The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "certified mechanic" ...
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Taken for a Ride
When your car breaks down, how do you know whom to trust? How can you tell if a mechanic is being honest? The news team went to 50 auto repair shops across the Valley in Phoenix to find honest mechanics and the ones who want to take you for a ride. This turned out to be the largest consumer investigation in the market. They used a 2002 Toyota Corolla as a test car and went to all the shops to have it checked to make sure it did not need any repairs. The car had three cameras hidden under the hood and beneath the car to show the engine and other areas that would be inspected. The researcher wore a hidden camera and as she visited big name chains and small independent shops. Shops recommended unnecessary repairs ranging from $30 to $800. After the three-month investigation, some shops corrected their mistakes when confronted, other just would not offer explanations and some did not correct their mistakes.
Tags: TAPE; car; car repair; car repair shop; mechanic; certified mechanic; dishonest mechanic; auto repair shop; vehicle inspection; scam; hidden camera; undercover; auto repair industry; consumer; consumer investigation; auto dealer.
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Cost Cutting Costs Airlines Safety
The report investigated shoddy maintenance on a major U.S. air carrier as a result of cost cutting. CBS News was able to find internal documents and talk to whistle blower mechanics proving that United Airlines failed to do the required maintenance of its fleet and failed to use licensed mechanics as required by the FAA. Examples in this report include: secretaries signing work papers that needed certified mechanic's signatures; failed equipment shined up and reinstalled in planes without being repaired; and letters pressuring mechanics to ignore safety problems.
Tags: TAPE; cost cutting; airline; United Airlines; FAA; NTSB; mechanic; Transportation Department; whistle blower; airline safety; airplane; plane; airline maintenance; circuit breakers; secretary; safety problems; inspection; repair station; outsourcing