Auto Carwash Smashed The Roof Spoiler

[rbk]

Morrisons auto car wash smashed the roof spoiler of my Yaris SR... when complained, the person at counter shows the disclaimer 'use at your own risk' and took my complaint saying he'll send it to head office.. this was the first car wash ever did for this new car and the repair bill at Toyota showroom: £411 (257 for part and 154 for body shop and fitting) :(

any one had (or heard of) similar incident?

[Red Yaris 54]

Sorry to hear that :(

Most of the owners on here will not use auto car washes for the precise reason that you have discovered.

Lets hope that the "Head Office" look upon your claim favourably................but do not hold out too much hope.

[Boro Sera]

Most car washes have a notice statiing that you shouldn't use them if you have a spoiler on the car. They do up here anyway.

Bad luck mate - hope you get it resolved.

[nickp8]

It will be cheaper to get a spoiler off eBay or a scrapyard and if your lucky it will be the right colour.

The TTE spoiler on the SR and T-Sport is held on with double sided tape and clips. It is not even screwed on so not suprising it is damaged.

[Shappers]

Most car washes advise that you don't use them if you have a spoiler.

Not sure why you'd want to risk wrecking your paint work either?

Good luck with the claim from head office.

[T V O R]

You put your Yaris through a car wash? That’s a TOC banning offence :ffs:

Sponge: 30p, synthetic chamois leather: £1.59, builders bucket from B&Q: 80p, car shampoo: £1.50... losing your spoiler on a new car and ending up with a £411.00 bill... Priceless!

:D

[Cherry Red Pocket Rocket]

I'm getting quite into detailing again now and wouldn't dream of putting my little baby in a car wash! Do it by hand, you can really buff it, get into all the nooks and crannies and at the end admire your hard work!

If you don't take off your areal even, the automatic car wash could do a load of damage and all car washes have a sign outside that reads somewhere along the lines "not responsible for any damage caused" in other words user beware!

[Raeman]

There's a moral to this story.....NEVER use a car wash!! :ffs:

Not only do they damage spoilers, ariels ect, they also wreck the paint over prolonged use. The bristles on them can scratch the paint leaving those awfull swirl marks everywhere and the detergent is usually a strong TFR (Traffic Film Remover) which, whilst effective is not good in the long term as it leaves the paint looking faded, dull and rough to the touch.

I use the two bucket method, a lambswool mit, megs shampoo, microfibre towel to dry the car and usually some Autosmart mirror image on the body.

Last week i did a full megs clay bar and wax. The car now looks as if it's just been re painted. It really is that good!!

[Cherry Red Pocket Rocket]

I concur with Raeman,

I used to be quite into detailing when I first started driving (had a beautiful red Honda Civic at the time) but lost interest after my first prang (had many more after that). SInce writing it off and buying a Yaris I am quite keen to get into it again. Already got most of the bits and bobs just need a couple more pieces. Luckily my Yaris is in fantastic condition so I'll only need to clay it, give it a good wash and a wax. Not sure whether to use the Meguirs gold class wax, the sfx detailing one or my handy bottle of Klasse. Which should I go for?

[Demonic Angel]

Good luck with the claim, however "use at your own risk" kinda says it all.....

[Norfolk n Chance]

The disclaimers aren't bullet proof... but in order to have a successful claim you would need to prove that the car wash is defective... the costs involved of having an independant inspection aren't worth considering....

As said before eBay or local scrap yards... be a lot cheaper than Mr T ;)

[Cherry Red Pocket Rocket]

Mr T. predicts a load of pain!

Scrap yards are your best bet mate.

[nickp8]

One for sale on eBay now:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Toyota-Yaris...A1%7C240%3A1318

[Shappers]

That spoiler looks like one from a Mk1 car, not sure if the posters car is 2006 onwards...?

[nickp8]

For 2006 onwards: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GENUINE-TOYOTA-YARIS...A1%7C240%3A1318

[rallybunny]

Happened to me on my last car, luckily I didn't love it any where near as much as the Yaris. I just lived without the spoiler, as it was only an aftermarket one anyway.

[rbk]

Thanks for all the replies - now, I got my own 'kit' to wash my car :D

Today I got reply from Morrisons - an apology letter and cheque for the full expenses..!!!

[Boro Sera]

Thanks for all the replies - now, I got my own 'kit' to wash my car :D

Today I got reply from Morrisons - an apology letter and cheque for the full expenses..!!!

Excellent result mate

[Raeman]

Thanks for all the replies - now, I got my own 'kit' to wash my car :D

Today I got reply from Morrisons - an apology letter and cheque for the full expenses..!!!

I'm very surprised at that!! :o

Well done anyway, what a result

[gar]

Thanks for all the replies - now, I got my own 'kit' to wash my car :D

Today I got reply from Morrisons - an apology letter and cheque for the full expenses..!!!

Excellent result mate

I was gonna say, a good legal rep should get you paid! the disclaimer is almost them admiting they may damage your car, not a reason NOT to pay up! Many farmers, building sites, etc try a similar thing with sighns warning of muck in the road... the legal aspect of this is that if they are AWARE of the problem, they are liable to clear it up and/or pay for any damages caused!