Trading Standards prosecute garage for fitting unsafe brake discs

On 21 October 2019 at Lincoln Magistrates Court Motosave Limited, trading as Wilko Motosave, on Southolme in Gainsborough pled guilty to two charges relating to the fitting of car disc brakes.

During an investigation in 2018* officers from Lincolnshire Trading Standards conducted a test purchase on 10 December 2018, where a Volvo V40 was taken to the company for a service and new brake discs.

Kirsty Herbertson, Senior trading standards officer said: "Whilst the service had in the main been completed, the most important issue to highlight was that the brake discs had not been cleaned of anti-rust grease which is on the discs whilst they are in storage.

"As a result, the discs were fitted and the car was returned to us. The vehicle was then checked by an independent vehicle examiner, who said it wasn’t safe to drive."

Commenting on the case, the Chairman of the Magistrates stated: "You as a company are not keeping a regular assessment of your mechanical staff. We do not know how many sets of discs have gone out before these un-cleaned".

The company was fined £12,000 for the two offences, ordered to pay full costs of £2,816.83 and a victim surcharge of £170 making a total to be paid of £14,986.83. 

This premises was visited as part of an on-going programme of work checking that garages across the county are carrying out vehicle services correctly.

We would remind residents, if they are getting parts changed or replaced, to follow these tips:

1. Speak to friends and relatives for garages that they have had a good experience from and feel that they trust.
2.  Consider asking the garage to retain the old parts such as air and pollen filters or the empty boxes for the parts they have added etc. to demonstrate they have changed the components that you have paid for.
3. Ensure you are clearly told what it is you are paying for in a service, you may end up with less than you expected if you don't have it clearly listed!