3 Local Econo Lube N Tune Stores Among 9 Sanctioned Statewide

Nine Econo Lube N Tune Inc. stores were ordered by state officials to curtail their services for the day Wednesday after three Northern California outlets were accused of charging for services that were not performed.

The Newport Beach-based company, which has three stores in Orange County, admitted to no wrongdoing but agreed to the curtailment, said Nancy Hardaker, spokeswoman for the state Department of Consumer Affairs. The nine stores were also placed on three years’ probation, she said.

As a result of the agreement, the stores were prohibited from doing automotive repairs, such as brake repairs, but were allowed to do other work, including changing oil or tires and replacing wiper blades.

The company’s Orange County stores were included in the disciplinary order, but were not accused of wrongdoing. The stores are at 1512 W. Lincoln Ave. in Anaheim, 10471 Magnolia St. in Stanton and 22932 Glenwood Road in Aliso Viejo.

The more than 100 independently owned Econo Lube N Tune stores throughout the state were not affected.

The state action stemmed from an undercover investigation of two stores in Sacramento and one in Stockton between June 1994 and February 1995, Hardaker said. The investigation was prompted by consumer complaints, she said.