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Hi Jack,

I took my Toyota Carib in to the mechanic to be serviced and get the "front engine mount" repaired as they said it was split. When I went to pick up my car (last week) the mechanic said there "may be a hole in the radiator but umm just see how you go" - as I was driving it home from work it started steaming out from under the bonnet.

I had a look at the radiator and there is a huge dent and a hole pretty much opposite where the engine mount sits (and of course the water is leaking out). It would have been extremely hard to miss if it was there before the engine mount repair and service. I am convinced this was done either during that repair or during the service. It's a large dent, and definitely not something that could have happened over time, or by a stone....

I've taken the car back, but they're saying it's not their fault....what can I do? I can't prove it, but it's all highly coincidental especially as the dent and hole is opposite the engine mount and the guy said it "might" be leaking when I picked it up but he wasn't sure....it's huge, he couldn't have missed it. Plus I would have noticed problems before the repair and service had that been the case.

I'm not sure of any other way that a dent (and hole) of that size could happen to a radiator.

Any ideas on what I should do??

Thanks heaps,
Emma

I can’t believe a garage would say there ‘may’ be a hole in your radiator; it either has a hole or it doesn’t!

If there is clear evidence of a dent in the area where they were working, you would think they had a responsibility to physically point it out to you to protect themselves as much as anything. They should have the tools to pressure test the radiator to confirm a leak or not.

If the garage is a member of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) then ring their mediation line and ask for their help in resolving this issue (0508 682 633).

If the radiator did not leak before this work was started then it is very strange it would start immediately after collecting it from the repairer. Add to that the comments from the mechanic and it’s not hard to draw the obvious conclusion.

Make sure you are talking to the garage owner or senior person and not being pushed aside by the mechanic who carried out the repair.

If they are not MTA members your options are limited. If you can’t resolve this together you may have to seek advice from your local district court.