NCA advises consumers to be vigilant when having cars repaired or serviced
17 June 2009
With many consumers economising by holding onto their cars instead of trading-in for newer models, the National Consumer Agency is advising motorists to be vigilant when getting cars serviced or repaired and to ensure that the garages and mechanics they use are reputable and trustworthy.
In the first five months of 2009, the NCA received over 3,300 calls in relation to the sale of new and second-hand cars, repairs to cars and spare parts.
Of these, 10% related specifically to complaints concerning repairs where work was carried out without the owner's permission or approval, bills were higher than quotes initially given, faults recurred or repairs were not carried out to the owner's satisfaction.
The NCA's Chief Executive, Ann Fitzgerald, said: "Motorists should be careful when getting cars repaired or serviced in the current economic climate - while we are all watching our bank balances carefully, safety has to be the first consideration.
"Consumers should choose the garage or mechanic based on their good reputation or the recommendation of someone they trust. Businesses or mechanics who will only deal in cash, who have no fixed premises or are unwilling to supply a trading address should be avoided.
"The NCA is very conscious of businesses and traders treating consumer fairly, particularly in the present tough economic climate.
"We urge consumers to ask questions if they are not clear on anything, particularly about spare parts and the necessity to replace them or relating to the cost of parts and labour.
"If a motorist is getting a job done they should ensure they have a quote beforehand and should never settle for a guesstimate - that is just asking for trouble."
What to watch out for
Below are just some of the situations that people should be mindful of:
- "Black Economy" / "Backstreet" Repairs - motorists should choose their garage or mechanic based on a strong reputation or direct recommendation from someone they trust. Beware of any business or individual that deals in cash only and won't issue receipts. Consumers should be very cautious about getting a car repaired by traders who have no premises or trading address, and should always ask if the work will be covered by a written guarantee. If it isn't, you might consider taking your business elsewhere.
- Dealers Advertising Services at a Set Price - before signing up for deals like this, consumers should check what is included and what is not. Spending a little time doing research can often be the quickest route to the best value.
- Second Opinion - it is illegal for a trader to claim work needs to be carried out when in fact it doesn't. Make sure you are clear in instructing your mechanic not to do any additional work on the car without consulting you and don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you think some work may be unnecessary or if the price quoted strikes you as high.
- Pre-NCT Test - there is a school of thought that suggests it is a good idea to have your car serviced before its NCT. However, before deciding to do a pre-NCT, motorists may wish to weigh up the likelihood of their car failing or the net benefit of spending money on a service with no guarantee of passing the NCT. If you routinely have your car serviced, it should be in appropriate roadworthy condition. Some motorists take a different view and operate on the basis that the NCT will actually identify any particular problem areas that can then be remedied in a specific job by their mechanic, if necessary. The NCT costs €50 and a retest for a failure costs €28, while a retest that only requires a visual inspection is free, so do the sums and see which equation makes more sense based on your own circumstances.
- Issues/Complaints - if a motorist encounters a problem with a routine service or repairs they should complain to the person or garage that carried out the work and follow up with the relevant trade association if necessary. However, if there has been a breach of consumer law, consumers should complain to the NCA and if they are not getting anywhere with the mechanic, the garage or the trade association, they may wish to consider taking the matter to the Small Claims Court.
"In the current climate some car owners might be tempted to cut back on how often their cars are serviced," Ann Fitzgerald said.
"However, it is vital to ensure they meet standards required by the NCT that the cars are roadworthy and above all that consumers are driving a safe vehicle.
"By being astute, it is possible to have your car well maintained without incurring unnecessary expenditure."
Learn more
Read our guide to car repairs and servicing