Dear Editor,
I would like to bring to your attention a prime example of a business here in Richmond taking advantage of an elderly woman, where the end result could have ended in a fatality.
Last week, a friend of mine decided to take in her 2006 Ford Escape for an oil change at a certain business. While there, the technician convinced her to have her transmission fluid oil changed and to replace the serpentine belt that goes around the power steering and alternator. The bill came to over $400.
Five days later, Gladys, now 82, and her 85-year-old husband, George, who is no longer able to walk, went out for their daily drive around 3 p.m.
During their drive, the serpentine belt came off and left her with no power steering and the alternator was no longer charging the battery.
She was so shook up that she claims she almost had a heart attack. Fortunately, being the feisty person she is, she was able to make it back home.
She was also smart enough to keep the old serpentine belt. Her son and neighbour examined the old belt and found it still in good condition.
This vehicle was recently under warranty and all previous work was done where she purchased it new.
I am a personal friend of Gladys and George, and it just burns my butt to hear this happening to my good friends.
My intention is to prevent this happening to others — especially senior citizens.
William Inglis
Richmond
