Tesla dismantles Roadster for owner’s repair just before warranty expires

It's no secret electric car maker Tesla Motors aspires to be the Apple of the auto industry, and among Apple's hallmarks is fixing or replacing equipment promptly in the name of customer service. That's how a Tesla Roadster owner had the entire rear end of his car dismantled and repaired for a one-inch crack — at Tesla's invitation, just before his warranty expired.

While surveys show the general reputation of auto dealer service bays rising, it's easy to find complaints from owners who turn up with a problem only to be told it's not covered by warranty. Having issues arise just when a warranty expires can happen to anyone, and it's rare to hear of a dealer telling customers to get a major repair done before the warranty expires.

But just like Apple made its fortune being a different kind of computer, Tesla aspires to be a different kind of car company. Instead of franchising dealers who see service bays as money makers, Tesla owns all its stores. Because most don't have a full service department, Tesla employs "Rangers" — traveling mechanics who will perform some checks at a customer's home, but can also have cars shipped to the nearest service center when necessary.