Almost every repair order starts with the words, “customer states.” In ­repair shop language, it is the customer’s complaint without any speculation. But, most ­repair orders fail to ­capture the shear ignorance, neglect or inaptitude of the ­customer’s treatment of their vehicle. 

This picture was sent in by a reader to show how an owner chose to fix a worn motor mount with a tie-down strap. Or, maybe it was done to ­prevent a vacuum or coolant leak from the intake manifold.

 

If you have your own  ­“customer states…” story and picture of a problem that was ignored for too long, please send it and you could win $50 if your entry is selected to appear in the magazine. 

 

It could be an air box filled with a squirrel’s nut stash or an engine where the oil change interval was extended way too long. Send your entry to [email protected]. Thanks!