who is being unreasonable re car service

[happyharryagain]

I have taken dh's car for a service and he is using my car. Told me to tell garage it was for 4 year service which involves replacing a timing belt. Just collected car and told as car personal plate they didn't know how old it is so they haven't changed belt. DH cross and either blames me or garage. I am furious now as it turns out car isn't even 4 years old till end January and is 800 miles short of 40k.

DH still thinks timing belt should be changed whereas I would have left service till due.

What do you think?

I think he should've waited until the service was due unless he had any reason to think there was a problem with the car

But - once it was booked in if you specifically asked for something to do done, the garage should've done it

WTF? Name and shame the garage!

Every vehicle (possible exception being a cut and shut) has a VIN - a vehicle identification number. That will tell you, amongst other things, the date of manufacture of the vehicle.

It ain't rocket science!

Your mileage is on the lower side of average but nonetheless the 40k service would, going on what you've said, be coming up in 2 or 3 months, so it wouldn't have been unreasonable to change the belt now.

Just DON'T go back to that garage, whatever you do!

Cowboys!

Val - ex service manager to motor dealership.

I think next time DH should take his own car to be serviced and deal with the garage himself.

exactly, tell him to take it himself next time then he can't blame you if it goes tits up.

800 miles/6 weeks premature with the service is odd but forgivable.

Did you tell the garage about the belt? Its 100% their fault if so, and you should argue that they need to get the belt changed and not charge the labour for preparation.

If you didnt tell them its still partly their fault as they should know the service schedule for the car if they are going to service it correctly. They have a valid(ish) excuse due to the car reg though.

However - what is more important is whos fault it is that your DH has a personalised numberplate? Disgracefully tacky

ccpccp, the garage had no excuse for not knowing the age of the car, it's all within the VIN, every car has one.

You're correct that they should know the service schedule for the vehicle though... and about the personalised plate! :o

I did mention that we thought the timing belt was due to be changed. I just can't help thinking all this could have been avoided if dh had waiting till he had actually done the 40k. It would have prob been Jan by than and th belt would have definately been due for a change.

And quite rightly he will be doing it himself next time.