I recently brought in my 1994 Audi for a 4-wheel alignment and RI state inspection to the Melvin's Tire Pros in Seekonk- sales manager was KMO. I was told to buy two new tires to meet the inspection because the inside tires were worn to the beads... ok. buy the tires... I come to pick up the car and ask to see the printout of the alignment specs... none to be given... ok.

Within a few days I realize the steering wheel is still off-center and there is no change in the alignment. I bring it back and they tell me the tie rods are seized and will need a new part.. ok ?but why wasn't this discovered the first time when the alignment was allegedly done ??? BECAUSE THE TIE RODS WERE NEVER TOUCHED.

I'm driving the car another few days and realize the steering wheel is centered but tracking is still poor. I jack up the front-end and look at the three bolts on each ball joint that need to be adjusted for toe/camber adjustment. All six bolts (both sides) on the ball joint plate WERE NEVER TOUCHED either. How do I know this for sure? They were all covered in the thick anti-seize paste I covered them with when I installed the ball joints three years ago and had the initial alignment done.

Bottom Line: Charged $69.99 for a service that was never performed. No alignment was even attempted at the first visit.

If I charged for services that I did not render as a physician I would go to jail for Medicare fraud.... The only way to put an end to these kind of behaviors on the part of auto repair shops is to expose them and get the word out so others aren't burned as well.

- JB