by Todd Low

Automotive Technology

The owner of an older vehicle brings the car to a body shop for repair of rust-out over both rear wheels. The shop owner explains that rust-out holes on the outside of the car are only part of the problem. The rust has also created holes in the inside panel. These holes are only visible by putting your head up in the wheel well after the wheel is removed.

The vehicle owner tells the shop owner to repair only the visible outer rust damage to reduce the repair costs. The shop owner continues to explain that not repairing the inside panel would create a couple of problems. The water and dirt from the road would be thrown into the exposed wheel well cavity promoting rapid oxidation. This would cause the outer panel repair rust out very quickly. More importantly, if there ever is an exhaust leak the carbon monoxide could enter the car creating a serious health hazard.

This explanation did not convince the vehicle owner, who could not see doubling the repair cost on a vehicle that was to be sold as soon as possible upon the completion of repairs.

The shop owner followed his own policy "The customer is always right" and repaired the car as per the owners request.

Questions:

Did the shop owner make the best choice?

Did the vehicle owner make the best choice?

What if any consequences are there for the shop owner for choosing to make the repair as per customer request (positive and/or negative)?

What if any consequences are there for the vehicle owner for choosing not to repair the rust holes in the wheel well (positive and/or negative)?

Who is responsible (owner and/or customer? If either of the problems mentioned in the case occur?

A. Morally

B. Legally