Coolant Hoses and Servicing - What should this cover?

I had my 2003 C4S serviced at 84,122 miles last week. On Friday (48 hours after the service) it dumped all its coolant through a faulty hose. The hose was behind a protective cover on the underside of the car just ahead of the nearside rear wheel. It was recovered to the OPC that did the service and replaced at a cost of £236.74. Looking at the maintenance book, the description of the maintenance tasks includes "Coolant Hoses:Check condition". I checked with the service manager at the OPC as to whether this item should have included a check of the hose that eventually failed. He said it didn't and that the check was only a visual one of the visible hoses. Considering the price us owners pay at the OPC's for servicing I would welcome any views and comments on the above. Regards John

I'd say you've a right to feel aggrieved. But then Porsche UK wriggle out of everything they can so don't expect any 'goodwill' gestures. I'd make a big noise, write a few sh*tty letters then put it down to experience. Regards Neil

Neil, Thanks for the reply. I've kept the faulty hose and will be dropping into Porsche GB in Reading tomorrow as I'm in the area anyway to see the relevant person for some further advice/action. I'll keep the post updated with the results. Rgds John

This is not uncommon practice. If you can't see it don't bother! I had a similar experience with an RS Ford. 12k service followed next day with pad warning light on. Response from dealer " we do not remove the road wheels for the 12k service sir, that makes it very difficult to inspect the pads" You can imagine my reaction. Anyway the next service was free. So even a Ford dealer was shamed into a goodwill gesture, which will no doubt NOT be forthcoming from Porsche.

I had put a vehicle in for service (non Porsche)and commented on the fact the brake pedal had more travel and felt a little soft. It came back with the same effect, they then explained it was only a visual inspection on the rears, I insisted they had it back and did a proper inspection after all this was a 24K service and the rear wheels had never yet been removed ! The result was two new rear calipers as they were leaking, but only "possible to see on closer inspection" whilst the calipers were under warranty they tried to bill me the full price of the pads, I agreed to only pay the amount of used pad as I felt the pads were being replaced only due to faulty calipers.. after some swaying they agreed and the vehicle was just as new... And yes it was a Merc [:'(] There are rumours that H&S are looking into the way technicians are paid, due to the exercise of minutes per job = bonus. not really a safe practice or allowing a good inspection to be carried out.... garyw

Result!!!! I paid a visit to Porsche GB in Reading and met with Stuart Thomas in Customer Services. Very helpful guy. He had a chat with with the OPC involved and they've agreed to refund me £150 (basically the cost of the labour). The OPC in question were good in terms of providing a loan car to get me home on Friday evening and to back to the OPC to collect the car the next day. They also identified and ordered what they thought was the correct part (which it turned out was correct) so that they could fit the part on the Saturday morning (albeit after a couple of persuasive conversations with the parts/service dept's.). So all's well but it does leave the question about what's in the service small print or not printed at all and what's in the customer's interest especially on high mileage vehicles e.g. 7 year's average mileage in 30 months. Thanks to all who replied. Rgds John

Bit of arm twisting and tounge wagging seems to have got a result, well done.

Thanks Geoff. I just added a new post with pics and further comments. Rgds John

its always worth puting up a fight [ ], well done.

You did 84k miles in 30 months? Holy Cow!

Mark, It's used for business Mon-Fri so gets around a bit. It had 3.8K miles when I bought it from the OPC in July 2003 (it was a demo car) and have enjoyed every mile since. It certainly gets me out of bed in a morning with something to look forward to, gets loads of admiring looks when I'm out and about and gets me home safe and sound through all weathers. What more could you ask for? Rgds John