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23/08/2010
Garages Take Customers 'For A Ride'
There are still shocking levels of incompetence in UK car garages, says Which?, after carrying out an undercover investigation.
Nearly 90% of the garages investigated by the consumer watchdog missed or ignored at least one potentially dangerous fault, while 39% charged for a product that wasn't supplied.
Which? introduced four deliberate, easily fixed faults that any competent mechanic should spot – deflated spare and nearside rear tyres, brake fluid at the minimum level and a blown bulb on the reversing light. Eight of the 62 garages tested returned the cars fault-free and five failed to fix any of the introduced faults.
The consumer watchdog also filled up the screenwash as an honesty test to see how many garages charged for it anyway, 39% did.
Which? is calling for all codes of conduct to include robust mystery shopping, and would like to see a recognised, industry-wide qualification introduced for all mechanics.
Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive of Which? said: "This is a worrying snapshot of an industry that desperately needs to clean up its act. Almost all the garages in our investigation failed to fix basic faults. This could have endangered the lives of drivers and other road users and is simply not acceptable.
"The fact that the Bosch and Motor Codes schemes have out-performed independent garages is encouraging, but there’s still a long way to go for the industry to win the confidence of car owners."
(CD/BMcC)
Nearly 90% of the garages investigated by the consumer watchdog missed or ignored at least one potentially dangerous fault, while 39% charged for a product that wasn't supplied.
Which? introduced four deliberate, easily fixed faults that any competent mechanic should spot – deflated spare and nearside rear tyres, brake fluid at the minimum level and a blown bulb on the reversing light. Eight of the 62 garages tested returned the cars fault-free and five failed to fix any of the introduced faults.
The consumer watchdog also filled up the screenwash as an honesty test to see how many garages charged for it anyway, 39% did.
Which? is calling for all codes of conduct to include robust mystery shopping, and would like to see a recognised, industry-wide qualification introduced for all mechanics.
Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive of Which? said: "This is a worrying snapshot of an industry that desperately needs to clean up its act. Almost all the garages in our investigation failed to fix basic faults. This could have endangered the lives of drivers and other road users and is simply not acceptable.
"The fact that the Bosch and Motor Codes schemes have out-performed independent garages is encouraging, but there’s still a long way to go for the industry to win the confidence of car owners."
(CD/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
