Sometimes the things in life we take for granted are the ones we can’t do without.

Our long-term Peugeot 407 might be packed with technology, but something as simple as the washer jets can bring things grinding to a halt.

The Highway Code says windscreens must be kept clean, so when our washer jets packed up recently, I got straight on to the dealer, Marshall Peugeot.

Booking in was swift and courteous. And while on the phone, they even offered delivery and collection on a separate day to carry out a recall (a potential leak in the injection circuit pipes) that needs attention.

And while the car is away for a second time, they can have yet another go at fixing the windscreen washers, which it seems they failed to do during the first eight hours they had the car.

How hard can it be?

It’s a blemish on an otherwise lovely car that fights hard to justify the high price tag (and not helped by a lowish RV).

The twin-turbo engine is powerful, yet quiet, and its immense torque of 227lb-ft is enough to make refined progress.

It also has wonderful suspension which copes with anything without the slightest squeak.

Motorway travelling is almost silent and economy is starting to creep up.

There is plenty of space inside and in the boot. The rear seats fold flat with ease and the opening tailgate window is a real boon.

An added bonus is that it also looks gorgeous, especially on its 18-inch alloy wheels.

But back to the washers. Visiting the dealer the first time proved an interesting experience.

The first thing I had to do was have a damage inspection to identify any dents and dings already present.

Apparently there have been claims about damage appearing during servicing.

The engineer said that since starting the inspections, they always find scratches, scrapes and damage owners never knew existed, so it’s a clever way of avoiding rows.

It’s just a shame they don’t extend that duty of care to the customers. I joined four large passengers for a lift back to the office in a Peugeot 307.

With three in the back, none of us had room to use our seatbelts.

It was only when one person was dropped off that there was any ‘clunk-clicking’, at which point the driver set off using his hand-held mobile phone.

As a risk management bore, I should warn them that they assume a duty of care for passengers in their vehicles, so should ensure potential dangers are eliminated.

However, first things first. I just hope that on the next visit they fix my windscreen washers.

Fact file

Price: £22,525 (£24,025 as tested)
Mileage: 4,926
CO2 emissions (g/km): 165
Company car tax bill (2007) 40% tax-payer: £190 per month
Insurance group: 14
Combined mpg: 45.5
Test mpg: 37
CAP Monitor RV: £7,175,/29%
Contract hire rate: £551
Expenditure to date: Nil
Figures based on three years/60,000 miles