Who is responsible?

[lourules]

I purchased an oil scented car air freshener yesterday and plugged it into my vent as instructed on the back today - ive just returned to my car 40 minutes later and the oil has dripped out of the item im assuming it must be broken, and burnt the plastic around my dash and around my stereo and leaked into my stereo/CD player - ive rang the customer help line and they said someone will call me back regarding the matter

Surely i can make a claim for the damage from them? Ive still got the receipt and bagged up the packaging and product

[TonyV]

Think your claim will be with the retailer rather than the manufacturer / wholesaler / importer - I would pay the retailer a visit and see what they have to say, because it is with them that you have a contract.

[lourules]

there was no indication that it was broken when i installed it or i wouldnt have plugged it in! it was on my return i see its been dripping/leaking - it was from ASDA i bought it but its made by Shell - like i said i followed the instructions properly so see no reason why it leaked - it wasnt leaking when i fitted it nor when i got out of my car

[DTCwordfan]

take photos of the unit and the damage for your records if you haven't already.

i would also visit my garage so as to have an independent assessment done to underscore your claim.

thank god it wasn't a full fire......

[DTCwordfan]

it wont be made by Shell they dont make things like that but they will front it as it is under their brands. Thry should take it pretty seriously and if they dont get back to me. I know a fair few folk in there.

[lourules]

should i go to ASDA about it? because it could be happening to other peoples cars? I havent been able to speak to my partner at work today to ask him if his has done the same - the lady at the shell customer care number i rang gave me a ref.number and told me she had set up a claim and that i would receive a call about the matter within 5 days - i took photos straight away - if anyone wants to take a look let me know happy to email you over the photos - btw the product is VENT FRESH oil based air freshener buy 2 for £5 from ASDA atm

[TonyV]

I would either ring the store or ASDA customer services ASAP, to let them know you have a problem

[joko]

how is it dripping? from where? is it cracked...or did you install it upside down or somethimg?

[TonyV]

Lour - as I said earlier, I think your claim is with retailer, rather than whoevers name is on the product - so I would contact ASDA customer sevices, either the store or head office ASAP and get a reference number from them? Also would'nt let anyone have the "faulty goods" at the moment, not until they admit some sort of liablility.

[DTCwordfan]

I would certainly register with Asda - Shell will be concerned too....tip, play up the fire hazard perspective. Shell is rightly paranoic about safety.......in fact I would go back and say that 5 days isnt good enough as with this warmer weather, the risk of a more serious incident increases.

[Old Salt]

Hell lourules,

I wounldn't count on getting any satisfaction from the retailer or manufacturer. I am sure they will have Terms and Conditions which say they "Will not be responsible for any Collateral damage". And they will resist your case, with extreme vigor

So, it will probably cost you a lot of money just to get them to court.

If your not sure it is worth the time and money, get yourself some legal advice. It will be worth the money just to know the strength of your case.

From experience, I have sued people, but after paying for experts, reports and legal advice, I was still well out of pocket.............even though I won the case.

Good Luck

Old Salt