Car problem - an I wasting my time?

MargaretR · 28-04-2011, 09:50

This is a copy of an email I have sent to the contractor working at Heys field Ossy.
I have omitted the 1st paragraph which shows my precice address -

"I am having car problems.
My Seat Arosa was new in Dec 2002 and has not done 10,000 miles yet.
I use it only once or twice a month, and then only for local journeys.

The only technical problems have been a flat battery sometimes.
I had a new battery and starter motor a year ago and that appeared to be a cure.

When the work started on Heys field my car was parked for a week in the dust clouds that the work generated.
I was too ill that week to move it, but when I felt better I took it for a carwash and then parked it well away from the dust clouds.
This week I needed to use it, and it didn't start.

I call my mechanic (who has serviced it regularly for years), and he finds that a 'jump start' using his portable battery gadget didn't work.
He towed it to his premises yesterday, and it is still with him.
He phoned me to say that he found that the engine was coated in a fine dust which has set hard and has damaged some of the electrical systems.
The diagnostic equipment he uses still shows are further 3 faults yet to be corrected.

It looks like I am due a hefty car repair bill and the dust generated at your Heys Field site is likely responsible.
Does the dry weather which contributed to the dust clouds constitute an 'act of god', or are you able to offer me some recompense for the cost?"

How do rate my chances?

heth · 28-04-2011, 09:57

Did they let you know that they were starting work either via letter or put notice's up?

flashy · 28-04-2011, 10:00

good luck

MargaretR · 28-04-2011, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by heth

Did they let you know that they were starting work either via letter or put notice's up?

Yes they did - but didn't say 'move your car'
(I see what you are getting at - I suppose I should have anticipated potential problems with the dust)

heth · 28-04-2011, 10:15

Aye see thats their "get out", doubt you will get owt back chuck

jaysay · 28-04-2011, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

Yes they did - but didn't say 'move your car'
(I see what you are getting at - I suppose I should have anticipated potential problems with the dust)

I can't see how you could Margaret, dust on the outside of your car yes, but doing damage to your engine, don't thing anybody would expect that

Margaret Pilkington · 28-04-2011, 10:37

Margaret, you have nothing at all to lose by asking......if you don't ask, then you don't get......but to be honest, I think you will be very lucky if you get any recompense.
Good luck with it anyway.

MargaretR · 28-04-2011, 10:51

I know that volcanic dust damages jet engines but my little Seat is slightly less high tech

I have just had a call to say that the repair is now complete - £182 - could have been worse I suppose.

cashman · 28-04-2011, 13:11

I would certainly look at all avenues margaret, that costs nowt n yeh never know, as i always say "God Loves A Trier" good luck.

Neil · 28-04-2011, 13:27

I would not have mentioned the act of god bit as you have given them a get out that sounds like you agree with already.

What exactly did the garage change or do to repair it as it sounds a bit dodgy to me.
The main thing wrong with your car is that it does not get driven enough.

How much dust was on the outside of the car because I would expect to find a lot less in the engine bay?

MargaretR · 28-04-2011, 13:28

Thanks for all the good luck sent my way

I think the good thoughts are having an effect already because, on its return, my mechanic said £122(not £182). The only new bits needed were spark plugs, and only because "they hadn't been changed for a bit". After cleaning off the dust layer the electrics started to work again OK. The cost is mainly the tow-in and labour.

I believe all the seemingly bad things that happen have a good purpose.
When I was housebound yesterday I sent a chunk of money into premium bonds.
If I had been mobile I would have drawn it out. So, you never know, when it qualifies for the draw my luck might blossom.

MargaretR · 28-04-2011, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

I would not have mentioned the act of god bit as you have given them a get out that sounds like you agree with already.

What exactly did the garage change or do to repair it as it sounds a bit dodgy to me.
The main thing wrong with your car is that it does not get driven enough.

How much dust was on the outside of the car because I would expect to find a lot less in the engine bay?

The dust clouds have been so bad that the downstairs flats have had to keep windows closed. The dust was so thick that I needed to sweep it off with a soft brush before I went to the car wash.
The field has been excavated to a depth of several feet in an area about the size of 4 tennis courts, and a thick layer of dusty gravel has been laid.
Lorries were coming and going in convoys of 4 & 5 removing earth and delivering gravel.

Neil · 28-04-2011, 13:34

So there was nothing wrong with it and it started to work on its own

You were charged for spark plugs because he fit them trying to find out what was wrong. I do love some car mechanics

I wonder how long before it fails again seeing as he did not find the fault?

MargaretR · 28-04-2011, 13:43

He has a diagnostic system set up, and before he cleaned the engine it showed 5 faults.
He said that he had to remove the dashboard to clean a relay system which controls fuel supply.

Margaret Pilkington · 28-04-2011, 14:02

good luck with the premium bonds Margaret.......and the garage bill didn't turn out to be as bad as you perhaps thought.