TL;DR: Had a faulty reverse camera and mirror kit installed, Halfords passed the blame and refused a refund.
AFTER INSTALLATION
Not too long after having a reverse camera and mirror kit installed, I noticed the electrics in my car (Peugeot 308 - 2008) were not working properly. For example, the back window wiper was randomly moving and spraying water.
MECHANIC IDENTIFYING THE ISSUE
I took the car to a mechanic. They found the wiring from the camera install was causing all the recent issues, as well as more potentially dangerous issues like the car faulting or catching fire.
DURING INSTALLATION
At the time of the installation at Manchester Fort in Halfords, the installer mentioned it was his very first reverse camera install. He showed me a burnt black pin, pointing out it was like that before starting work.
After chasing this up with my car dealer, they assured me this was not the case.
Regardless, the wiring was installed without proper care which resulted in faults with the car's electrics. Overall, the installation was dangerous and could have caused a serious accident.
CONTACTING HALFORDS SUPPORT
After contacting Halfords customer service asking for a full refund of the installation (£75 for less than 2 hours work), I was told by a Customer Support Claims Consultant that I was not entitled to one due to the burnt block found by the first time reverse camera installer at Halfords:
“Given that the wiring to that block was already damaged we feel that unless you are able to show that the issues were caused by Halfords, we will not be pursuing this matter any further.”
Taking pictures of the faulty wiring and receipt were not enough, based on their response I had to prove of the damage done during the install (which is not possible as I was not around during the 2 hour installation time).
SUMMARY
I would not recommend installation services from Halfords. They are too expensive, not reliable, and it is an uphill battle if anything goes wrong.
For those wanting to avoid the same issue, here are some extra details:
The item in question was "EchoMaster Dynamic Mirror and Reversing Camera Kit".
Installation took place on 25th September 2018 at Manchester Fort (36 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 8EP).
Halfords customer service email: customer[.]services[@]halfords.co.uk
Overall, I was not happy with their service and will most likely be reporting them to Trading Standards due to the item and install being unsafe and dangerous.
6 years ago
Halfords has a
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