Unscrupulous garages `over-charging customers'

- 29th January 2009

Motorists are being encouraged to take their vehicles to reputable garages for servicing after a study revealed some firms are recommending unnecessary repairs.

Research carried out by Warranty Direct indicates the practice of inflating repair bills with additional work has increased over the last six months.

The group added that a customer at a Peugeot workshop was told their car's entire fuel system should be replaced at a cost of £2,895.76 after fuel contamination was reported, but following inspection by an independent engineer it was discovered that only the fuel filter needed replacing for £131.71.

Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director of the warranty provider, commented: "Our claims engineers are highly trained and experienced garage workshop mechanics, which is why we're able to spot unrelated or unnecessary repairs. This won't be the case for the average owner taking a car in for regular service or a health check."

He added that the company is releasing its findings to protect motorists and allow unscrupulous garages to get their houses in order in the interests of the industry.

This week, the Retail Motor Industry Federation claimed the cancellation of proposals to reduce the level of MOT testing applied to UK vehicles to those over four years old will give testing stations room to invest.

Avoid any doubt. Click here for fixed price XPRESS Car Servicing