Big Damage in Car Wash!

kay74

Took car (Citroen C4 coupe) to car wash today. Unscrewed aerial and read list of precautions...all fine I thought. Until halfway through the brush things ripped off the solid plastic bar which holds the rearscreens together! Argh. Reported to garage who picked up the whole plastic bar and saw it on ground where it had been tossed by brushes. Garage owner not there but calling me tomorrow. Is it their fault? Or do I need to claim on my insurance? Looks like pretty essential to structural integrity of car so not going to drive til know but just wondered if any advice? Car was fine before!!! Just need an idea what to say when he calls, where I stand etc. Thanks in advance.

jaydeeuk1

I doubt something plastic will be affect structural integrity (sounds like something from star trek next generation). You'll probably find in terms and conditions about them not accepting responsibility for damage, so you'll have to see what, if anything, they offer

kay74

Thank you! Is the bit that holds the 2 windscreens together so a bit alarmed. Will see what he says tomorrow. Last thing I need today :-(

gilbert_and_sullivan

Windows will be bonded in place, the plastic trim will only be decoration and will in all likelihood just clip back on if its not broken, having seen PSA group plastics before i imagine its brittle and the clips have snapped off, if so glue it in place.

Notmyrealname

kay74 wrote: »

Thank you! Is the bit that holds the 2 windscreens together

It isn't. Its the bit that covers the gap between the top and the back. If it was the bit holding both parts together one or both would have fallen out by now.

kay74

Great, thank you. Have just been out for a look (with a torch!) Possibly looks more dramatic than actually is. Cheers.

Tilt

What ever their t & c's state do not necessarily follow the law. Providing you used the car wash correctly and followed the instructions then they could be liable for the damage. Speak to trading standards to clarify who will probably advise you to write to the manager of the car wash enclosing a bill for the damage. Your first step is to establish how much the repair will be.

kay74

Thank you Tilt. Garage owner called yesterday and have to take car and broken bit to show him tomorrow. Thanks for advice, really appreciated - will see what he says and go from there.