Halfords cycle warranty voided after 3 months?

jllwton

I purchased a BMX for my son 4 months ago from Halfords, but a couple of weeks ago it developed a fault (the crank had become very loose). I took it back this morning, and was asked whether it had the 6 - 12 week check that Halfords offer. When I said that I hadn't, they said that the warranty was void.

Their reasoning was that the fault would have been picked up at the time of the service and rectified, but that as that period had passed the fault was now worse and had damaged the parts.

They did tighten the crank (at no charge), but said that if it became loose again there would be a charge (£19.99 for parts, plus around £15 for fitting). Obviously, I'm not at all happy about this. Is their voiding of the warranty correct? Although I was advised of the free 6-12 week check at the time of purchase, I was not told that failure to take it would invalidate the warranty.

Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.

halibut2209

What does the written T&C of the warranty state? As far as the warranty goes, they can impose whatever terms they wish.

BUT you may still have recourse with the sales of goods act. As the fault is less than 6 months old, they must repair, replace, or refund UNLESS they can prove that the fault was NOT inherent (ie it was something you did)

OlliesDad

jllwton wrote: »

I purchased a BMX for my son 4 months ago from Halfords, but a couple of weeks ago it developed a fault (the crank had become very loose). I took it back this morning, and was asked whether it had the 6 - 12 week check that Halfords offer. When I said that I hadn't, they said that the warranty was void.

Their reasoning was that the fault would have been picked up at the time of the service and rectified, but that as that period had passed the fault was now worse and had damaged the parts.

They did tighten the crank (at no charge), but said that if it became loose again there would be a charge (£19.99 for parts, plus around £15 for fitting). Obviously, I'm not at all happy about this. Is their voiding of the warranty correct? Although I was advised of the free 6-12 week check at the time of purchase, I was not told that failure to take it would invalidate the warranty.

Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.

It would be standard maintenance to get the bike checked at the 6 week stage to get cables/nuts tightened as they stretch after a few weeks. I would however expect Halfords to inform you that this is a mandatory service and tell you the consequences of it not happening.

Did you receive a manual with the bike? If so, does it mention it in there?

jllwton

I can't see anything on the warranty document regarding the 6-12 weeks inspection check whatsoever, but it does say that the bike must be "maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations". After a very quick skim through the bike's manual, I can't find any mention of the service being a requirement. In fact, the only mention of it is a "6 weeks inspection" checklist in the inside back cover. I accept that I have skimmed through the manual very quickly and may have missed a specific reference. I'll take a better look and post back here later if I find anything.

jllwton

The manual states: "The following are examples of the type of service you should perform yourself...", "We recommend you bring the bike in to store 6 weeks after purchase for our free safety check."

Surely a "recommendation" isn't enough to invalidate a warranty?

bod1467

You are correct ... Halfrauds are using weasel-words.

You have Statutory rights under the Sale Of Goods Act which they cannot contract out. And as it is under 6 months then it is for them to PROVE that the fault was caused by you (your son), not for you to prove it wasn't. (As our fishy friend correctly states).

custardy

jllwton wrote: »

I purchased a BMX for my son 4 months ago from Halfords, but a couple of weeks ago it developed a fault (the crank had become very loose). I took it back this morning, and was asked whether it had the 6 - 12 week check that Halfords offer. When I said that I hadn't, they said that the warranty was void.

Their reasoning was that the fault would have been picked up at the time of the service and rectified, but that as that period had passed the fault was now worse and had damaged the parts.

They did tighten the crank (at no charge), but said that if it became loose again there would be a charge (£19.99 for parts, plus around £15 for fitting). Obviously, I'm not at all happy about this. Is their voiding of the warranty correct? Although I was advised of the free 6-12 week check at the time of purchase, I was not told that failure to take it would invalidate the warranty.

Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.

They are right
A loose crank is a simple job to tighten
A loose crank left to mash up the splines on the BB and crank mounting hole is a far more expensive fix