A garage just phoned my friend to tell her that they had done a full service on her car but could not get the bonnet open. They claim it was her that must have broken it before the car got taken in. But then, how could they service it? Sound like bunch of lying toads up to no good to me!
2006-10-27 03:27:10 · 27 answers · asked by Stookie2 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No lying bastards.
2006-10-27 07:22:10 · answer #1 · answered by mick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the car, and what service is required.
It would be possible to do an oil and oil-filter change on an Audi A2 without opening the bonnet, as it has a remote oil-filler behind the "grille", and the filter could be accessed from underneath the car. Anything more (fuel-filter change, plug change on the petrol model, air-filter check) would require removing the bonnet (it doesn't open normally on the A2).
Other than that, a car with a mid- or rear-mounted engine could be serviced without opening the bonnet, but would require opening whatever is used to give access to the oil filler (may be the boot lid, may be a separate engine cover, may even be an access panel in the bottom of the luggage bay or hood storage area in a convertible).
In any other front-engined car, I can't think of a way to access the oil filler without opening the bonnet - and a service where the oil isn't drained and refilled isn't a service.
Ask the garage to demonstrate how they refilled the engine with oil without opening the bonnet.
2006-10-27 04:49:40 · answer #2 · answered by Neil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They could change the brake pads with the car on a ramp and the wheels off. But that would be about all they could manage without access to the engine bay. A full service involves oil-change (putting oil in through the rocker cover-the bit on top off the engine block), inspection and/or replacing timing or other belts. It also involves replacing the spark plugs or glow plugs. Therefor you cant possibly do a full service without opening the bonnet. My advice is to take the car to another garage (one that knows how to fix a broken bonnet latch) along with the origonal bill for the service and get them to check whats been serviced.
2006-10-27 04:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by MAdCnT 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your completly correct in the fact that it is in fact impossible to service a car without opening the bonnet. You need the bonnet up to do things such as change the air filter and re-fill the oil for example, i think your friend has been taken for a ride! ( I am an experienced race mechanic)
2006-10-27 04:38:28 · answer #4 · answered by trigger661 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would love t know how they refilled the oil and checked the level without opening the bonnet, not saying it could not be done, with a pressurised oil delivery system and a short dipstick, i reckon i could service several types of car, but not a full service with an Air Filter change or cam belt.
2006-10-27 14:10:43 · answer #5 · answered by "Call me Dave" 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can't service a car without opening the bonnet. Things which live under the bonnet need checking in a full service. Such as;
Oil Level.
Washer Fluid.
Water Level.
Battery.
If the bonnet wasn't opened I would like to see them try to explain how they did it!
Don't pay until you are satisfied. Once you pay its like you have agreed to their conditions and terms- they could use that against you if it was to go any further.
Speak to trading standards they will guide you though what you need to do.
2006-10-27 03:28:34 · answer #6 · answered by guitar_f1ngers 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you can't fully service a car without opening the bonnet. Even an MoT can be aborted because of a stuck shut bonnet.
2006-10-29 07:00:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should pay them if they won't give the car back and then inform them that she will get the car independantly looked at for evidence of the service. Then if they take the money tell them that if it's found they haven't done the service they will be sued for the cost of the service,the cost of the independant inspection AND loss of earnings AND the bonnet repair!
2006-10-27 03:33:55 · answer #8 · answered by Sir Sidney Snot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The oil, windscreen wash, and water tank should have been checked for a full service. All of these are accessible through the bonnet. I would refuse to accept the car until I had seen proof that the oil etc had been changed.
Good luck.
2006-10-27 03:29:50 · answer #9 · answered by Rose 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The release cable might be broken but the garage opened the hood to replace the air filter and the engine oil drained out . The customer might want to get that fixed?
2006-10-27 03:32:59 · answer #10 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't know how you could do that, and I own a repair shop. It's like saying, "Yes, we cleaned your carpet, but we couldn't get inside your house since the lock on the door is broken...but we didn't do it."
I'd ask them just exactly what service they performed without opening the hood (bonnet if you prefer).
2006-10-27 03:31:05 · answer #11 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋