Burning question

I use a Tom Tom Go 370 Navigator in conjunction with an RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver aerial also by Tom Tom. Recently I noticed, what looked like deep scratch marks on the dashboard of my car. It was only when I saw smoke coming from the dashboard that realised the problem was caused by one of the clear plastic suction cups on the aerial acting like a magnifying glass and burning grooves into the plastic dashboard. I contacted Tom Tom through the website and told them of my problem and concerns especially as, like many other people I may leave the aerial fitted if I am making more than one trip in a day or when securely parked. I do however always remove the navigator. The reply that I received was that I was misusing the equipment and that they had no liability whatsoever. It seems to beggar belief that a company can design something with the ability to start fires and yet accuse me of misuse when I fitted it in accordance with their instructions. It also worries me that they can see no potential issues with cars parked in the summer sun. I enclose photos of the problem.

Asked on 14 August 2010 by JR, Colchester

Answered by Honest John
Well warned, and an unforeseen consequence of the clear plastic limpet mount. Had they used a black plastic suction cup there would have been no reflection. Maybe you can find one.
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