Advice please, expensive items of clothing ruined through dodgy diesel pump at garage

Sims87

Hello all,

I would like some advice. I filled my car up with diesel at a Shell garage yesterday . The nozzle was definitely dodgy and leaked diesel all over my brand new boots (only got them 2 weeks ago and still have the receipt) and my 100% wool dry clean only coat.

The boots are suede and absolutely stink of diesel as does the coat. I phoned a few dry cleaners this morning who have all said to me that dry cleaning will not get rid of smells.

The garage have asked me to come in today and speak with the manager. I'm not sure what my rights are. What am I entitled to? The boots and coat are pretty much ruined as the smell of diesel cannot be removed from them.

Any advice would be much appreciated

spacey2012

The pump will dispense diesel when the trigger is pulled.
Are you sure you were not having a "sparse" moment ?

Sims87

Lol yes I am sure I wasn’t, the diesel seemed to leak where the metal nozel meets the black plastic handle.

ThumbRemote

You're going to need evidence of the fault - go back with a camcorder and film it happening. Otherwise you've got no proof.

Then send a letter to the head office, detailing the value of the goods damaged and claiming that amount from them. Enclose a link to your video online.

shaun_from_Africa

ThumbRemote wrote: »

You're going to need evidence of the fault - go back with a hidden camcorder and film it happening. Otherwise you've got no proof.

Keep it well hidden or you will probably get asked to leave on safety related issues. (even though using items such as car and motorbike engines doesn't cause any problems!)

Nilrem

If it's a leak between the hose and the nozzle it's also a safety issue, so if you can get some proof I'd also inform the relevant local authorities (I'm not sure if it'd be TS or the fire service, or someone else).

I'm surprised the staff didn't seem interested in what is a potentially serious safety issue, but they may not have realised what the issue is.

System

Camcorders? What is this the 90's;)

Use a phone to film the pump!

JimmyTheWig

Also claim for the diesel that you will have paid for but were unable to get in your tank due to the fault.

neilmcl

Sims87 wrote: »

Lol yes I am sure I wasn’t, the diesel seemed to leak where the metal nozel meets the black plastic handle.

Was it definitely a leak or simply a few drips from your's or the previous use. Diesel pumps by their nature can be messy so you should always stand back a bit from the pump.

mattyprice4004

Why would you have your feet directly under the nozzle? Seems a bit short-sighted as we all know how bad diesel smells - it's bad enough getting it on your hands!

I always tend to keep a good foot (no pun intended) away from the nozzle and make sure my coat etc doesn't brush on it, as it's a right sod to clean off.

Go back and film it, as without proof you probably won't get far... and the cynic in me says they could already have changed the nozzle if you reported it as faulty.