Halford Autocentre -

[loubs1974]

Hi all Just looking for some advise. I'll try to shorten but basically: We took our car to Halfords autocentre as there was a leak on the steering fluid.Halfords informed us that they would have to 'break' the bonnet lock to access as this had jammed and would not open but this wouls still be functional with a screwdriver. - when we went to collect the car they had in fact removed the bonnet lock- bonnett was tied up with bungie ropes (Halford supplied) - Halfords said this would be safe and new lock would be ordered Monday for fitting that week. As you can guess the inevitable happened and the bonnet flew up, smashing the windscreen, damaging the side panels and bonnet of the car. They are blatently lying about what happened and now saying that we insisted on taking the car!! We would have been happy to leave it there until the following week. They will not take any liability for damange and insurance wont cover as the lock had been removed. Any advise would be appreciated.

[unclebulgaria67]

I think i would contact any body that deals with safety issues caused by garages. If you are a member of AA or RAC, their helpline might point you in the right direction.

 

Get advice from someone that handles legal issues with garages and consumer safety. Armed with the correct advice, you will know which way to go. You might have to take them to court and see if they are willing to make a false statenent to a court.

[silverfox1961]

Hi and welcome to CAG.

 

I would ensure that ALL communications with Halfords are kept to writing only.

 

There is another thread going where halfords have allegedly cocked up big time which (as far as I am aware) is going through the courts.

 

A bungie cable holding a bonnet down could never work. They are designed to stretch and as such, a good wind under the bonnet will cause the bungie to fail. A properly tied down bonnet would have been the better option.

[Conniff]

Why not visit the centre you took it to and confront the man that told you it would be safe and ask directly 'why are you lying about telling me it was safe?'

[Old Cogger]

Halfords Autocentre:(+44) 0800 096 4216 open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday try a complaint to them asking for complaints procedure if they try and fob you off?/

 

also ask who they are accredited to them

[Guest roaringmouse]

Halfords have a duty of care. If they say the car was 'unsafe to drive on the public highway' as it seems they are indeed suggesting, then they had a duty to refuse to allow an unsafe and un-roadworthy car to be removed from their premises except on a recovery vehicle. That in mind, why did they allow the car to be driven away? Are they suggesting you forcibly removed it? Are they able to provide the disclaimer that you signed in which they advised you it was unsafe to drive? Are you a qualified mechanic yourself? No?

 

I think you have a case for damages as you were ill advised. I would suggest that many people - myself included- would have questioned the use of a flexible rubber band in holding firmly down a bonnet to be used on a highway. That said, you must have taken it up to some speed for there to be sufficient wind to raise the bonnet violently, or did the bungee strap break in any way?

 

Did they charge you for the bungee straps? Were they new? Have you retained them as evidence?

 

On the assumption that they did supply them, that they were not charged for and that you did not sign any disclaimer, you have a case and I would ramp this up with formal estimates for repair from 3 bodyshops and a formal demand for payment to cover your losses with 14 days or you will issue court proceedings. Send you letter by 'signed for'. Keep all discussions in writing. retain ALL correspondence. If they do phone you, ask them to put in writing whatever they wish to discuss.

[Guest roaringmouse]

Just realized I wasted 10 minutes typing that! OP post was last year, DUH! Never came back to update. Grrrr

[Conniff]

Just realized I wasted 10 minutes typing that! OP post was last year, DUH! Never came back to update. Grrrr

 

I'm afraid there are a lot of threads like this where someone get the info they wanted and then disappears with no interest in letting others know so it can help them should they get the same problems. A bit selfish really.

[finaldj]

Well Most garages often give an advisory if taking a car away that needs additional work doing, maybe this was so in the guys case and maybe they got him to sign something I guess we'll never know