Garages accused of putting driversat risk

Most garages are missing dangerous faults and putting lives at risk, says a consumer watchdog .

During an undercover investigation, Which? surveyed 62 garages and found 87 per cent either missed or ignored problems which could cause an accident, while 39 per cent charged for a product that was not supplied.

As part of its survey, investigators made four deliberate, easily-fixed faults a competent mechanic should spot such as a deflated spare tyre, low brake fluid or a blown bulb.

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Only eight garages returned the cars fault-free while five failed to fix any of the faults.

Testers also filled up the screenwash as an honesty test to see how many garages charged for it. Nearly 40 per cent billed for screenwash with prices ranging from 68p to 2.41.

Which? said there were a number of codes of practice introduced in recent years designed to improve standards.

Of the garages affiliated to the Bosch Car Service scheme, 64 per cent of the so-called faults were rectified. Garages under the Motor Codes scheme also fared well, with 60 per cent of the faults dealt with.

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But of the businesses under the Good Garage Scheme only 39 per cent of the problems were fixed.

The watchdog said it would like a new industry-wide qualification introduced for all mechanics.

Peter Vicary-Smith, its chief executive, added: “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.

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“This could have endangered the lives of drivers and other road users and is simply not acceptable.”

Rachel Greasby, from the Good Garage Service, said she was disappointed with the results of the survey as the faults created by Which investigators are listed on Industry Standard Checklist provided to its members.

She added: “Once we have further details on which garages are involved, a full investigation on why they are not using the Industry Standard Service checklists will be launched and they will be removed or suspended from the scheme as necessary.”