I think we have to be pro active when making the correct maintenance decisions. Did you look to see where the leak came from? Does your mechanic have the maintenance records for your car in shop? Does he talk to you or just write things on the invoice when the car is leaving the shop. He has no way of knowing if a timing belt is due or a seal is bad till he takes things apart and even then you cannot look at a belt and know how many miles are on it. He needs your input. Before dropping in the car, signing an open work order and walking off have a discussion with him about possible causes and solutions to a specific problem as well as what preventive maintenace may be needed, together come up with plan, discuss costs. If you cannot work with him in that manner find a new mechanic. When you pick up the car ask questions and discuss what was done.
If you cannot talk directly with the mechanic or a lead hand or have to communicate through a "maintenance writer" I would go somewhere else. Ask around, especially to other Volvo owners and find a shop that knows and respects our Volvos and his customers. To do less than that invites incompetance and a dishonest mechanic to dip into your pockets. You should certainly return in this instance and discuss how the leak was diagnosed and why it still leaks. Do not go there with your guns blazing, just politely ask the questions and listen carefully. An honest shop will want to make it right.
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David Hunter
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