RESULTS from an undercover vehicle servicing operation have highlighted varying standards of work carried out by garages across Devon.

The ‘mystery shopper’ style investigation, which was conducted by Devon County Council’s Trading Standards Service, saw vehicles examined by an independent expert motor engineer before and after being serviced at fifteen independent, dealership and ‘high street’ service centres.

The results revealed failings ranging 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.

In all, 43 per cent of minor faults went unnoticed, including the condition and operation of seatbelts, the condition of the spare tyre, the tightness of wheel nuts and brake fluid status.

Three businesses were found to have carried out servicing that was deemed ‘seriously deficient’, with one garage failing to identify the ‘unsafe’ condition of the vehicles brake fluid. Another garage failed to carry out a multitude of basic service checks despite giving the customer a tick sheet to confirm they had been completed.

Some garages recommended repair work that was not needed, and one even quoted £200 charge for work that was confirmed as unnecessary. Another reported an illegal tyre and an oil leak, when in fact the tyre was well within the legal tolerance and there was no evidence of a leak.

Garages across the County are now being urged to review their procedures, and ensure they give consumers confidence in the services they offer.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Council’s trading standards service, said: “These results are disappointing. This investigation has revealed that some garages in Devon are putting the safety of the driver and other road users at risk and undermining the reputation of the many local businesses that trade honestly and legally.

“We are working with local traders to offer advice and try and improve the service consumers get as it is vital that drivers have confidence in the servicing and work carried out on their vehicles. Operations such as this one are a vital tool to protect consumers and reputable garages, and our Trading Standards Service will continue to take firm action to protect the interests of the public and responsible Devon businesses.”

Devon County Council’s Devon Trading Standards Service provides support to local businesses including free help and advice on a range of trading law matters, via their website www.devon.gov.uk/tradingstandards and business helpline 01392 381381. Devon County Council’s Trading Standards approved businesses can be found via the ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme website at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Consumers can get advice on a range of consumer issues by calling Devon County Council’s Trading Standards on 01392 381381and by logging on to the Devon County Council Trading Standards Service website at www.devon.gov.uk/tradingstandards. You can also report illegal trading activity to Devon County Council’s Trading Standards Service, anonymously if you wish, via the confidential phone line ‘Trading Standards Confidential’ on 01392 381380.