Damage caused by tyre centre

[Meridianman]

Dear All

I took my car to have a tyre repaired by a local tyre centre yesterday. The car I have has electronic tyre pressure sensors.

Whilst replacing the tyre the garage snapped the sensor. These cost about £100 to replace and this can normally only be done by the car manufacturer (in this case Peugoet).

Unless I want the car computer telling me I've got a flat tyre everytime I switch on, I'm going to have to pay out the £100 to replace the sensor.

I asked what they were prepared to do about this given they broke the sensor. They said it was my problem!

I'm pretty sure the guy I spoke to yesterday wasn't the proprietor and I want to pursue this. Does anyone know if I have a case here? Its only a small amount but it's the principle. I didn't even get an apology - just a rant that the electronic pressures are a "f**king pain in the a**e"!

So, if there are legal eagles on line can you advise on the best course of action (I assume it will need to start with a letter from me, but I also assume this will go straight in their bin unless I can outline (accurately) the consequences.

Thanks all in advance.

[mxyzptlk]

I would suggest find out the cost from the dealer and then have a lawyer draft a letter with possible small claims court action and request all costs from them.

[Nosha123]

stick with it and make them pay for it... A girl I work with took her car to a garage and they lost the keys.. then refused to pay for another to be cut - or for a cab for her to get home!
She really had to fight it out with them.. but she got there in the end!!

[trt]

Forget about a lawyer as suggested above, to costly.
Is the tyre company national, if so tell the manger you will contact their head office, if not tell him you will take legal action if he dosent pay up for the damage.

[razza]

They should be insured for this type of thing

[baraqua]

The real culprits in this matter are Peugeot, the tyre sensors are designed in such a way that only their own service people can safely change valves etc. Have you ever tried having your wheels balanced anywhere other than a Peugeot dealer, thats another con. You can have your tyre sensors deactivated at a cost of about £35, however check with the insurance company that this is not a modification for the purpose of your of your policy. This will stop the annoying warning signals. The first mistake you made was buying a Peugot - the second was going to National Tyres, I have been bitten by both, neither are worth a carrot.

[Buenchico]

Assuming that you don't get anywhere by simply demanding to see the boss and demanding compensation, here's what you need to do.

Step 1:
Find out EXACTLY what it's going to cost to get the problem fixed. (Either get a written quote or get the work done and retain a copy of the bill).

Step 2:
Send a formal letter to the tyre company. If it's a limited company it should be sent to their registered office. You can find the address here:
http://wck2.companies...ame=accessCompanyInfo
Assuming that it's a limited company, your letter should be addressed 'To the Company Secretary', not to any named individual. Your letter must be dated and show both your name and address and that of the company you're sending it to. It must clearly state that it's a demand for payment, specifying the amount and the reason why it's due. It should also clearly state that if payment isn't received within a defined period of time (I suggest 14 days) you will commence legal proceedings to recover the money owed to you. Keep a copy of the letter and send it by recorded delivery, retaining the proof of posting.

Step 3:
If you don't receive payment, commence a 'small claims' action using HM Courts Service's online system, here:
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

Chris

[chas2008]

i can understand why you are not happy with the garages attitude etc. but these sensors really are a nightmare, yes they are common now but at the same time they have a nasty habit of seizing & breaking in the rim, what starts out as a 5 min £10 job ends up costing the garage £100.+
I use a very competent tyre dealer on a daily basis and i am more than aware that theres at least a 20% chance the sensor will break, certain vehicles more than others, Peugeot being one of them !