What would you do? (dealership service unplugging dash cam)

d1390 said:

Like fine, you don't want to be watched when working. However the thing is they didn't plug it back when they were done.

We have all seen some unfortunate events on this forum with our cars, the thought of being in a crash and you go to your dash cam for backup only for it to be disconnected by someone other than yourself, do you point the finger to them? they will say 'lol yeah right buddy!'

I might be over thinking it but, these things could happen. Luckily I spotted it early.

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Well. Did they add miles or not? That’s the answer.

garoto said:

Well. Did they add miles or not? That’s the answer.

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Pretty sure they didn't, I was sitting near the window, and didn't see them take it out. Also I was there less than an hour while they performed the service, so dont think they had the time to take it for a spin.

It is quite strict here in the Aus, and I never have taken my car to do any major checks, where I do believe they will take it out for a spin to replicate any issues.

I did ask to check my rear window as it squeaks when I roll them up, and they told me that they will keep the car for a long period of time to replicate. Then I said Nope!

Its either next time if i do a major check up I will enquire about the dash cam, but I'm certain they will say its company policy to DQ the cam.

I mean imagine them working on your car when being recorded hearing them talk shit about you, along with joy riding, they must of added to their policy.

d1390 said:

Pretty sure they didn't, I was sitting near the window, and didn't see them take it out. Also I was there less than an hour while they performed the service, so dont think they had the time to take it for a spin.

It is quite strict here in the Aus, and I never have taken my car to do any major checks, where I do believe they will take it out for a spin to replicate any issues.

I did ask to check my rear window as it squeaks when I roll them up, and they told me that they will keep the car for a long period of time to replicate. Then I said Nope!

Its either next time if i do a major check up I will enquire about the dash cam, but I'm certain they will say its company policy to DQ the cam.

I mean imagine them working on your car when being recorded hearing them talk shit about you, along with joy riding, they must of added to their policy.

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Good to know. I would’ve smiled for the camera.

I don't know how your dash cam works, but most of them are activated when engine in on. While your car is serviced, engine is not on, and neither is the cam. They deal with dozens of cars just like yours daily. Unless is a newly hired apprentice unsupervised, who would take your car for a joy ride?? To you, your car is your pride and joy, to them, is nothing but a number, another hour of the clock! Unplugging your cam is nothing but a statement: We don't like to be recorded while we work!
Do you??

my dealer has disconnected mine in the past. not a problem really but i do expect it to be reconnected by the time i come to collect.
I mentioned it to the service manager and not a problem since. the times it has been d/c'd has been when it's in for a long period of work so somewhat expected to avoid battery drain.

But it's ok for the dealer to record my every move when I'm there .
Cameras all over most car dealerships recording us. Do we get the unplug option?
When I bought my CTR a week ago there was a mini camera in the finance office recording everything. The guy did point it out after he saw me looking at it for 5 minutes. IMO, if you can record me, I can record you.

I'm willing to bet it's policy at most dealerships whether official or unofficial if the dealer group and/or parent company is smart. Without any desire to be nefarious, it protects them against misunderstood exposure from the public or a disgruntled employee if some kind of accident happens, or something that looks like an accident. The last thing they want is amateur video of a potentially dangerous work environment where customer property is being worked on/stored. For all they know, an employee might use a hammer on a wrench to break a bolt free, and a camera catches a partial shot of it and suddenly they're in the news for "beating on customer cars with hammers" or something silly like that. Same kind of concern if there is a questionable/possible workplace accident.

I'd venture a guess that most companies (not just car companies) disallow recordings from the general public when you get to go "into the back room" - whether it's a tour, or just visiting or whatever. As others have said, the ODO is your best measure if they did something inappropriate with the car.

You could probably throw an old phone into the center console compartment with a GPS app to track its location/speed when you bring it into service next time. Look at the results when you pick the car up.

if I take my type r to service it I will stay in the dealer ,if I had to leave it in I would take a photo of the miles on the clock ,as they don't even let you test drive these things when they are at sale ,hell some dealers never seen these for any kind of service so that's why you have to be extra carefull and check , they shouldn't touch anything it the car and if they did they should let you know always .