Wheel fell off!!

[docklad]

what different worlds we occupy. I would have called the police and convnced them to question or contact the garage. In the mean time I would have contacted the local wragg and told them about the "dramatic events which nearly lead to my family being killed", and named the garage. Then I would have contacted the garage and informed them that I've spoken to the police who've started an inquiry( I would have left the van in the police station car park and stated that my van is with the police at the moment) and if I don't receive a full check over or something similar, and the staff member is disciplined, then I'm going to the papers to inform the general public of your actions. I'd take my seven year old with me to the garage, just to be sure. At the least I'm getting a voucher for future services(which I'd sell to someone else) at best my money back, an apology and a promise of cheaper but better service in future(which I'd take up. Hardly going to make a further mistake are they?)

I never did apply for that diplomats job

[meggles]

OK, just supposing..... A couple of your neighbours complain that some toe rag has loosened their wheel nuts. Let's say they were caught in the act so there's no doubt. Would you then go back to the garage and say "Sorry, not your fault, I'll write to the local rag and tell them I was wrong" I doubt it. Essentially you cannot say for certain it was they who left the wheel nuts loose. OK, quite possibly they did, but there is no proof. It's so easy to blame someone else isn't it. Also, if you inform the police you don't thnk they'd neglect to check your van over and do you for any infringements do you?

[docklad]

as I said earlier...........different worlds

[Nij]

I prefer the world I live in than docklads TBH

I feel for the OP, but I really dont think you can blame the garage......yeah they should have written on the invoice to check the wheel nuts after *** miles to cover themselves, but as other people have said, anything could have happened in two weeks.
I would certainly inform the garage what has happened, and more than likely they will check for damage FOC. Possibly advise them to inform customers to check and it is their responsibility as the owner/driver to check them.

At the end of the day, it is the drivers responsibility to check that the vehicle they are driving is in a roadworthy condition before driving (yeah I know that doesnt mean check absolutely every nut and bolt etc......... but I personally check my wheel nuts every 500 miles or so on the van and 1000 on my car and do a weekly check of oil, water, washer fluid, brake fluid, p/steering fluid, lights etc...... and I have to do a daily check on my wagon before and after my 'run').

[CovKid]

That's it in a nutshell and no defence against it should you be pulled over. Buck, unfortunately stops there. Raise it with the garage certainly but going in guns blasting is likely to achieve nothing but blank faces and a note in their black book. I have to say if i ever hear any kind of noise the first thing I check is wheel nuts and you do get warning before they actually come off - if heeded.

In other words, you're justified in feeling angry about it but should chalk it up to experience.

At the end of the day, it is the drivers responsibility to check that the vehicle they are driving...