I would appreciate your opinion on a complaint about my Renault Clio. It was purchased new in November 2006 in Southampton, where I live in a semi-rural area and park my car close to, but not directly under, trees. In 2008 my wipers only worked now and again in heavy rain and, in 2009, during heavy rain, they stopped completely, but after a few hours started working again. Eventually I drove to the dealer in heavy rain and the problem was diagnosed as blocked scuttle drains, and they replaced the wiper motor under warranty.

The following year I had the same problem whilst driving and called the AA who managed to get me home, then the problem cleared itself. Three weeks ago the wipers conked out completely and I left the car at my local garage and walked home. They found it to be the same problem of blocked scuttle drains, requiring a new wiper linkage and motor. This cost me the tidy sum of £522.05. I have contacted the Renault dealer who was not interested as the vehicle is no longer under warranty. Renault customer services said that as the repairs were not carried out at a Renault garage they would not consider making a contribution to the cost.

Could this be a design fault, or should new owners be advised not to park near trees? I am really angry about having to pay such an extortionate sum, and the local garage have advised that to avoid further problems l should have the drains checked regularly. What do you think?