Car damaged

Negligence and Vehicle Damage After Service – Engen Simons Auto

I am extremely disappointed with the service I received at Engen Simons Auto Petrol Station on 29 January 2026.

At approximately 12:48, I stopped to refuel my Renault Clio. The fuel attendant, George, assisted me together with another female employee. After refuelling, I agreed to allow them to check my vehicle’s oil and water. While seated in my car, I observed both attendants working inside the engine compartment for several minutes. The attendant appeared to struggle and later stated that the engine was hot and that he was burning himself while checking the oil. I clearly saw the oil cap being opened.

Before leaving, I specifically asked multiple times whether everything had been closed and secured correctly, and I was assured that it was.

Less than 3 km after leaving the station, my vehicle lost power and stalled completely. It would not restart. I had no choice but to call roadside assistance, and my vehicle was towed at my own cost.

A diagnostic inspection later that same day confirmed the following:

The engine cover was loose

Engine cover clips were broken

Wiring inside the engine compartment had been disturbed and displaced

Wiring was resting directly against the oil cap, causing loss of connection

My vehicle was fully operational before entering the petrol station. The breakdown occurred immediately after leaving, directly following the attendants working inside the engine bay.

I reported the incident to the station manager, submitted invoices, diagnostic reports, and reviewed CCTV footage provided by the station. While the footage quality was poor, it clearly shows the attendant spending several minutes working inside the engine compartment, which matches what I personally witnessed.

Despite this, the station has refused to accept any responsibility, stating they found no fault on their side.

This experience has been costly, stressful, and completely unacceptable. I trusted the attendants with a basic service check and instead left with a disabled vehicle and repair expenses.

I am posting this review to warn other customers to be extremely cautious when allowing attendants at this station to check anything under the bonnet.