Q: Nearly two years ago, I bought a washing machine from a local supplier. Last year, a year after the date of purchase, the washing machine was making a horrible sound during spinning.

At that time, I reported the fault and the company sent a technician to fix it. Now the sound is back and is much louder.

The company’s technician checked it and informed me that its bearings need to be changed. The seller has agreed to repair it for free but in a week’s time the guarantee will expire.

If this problem occurs again after the guarantee expires, will I still have any rights?

A: Repair is, in fact, one of the remedies a seller may provide when a product results defective. Hence, by providing you with free repair, the seller is honouring his legal obligations. If a problem crops up after the guarantee expires, you will no longer be entitled to a free solution.

What you are entitled to is an extension of the guarantee for the period of time the seller kept the washing machine for repairs.

You may also try and ask the seller to grant you an extended warranty on the replaced part. You should, however, bear in mind that he is not legally obliged to do so and may refuse your request.