Prosecution in Under Cover Car Service Exercise
Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service has successfully prosecuted Central Tyre Ltd, for failing to properly undertake a car service.
At Rugby Magistrates Court on Wednesday 7th January 2009, Central Tyres Ltd pleaded guilty to an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and was fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2731.14.
In December 2007 Warwickshire Trading Standards Service undertook an undercover enforcement exercise and submitted a car to the Emscote Road branch of Central Tyres Ltd in Warwick, for a full service. The cost of the service was £130.00 and should have covered the identification of problems with the vehicle and the notification of these to the vehicle owner.
An expert examination of the vehicle following the service revealed that a number of points had not been attended to. One of the front headlights was still not working, nor was one of the indicators or the number plate light. Two of the tyres on the vehicle were also deflated to below the recommended limit. Fluid levels in the brakes and the power assisted steering were all low and had not been topped up. The gearbox oil had not been checked.
In mitigation Mr Hafen, solicitor for the defence, said the company do not undertake servicing of vehicles but “car care checks” which do not amount to a full service. The staff at the Warwick branch who accepted the car for a full service have all since been disciplined. Mr Hafen further stated that the company had a 35 year trading history without any previous prosecutions. It was also stated that there was no financial motivation as the majority of the business income is raised from the sales of tyres and not car care work.
Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said:
“Consumers place their trust in the garages that undertake car servicing; most people would find it very difficult to tell whether a service on their vehicle has been correctly carried out or not. Warwickshire Trading Standards are committed to ensuring that garages are providing adequate vehicle servicing and will continue to take action against those garages that do not.”
Top Tips for Car Servicing:
Be specific with the garage about exactly what work you require them to carry out
Obtain quotes from several garages and follow a recommendation if possible
Ask the garage to report any faults to you and inform the garage that any further work which is required beyond the service will require your prior authorisation
For more information, visit our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
For further advice or to make a consumer complaint contact Consumer direct on 08454 04 05 06.