So have taken my car into Lookers Park Royal. I wasn't told the car needed to be at the garage overnight so was surprised when they called me saying my car would be there over night. They said if I came in at 08:00 instead of the 10:00 appointment it should be ready for 17:30.
I called up at 17:00 and was told no one had even looked at the car yet which was very frustrating considering I took a day off work and came in two hours earl. Still not the end of the world as these things can happen and the guy I am dealing with who is looking over my car is very nice and has been very helpful. He sorted me a car out today (a Jaguar XF sport), nice car but not my cup of tea and as I have a back injury being lower down I an feel the pain a lot more on my lower back.
Anyway, lol, ill get to the point. Before I took my car in it said low coolant level on the dash every time I started up the car. No other lights, no warning lights just low coolant level when I started the car up then disappeared.
I called up today an hour or so again and was told the car wasn't finished yet and a report was being done for any faults. I was told he spoke to the mechanic and they said there was no coolant at all in the car. He told me there ay be a leaking hose somewhere. I explained how long ive had the car for (a few months) and that apart from the low coolant level come up on the dash no other warning lights. He told me maybe there was some coolant left in the pipes and that's why the car was running. He said if the top it up they may find a leaking hose. I said is that a definite and he said they have to wait until the mechanic fills up the coolant level.
In my mind from his words it was almost like he already had in mind or more so that he was kind of warning me that there will be a leak. Now I am no mechanic but because I have always had bad experiences with mechanics I just put my guard up all the time and assume I am being hard done by. I do feel bad that I feel this way when I hear this or that may be wrong (especially from a main dealers as I have always heard bad things from them) but my faith has been spoilt by con mechanics. I just wanted advice from you guys what you think?
If it is a leak is a leaking hose from the coolant an expensive fix (especially from the dealers)and could it ne that I am totally paranoid and he is telling the truth.
My mechanic who I have been using for my last car worked for a main land rover dealer a few years back but he is away on holiday for another 3 weeks and I cant get through to him. Im sure he could fix that if it was needed fixing.
I have taken a 5 year service plan out with Lookers Park Royal as was advised to get the car serviced by main dealers. I only found out by my mechanic that he worked for them after I had taken the plan out (while he was doing my front brae pads).
Are main dealers really corrupt and would they make up something that doesn't need fixing? I really do feel bad even talking like this as its like I am directly pointing my finger and accusing when I may be totally wrong and there actually may be a fault and they are totally honest.
Any advise will be much appreciated and I will keep you posted on what they tell me.
Many thanks.
21st Jul 2016 4:53 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
When the coolant low level warning light came on, I'm assuming you didn't check the level?
If the coolant system was empty you've had a lucky escape if you've suffered no catastrophic failure.
On the other hand, if the coolant level was fine, it may have just been a new expansion bottle required.
21st Jul 2016 7:02 pm
Azzybee
Member Since: 04 Jul 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 287
Coolant
Hi.
I thought as I had the service booked in it would be ok to wait. I didn't check it because I thought if it was too low then some sort of warning sign would come on (didn't think when it said low coolant level it was a serious matter).
They never got back t me but will do tomorrow so I will keep you posted as to what they advise.
Thanks for replying.
21st Jul 2016 7:24 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
Probably one of the most important things to keep topped up on any engine after the engine oil.
Not all mechs are bad and if there are issues its usually the guy who controls the mechs trying to get 120 percent day after day and wondering why he cant.
21st Jul 2016 7:33 pm
Azzybee
Member Since: 04 Jul 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 287
Coolant
Ok guys. Had my car back from its service.
I woke up to a video sent (which was quite nice to see, well not the faults but the fact that they recorded it and sent me a video) to of a quick run through which showed the underneath of my car while the mechanic described the faults I have. I cant upload the short video here but I took stills to show you guys.
Firstly we have a passenger side leaking power steering rack which is leaking internally from the gaitor and they said required to replace steering rack assembly.
Near side suspension the dust cover for the air bag is split and requires renew.
Rear drivers side brake pad sensor is broken and needs replacing.
They done a diagnostic check on my suspension and said I need a new compressor and software update.
Also require a brake fluid change as my brake fluid is dirty.
I asked them regarding the low coolant level and they told me it would need a pressure test which would cost £68. I mentioned how they never got my car done the first day if they could cover it which they were fine with and never charged me. They told me later they did the pressure test and couldn't find and leaks and told me I should just keep an eye out on it and if the warning light comes on to have them or someone inspect further.
At the end when I signed the paperwork off they also told me I didn't have to pay the £18 per day (£36 for two days) insurance which we agreed I would pay for the car they lent to me.
I was happy with them afterwards and the level of service they provided. I told the guy in charge who I was dealing wit straight how I would get my car serviced with them but not repaired as I have someone who could do the work.
They did give me a list of parts and labour costs to do the work if I wanted it done by tem (don't even ask the costs they were charging lol, im sure you have an idea).
At the moment my mechanic is away on holiday and ive probably got 3 weeks before he can work on it. Also I doubt he has the ability to do the software update after installing the compressor.
Are any of these issues major and a risk to me driving on long journeys? I read somewhere the suspension dust cover could be cut off, is that a diy job I could do or does the whole suspension unit need to be removed first?
I also read somewhere that the leaking steering rack could be fixed instead of having to be replaced, is that true?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Who on here can work on any of these issues if I need to get done asap?
Here,s me saving up to get the Geoff to do my remap and blank off the egr valves but now going to have to wait
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