An interesting read. I used to work for a large car repair chain in the UK and know exactly what you've experienced. I do think many of the recalls are designed to get people back into the dealerships to then upsell extra work.

When a motorist takes their car to a garage they need a mechanic not a sales person, not a brand and not shareholders. I experienced huge pressures to sell work, there was a daily target that was expected to be met and the poor sod on the desk either gets shouted at by an angry motorist or by an area manager threatening their job.

I was pressured to sell 3 items on every car that came in, even if it was just for a bulb and there had to be an average customer spend of £175.00. Garages do cost alot of money to run but in most the mechanics are paid less than the sales team, all of the managers and the share holders want their cut. I do wish mechanics would wise up and get out of these places, they are the ones with the tools and skills to fix the cars and they are the ones sough after by a motorist needing a repair.

At these places every minor defect has to written in triplicate and they go over the top, there cant be any common sense, if a part is ever so slightly worn they will advise it, firstly it looks to their superiors that they are trying to sell work and secondly if anything happened on the road they have covered their ass but so many people will just take their word and authorise any repair recommendation, its why their premesis are so nice. Im surprised mechanics constantly put up with it, its a stressful job without the bureaucracy and barrage of pressure to advise repairs. Luckily i have my own little garage now, i would advise every motorist to look for the mechanic not the garage.