Dropped the car for its first service this morning.  Just been called to say it's done.  When I dropped it I pointed out the 4 wheel centre caps were beginning to corrode.  I've just been told by the service manager that the warranty manager refused to replace them as they aren't covered, however the dealer principal has approved a good will replacement. Okaaaaay.  I asked why they were not covered by the warranty and was told,

 

'Warranty on external trim is limited to 6 months, due to factors beyond Skoda control that can affect its condition, such as road salt'.

 

[sniff sniff] what's that strange smell..... Unpleasant smell......ahh, it's BS isn't it!' [/sniff sniff]. Do Skoda uk really say road salt damage is acceptable on a car designed for use/sold for use on uk roads?  Or is it dealer BS?  Well it seems I'll get some new centre caps, when they arrive with the dealer, but I guess a year from now I'll have to choose, pay for new ones or accept the visual degradation that will be starting.

 

Also got told they can't find the coolant leak I have.  OK, it is teenie tiny, but I've had to top up the coolant again recently so it's going somewhere.   I guess I'll have to hope it gets more prevalent in the next 2 years as I can't see it curing itself.  No big issue for now though.

The Warranty on Wheel caps is 3 years, same as a car. Go tell the Warranty Manager to Swivel, Good will my @rse.

 

 

Typical dealer, Can't be bothered

 

Disclaimer :- " Some dealers can be bothered "

 

Just to add, If the car is 2 years 11 months old the warranty on the wheel caps is only a month, unless the car has a 5 year warranty from the Factory or before the car was registered

That's my thinking... I reckon cost to the dealer of those caps (£39.26 to you and me) is pennies, and the dealer is swallowing that rather than bother with some paperwork to claim from SUK.  That is fine, just not sure why they made up the story for me.

 

I think I've worked out what is going on regarding the corner coolant leak too.  I know it's there but teenie.  The workshop pressure tested and inspected visually and can't find it.  OK I cant expect further right now and I assume SUK wouldn't fund further work so unless the dealer ship funds the further exploration/ parts nothing can be done.  However I was told, if it drops below minimum again, book it in for a couple of days and they will pull the engine apart to find it.   Service manager basically said, stop topping up, let it go below minimum.  I reckon that will be proof enough for SUK to fund that further work.... And ib suspect a new water pump.   If that is the case then the dealer and SUK, seem to be acting fairly in my view.

Ring Skoda CS UK and tell them your woes, I'd also mention the coolant leak and ask them to log it on there system and if it all goes pear shaped in the future you have some come back and whilst your on ask them whats the Warranty on wheel centre caps. then tell them what your dealer said.

 

You pay good money for a car I would expect a better service.

That's my thinking... I reckon cost to the dealer of those caps (£39.26 to you and me) is pennies, and the dealer is swallowing that rather than bother with some paperwork to claim from SUK. That is fine, just not sure why they made up the story for me.

Thats fair enough....but if all dealers done that then Skoda would not try resolve faulty issues.

update:

so the dealer got the caps in.  Since I live some 35 miles across London from them I asked if they would pop them in the post to me,

 

'Afraid not sir, we need your signature to claim the cost back'

'Excuse me?  but this isn't a warranty claim, its a good will gesture'

'we claim it back, its like a warranty but not...we need your signature'

'So can you point me at some written wording describing this goodwill system what it covers and how it works.'

'No'

 

So....I now felt very confused and a bit miffed.  I decide to call SUK.  Explain what has happpened, very content with service of the car but struggling to understand the dealers poor explanation of goodwill and why they needed a signature, could SUK help explain.

'Yes sir.  first off centre caps aren't warranty items, you did well getting a goodwill set, are they completely free or a partial contribution'

'4 new centre caps, but really why I'm clling is just to get a proper explanation of the 'goodwill' process please'

'that comes from SUK, we pay the dealer for it, its just like a wartranty, and for proof that the dealer hasn't just made something up we demand a customer signature'

'AHHHH.  so the good willdoesn't come form the dealer as they had given me that impression'

'No sir, it comes from SUK, so we ask for a signature as proof'

'Ahh, now I understand.  thank you very much for a clear explanation'

'you did do very well to get 4 caps for free'

'......riiiigggghhhht.  well, TBH I don't feel I should be bowing with gratitude'

'........'

'its 4 centre caps, 4 little bits of plastci trim.  You may consider them as consumables, and having read your warranty I undestand ther is a 6 month limit on claims for comsumables, but I consider brakes, tyres and fluids like oil and screenwash to be consumables, I don't consider a bit of permanant trim as such.  Thanks for you offer, when I'm next nearby the dealer I'll pop in for them.  And if they havene't been fitted to another customers car in the meantime, I'll let the dealer fit them and charge SUK for fitting them, if they have already fitted them to another car I ask they order another set, but I'm not driving 70 miles round trip for 4 little bits of plastic, which will be corroding again in a year.  Persoanlly, I don't feel "I've done that well", but hey ho'

'is there anything else I can do for you today sir?'

'No, thank you, you've been great, and the rest of the car is running okay thanks, bye bye'

 

 

  really?  jeeze.  and they charge a ridiculous £39.26 for these 4 bits of plastic. 

"Like a warranty but not"??

Sounds like customer service, but not...

"Like a warranty but not"??

Sounds like customer service, but not...

 

Skoda must own Lidl

 

Like Brands but cheaper

Skoda must be the masters of wasting consumers time (life). All that for 4 wheel caps!