Garage unable to resolve an issue after replacing brakes

aldredd

Hi, took my car into a garage today for new brake pads and tyres, following their advice yesterday.

Had a 2pm appointment, and was told it was a 90min job.

By 4pm, they told me they were having difficulties resetting various warning messages in the car

By 5pm they told me that actually, one of the rear callipers was no longer functioning (which would explain the messages!).

At 6pm, there were closing up and still hadn't been able to resolve the issue, so they drove me home (as I couldn't drive without fully operational brakes!)

As it stands, I've had to take tomorrow off work, as I have no car, and they're unsure when they'll have it sorted, as they've checked everything they know to check, so suggest they may have to refer it to a main dealer if they can't resolve it.
That being the case, I'll have little option to take out a hire car, as I can't take more time off work.

Do I have any right to recourse re losing (min) 1 day of work, and possibly having to hire a car?

Hintza

When last did you have the car serviced? Have you followed the manufacturers servicing schedule?

aldredd

The car was last serviced prior to me purchasing the car in September 2013. The next service is due in the next couple of thousand miles.

lammy82

Unless you went in with a list of exactly what was wrong with the car and they agreed to resolve those issues within an agreed timescale, and there was literally nothing else wrong with the car other than what was on the list..... then I don't think you have any recourse to recoup consequential losses.

You also do need to check whether the quote you were originally given is still valid, as soon as a garage lets you know that there is anything unexpected.

That's what I think, anyway.

aldredd

Thanks Lammy,

that would certainly be frustrating if that is the case. The fault is directly connected to the work they carried out. And no, there really was nothing else wrong with the car - it's a fairly new car. The front pads had been done by one of their other branches the day before, but had to go to a different branch for the rears as my car is fitted with an electronic brake, so they knew what work was required, and what specialist equipment they would need to complete it.

You're right, there is no written contract stating how long work would take, but it was a 'sit and wait' appointment and was verbally given a 90 min timescale - ended up sat there for 4 hours

gik

I know it's a pain but with car repairs this sometimes happens. Had it myself in June when I got some brake pipes replaced after an MOT fail on a Saturday. Job was booked in for Monday and they ran out of time. I couldn't pick the car up on Tuesday. So they had the car from Sat. - Wed.

aldredd

Thanks gik
such a pain for what was a very basic job - and along with the tyres I was spending best part of £1000, so to have to take another day off work, and to hire a car (which I'll have to if they can't resolve it - which is looking likely) will hurt big time

gik

aldredd wrote: »

Thanks gik
such a pain for what was a very basic job - and along with the tyres I was spending best part of £1000, so to have to take another day off work, and to hire a car (which I'll have to if they can't resolve it - which is looking likely) will hurt big time

Part a parcel of motoring. I could manage without a car (wouldn't like to BTW) but take the hit of running mine (partially for the scenario you describe) as a back up for my wife who does need a car.


Years ago I had a mechanic neighbour who gave fixed quotes for work except for brake related jobs as problems could crop up in the course of the repair. Seems nothing has changed.

aldredd

They took it to the dealer today, who've told them it needs the entire calliper unit replaced on both rear wheels. They've confirmed they'll be leaving it with the dealer to resolve, and will cover any costs.

here's the stinger - it's going to take some 4 weeks for the parts to come to the dealer.

They have now at least agreed to provide a car. I think I even heard them mention their insurer being involved.

If they provide me with a car, and my final bill is in line with the quote, then 1 day holiday is the sum of my troubles, which in the grand scheme of things I can live with. If however, for whatever reason, there are further costs involved, would the fact that this amount of work is required, and that their insurer is involved, show there has been a level of negligence on their part?

Bantex_2

aldredd wrote: »

They took it to the dealer today, who've told them it needs the entire calliper unit replaced on both rear wheels. They've confirmed they'll be leaving it with the dealer to resolve, and will cover any costs.

here's the stinger - it's going to take some 4 weeks for the parts to come to the dealer.

They have now at least agreed to provide a car. I think I even heard them mention their insurer being involved.

If they provide me with a car, and my final bill is in line with the quote, then 1 day holiday is the sum of my troubles, which in the grand scheme of things I can live with. If however, for whatever reason, there are further costs involved, would the fact that this amount of work is required, and that their insurer is involved, show there has been a level of negligence on their part?

What car is it, so I can avioid?

aldredd

Hyunidai i40
It's a great car - but yes, the parts supply chain is a pain, as it nearly always has to be shipped over from s. Korea.