Mark Roman | June 29, 2022 | Articles

Dropping your vehicle off at a service center is something that virtually all vehicle owners are familiar with. Over the lifespan of a passenger car or truck, there are many types of necessary maintenance. 

However, most people drop their cars off for service without considering the possible downsides. Consumers should be able to trust that their vehicles are properly cared for when they leave them with service professionals. 

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In some instances, disreputable service providers abuse their positions by using customers’ vehicles for unintended purposes.

Joyriding While Providing Service

Most mechanics and automobile professionals are trustworthy and responsible. However, this is not the case in all instances. 

Some vehicular service providers do not treat their customers’ property with a level of care that’s reasonable or appropriate. For example, some unscrupulous maintenance professionals take their customers’ cars and trucks out for a joyride.

Joyriding puts needless wear and tear on the vehicle. This is especially true when the person driving doesn’t treat the vehicle well. Oftentimes, those who engage in joyriding drive in dangerous and careless ways that could further damage the vehicle. 

Don’t let this happen to you. If you believe that a service professional has abused your car or truck, reach out to a knowledgeable legal professional to discuss the facts of your case.

Take a Time Stamp Photo to Protect Your Property

There are important ways to ensure that your car or truck is not abused when you drop it off for service. One of the most useful methods is taking a photo of your car’s odometer that records the day and time you took it. 

The odometer is usually positioned on the dashboard behind the steering wheel and records the number of miles your vehicle has been driven. 

Having this record of the car’s total miles when you drop it off will help prevent joyriding. When you come back to pick up your vehicle, you can check the photo against the odometer. 

If there’s any significant change, it may serve as evidence that your car has been driven inappropriately without your consent. Make sure to speak with a knowledgeable attorney if you believe that a service professional has misused your vehicle.  

If you decide to bring a claim against the service company for damages, the photograph of your odometer before you dropped it off may serve as powerful evidence. A skilled legal professional can review the circumstances of your claim and help you decide on the best course of action. 

What Are Common Types of Vehicular Services?

Many types of car and truck maintenance require vehicle owners to leave their property in the hands of service professionals. 

Some of the most common examples include: 

  • Oil and oil filter replacement
  • Putting on new tires
  • Working on the brake system
  • Engine tune-ups
  • Alignment and wheel balancing
  • Battery replacement
  • Frame repair following a crash
  • Window replacement following a collision

When you choose a service station, you are placing trust in the employees at that business. Most businesses take good care of the vehicles they’re entrusted with. Reputable service professionals hope to make money and build a positive reputation in their community. Mistreating customers’ property goes against this goal.

In rare cases, customers report unexplained mileage on their odometers. For this reason, it’s always important to take a time stamp photo of the odometer when you leave your vehicle to be serviced. 

If you have questions about how to hold negligent service professionals accountable, reach out to a seasoned attorney today.

Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have four convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442