Vehicle Service - Halfords Autocentres

JRSmith · 27 November 2013 at 4:28PM

Hi guys,

I recently took my vehicle in for a full vehicle service with Halfords Autocentres. Browsing the checklist which details what is included, it would seem as if this has not been carried out as it should have.

Straight off I have noticed 3 items which according to their check list should have been rectified.

Engine > Replace Air Filter – Checking the air filter I still have the same old filthy one.

Electrical > Check Battery Security – Clip/Bolt which holds battery securely is broken (I knew this before service).

Electrical > Lubricate Terminals – Battery Terminals corroded (White fluffy/gooey substance).

It also states that it should have included a road test, however, at the end of the report it states the following:

Test driven after completion? No.

I’m now concerned that this service has not been carried out as it should, therefore, could anyone advise me on what I could do?

jwruk · 27 November 2013 at 4:42PM

How recently is recent?

Within the last couple of hours - go back and show them the dirty air filter. It's should still be nice and clean.

Within the last few weeks - contact Halfords and see what they say.

You can't prove that the battery clip was broken at the time and they can quite easily counter-claim that it could have broken any time since the service.

JRSmith · 27 November 2013 at 4:50PM

Couple of weeks ago unfortunately. I only became aware as I was carrying out some routine monthly checks before washing the car. The battery terminals are what triggered me to look further and then I noticed some of the others. As stated I was aware of the battery clip as it was me that broke it last summer changing the battery.

I'll contact halfords first and see what they say, I have to admit I'm pretty dissapointed as I believed Halfords to be trustworthy due to their size. Shows how wrong I was.

What about the road test? That is clearly stated on the form.

jwruk · 27 November 2013 at 5:32PM

JRSmith wrote: »

What about the road test? That is clearly stated on the form.

They'll probably give it to the YTS lad to take for a spin around the bloke whilst bouncing it off the rev limiter.

bod1467 · 27 November 2013 at 5:33PM

jwruk wrote: »

They'll probably give it to the YTS lad to take for a spin around the bloke whilst bouncing it off the rev limiter.

So the lack of road test is probably a blessing.

JRSmith · 27 November 2013 at 7:44PM

Maybe I was just unfortunate to get a lazy mechanic who serviced my vehicle. I've emailed Halfords and hopefully they will reply sometime tomorrow.

GrungeMeister · 27 November 2013 at 7:51PM

Did it say replace or renew the air filter ?
Kwik Fit are crafty. Theirs says renew ... the guy just takes the old one out, taps all the crap out of it then puts the old one back in. That's it renewed !

JRSmith · 27 November 2013 at 8:03PM

It says: Replace Air Filter. Maybe it would help if I posted a link for the full check list.

Go to Halfords Autocentres website > Car Servicing > Full Service (Quick View) > What's Included

cajef · 27 November 2013 at 8:17PM

Not know as Halfrauds for nothing, more to point have they charged for the filter and other work that has not been done.

bod1467 · 27 November 2013 at 10:35PM

The website says "From £134" for the full service. I would presume from this that it includes for all the parts listed.

JRSmith · 27 November 2013 at 11:48PM

Yea, I paid £152.00 which came with a £15.00 discount as I booked online. Originally it was £167.00. It's a lot of money to fork out for something that I feel wasn't carried out correctly/fully/properly. I don't even want a refund, I just want the services I paid for which I feel I haven't received.