Five Pembrokeshire garages all failed a recent car servicing survey carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service.
The failings ranged from minor checks not being carried out to more serious matters, including not replacing items and even charging for items not actually used or fitted.
Prior to being serviced, each car was examined by an independent engineer employed by the County Council.
Various components were discreetly marked, fluid levels altered to a level where they need correcting and minor faults introduced including the splitting of wiper blades.
Following the service, each car was re-examined by the engineer and each garage owner was notified at the time of the results.
The survey highlighted diversity in the standard of servicing carried out by different garages. Some main dealer garages claimed to follow the service in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines while other independent garages varied in the operations carried out.
Trading Standards advise consumers considering having their car serviced to:
- question what work will be carried out on their car before they agree to a service
- ask how much it will cost
- insist the trader contacts you before carrying out any additional work, and
- ask for an invoice with a breakdown of what has been done.
A lot of consumers make assumptions of what a service will entail. In actual fact some services are no more than replacing the oil and oil filter and visual checks. Safety aspects such as checking the condition and wear of the vehicle’s brakes may not be part of the service.
Councillor Ken Rowlands, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, said; “I would urge consumers taking their vehicles to be serviced to take heed of the advice given by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service.”
