOW TRUCK OR HAVE A COMPANY THEY KEEP ON RETAINER TO RECOVER AUTOS THAT BREAK DOWN ON TEST DRIVES AND ETC.

I WOULD POST THE NAME OF THE REPAIR CENTER TO ALERT OTHERS OF THE POLICY OF THIS REPAIR SHOP. THAT'S WHAT COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE ARE FOR TO DETECT ERRORS IN THE REPAIR FACILITY NOT ON THE STREET.  GOOD LUCK,, BAYOUDON

Answer 5

This is not on. Change your garage and tell all loudly who did this. Bad press they won't like.