Hey all,
Called Pater up and discussed the situation regarding the possible
mismatched fluids. Tommorow morning, I'm driving down to see my trusty mechanic
and will probably end up begging him to squeeze me in. About that Pentosin that
I put in.. it was a a white bottle and said hydralic mineral oil and some stuff
in German. I would run and get in now to take a closer look, but the car is
across campus.
I do feel rather idiotic. I've learned quite a bit about mechanics from
owning older cars and from reading car magazines and attempting small repairs.
I do understand the physics involved in much of what goes on inside the car.
The reason the mechanic used Pentosin in the Brake reservoir is b/c I asked him
about it (since there was a can in my trunk). From what my mechanic (here at
home) told me,
Audis use a (big surprise) more expensive and different type of stuff in there.
I really didn't investigate further since the vehicle isn't actually "my" car.
I just made a mental note to be cautious when adding any fluid to the Q. It
apparently backfired on me.
The reason I feel stupid is b/c I, once again, assumed that a mechanic
would have more knowledge than myself. It isn't neccessarily true, especially
when a mechanic could care less about this out of state kid whom he will never
see again. SO.. I should have double guessed the guy.
If my mechanic tommorow says "yep.. need a full flush" the first thing I
am going to do is call up VISA and have them withold payment from the ohio
shop. THen I'll call the ohio shop and let them know that they will be paid
their (crazy over-charged) labor once I subtract out the cost of the flush and
any other damage they did. IMHO if someone cannot properly repair something,
they should be upfront and honest. This guy didn't know what he was doing and I
was stuck there as a captive audience. He may or maynot have done some serious
damage to the car.
So.. to the people who have replied to my posts.. Thankyou. I will be
more cautious in the future. Take Home Message: If you are in a situation where
the shop seems a bit inadequate to deal with your auto (I.E. there are mostly
big yellow buses outside and lots of older pick ups) it pays to second guess
him and give him some straight questions. Or if your car has power, go
elsewhere.. ask other owners of older German cars, even if you half to stop
them on the street. I'll let you all know the outcome of
the situation. Thanks again!
-Osman
p.s. The really funny thing is that I thought my dad put the can of Pentosin in
the trunk. He didn't. I didn't. SO how the HECK did it get there??? I think the
Audi elves must have been in town and bestoyed their grace on me!
(or maybe a mechanic put it in there.. but that's a new one to me!)