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Original poster

Garage did wrong work

19 replies

Flymeaway4 · 09/09/2022 14:13

My recent MOT had advisories for all the tyres (nothing else mentioned). I also asked them to look at the gear box, which seemed stiff; they said I needed a new clutch. Booked it in to have all the work done yesterday and car got delivered back to my in-laws house last night. Turns out they’ve done the clutch, but also changed the brake pads and discs (tyres not touched). Called them this morning to find out what happened and they were under the impression that’s what needed doing. I pointed out there was no mention of brake issues on the MOT and he said they definitely needed doing, so it probably should have been on there.

Not quite sure what to do now, it’s £240 of work I wasn’t expecting! They’ve offered to fit 2 tyres for free, worth c. £80. Is that reasonable? Not sure where I stand really

OP posts:
Needtostaypositive · 09/09/2022 14:39

Surely you want a safe car to drive, and if the brake pads/discs were that bad you would have had to replace them quite soon anyhow. Had they been on the MOT certificate you would have had to pay for new tires anyhow so your saving yourself £80.00.

Original poster
Flymeaway4 · 09/09/2022 15:24

To be clear, the tyres were mentioned as advisories, which is why I wanted them doing, but nothing was written about the brakes and they didn't mention even verbally that they may need doing soon either.

I think my worry is theres been some sort of mix up and my brakes never needed doing, but they got done so now they're trying to justify payment.

OP posts:
Needtostaypositive · 09/09/2022 15:51

When was the last time they were replaced? Check your car details to see how regularly they need replacing and look at your MOT history/mileage to see when they were last changed. You can do this online.

Original poster
Flymeaway4 · 09/09/2022 16:12

Good idea @Needtostaypositive thanks

OP posts:
hamdden12 · 09/09/2022 18:32

It doesn't matter if you needed them done or not, they've carried out work on your vehicle without your authorisation.

If you were a man this wouldn't have happened.

BruceAndNosh · 09/09/2022 18:34

Was the garage that did the work the same one that did the MOT?

Creativebee · 09/09/2022 18:40

They may have realised that they needed doing whilst replacing the clutch. During an MOT no parts can be removed so brake pads are not seen in the way they would if the tyres were off. This being said, it’s really not good practice to get any work done on a customers car before consulting them and giving a full quote. Also, you could ask to see the old pads, brand new they are approximately 12mm. Anything below 6mm is an advisory and below 3mm is a fail. Please check what brand of tyres they will be compensating you with.

Shade17 · 10/09/2022 10:26

Anything below 6mm is an advisory and below 3mm is a fail.

1.5mm is the MOT failure threshold

Creativebee · 11/09/2022 19:34

Sorry my mistake, you are right, below 3 would be a repair as soon as possible not a fail.
Most manufacturers recommend changing your brake pads once they get to 3mm, however the legal limit in the UK is 1.5mm

iRun2eatCake · 11/09/2022 22:42

I wouldn't trust them at all. My garage did similar years ago. Car went in and they phoned and said pads etc needed doing. I was sceptical so asked them to keep the pads.

I calculated with the amount that had worn, and what was stil left l still had over 6mths use left.

Friend of mine who previously worked there said it's an age old trick on women.... massive complaint and never used them again.

sevenbyseven · 12/09/2022 08:09

I would refuse to pay for the brake pads - it does sound as if they may have been done in error. They weren't even marked as an advisory so how can they say they needed doing?

SausagePourHomme · 12/09/2022 08:12

You didn't ask them to do the work, you don't pay. They are trying to scam you.

RoseyLentil · 12/09/2022 08:45

They should have called you to advise you of the additional work that needed doing and it's price.
I agree the list of work in advance, write it down and tape it to the steering wheel.

Original poster
Flymeaway4 · 17/09/2022 11:23

Just wanted to follow up. Called them back saying I was still confused. He said he’d looked into it and there had been a mistake with another car, so they’d be removing the cost of the brakes from the bill. Sounded like a genuine mistake to be honest,

OP posts:
BruceAndNosh · 17/09/2022 12:11

So I assume they're leaving new pads and discs in place (they can hardly replace the old ones!)
Even if you're not being billed for them, ask for an invoice for this work with FREE OF CHARGE beside brake work

sevenbyseven · 17/09/2022 15:41

Good outcome OP Smile

mattyprice4004 · 17/09/2022 16:50

BruceAndNosh · 17/09/2022 12:11

So I assume they're leaving new pads and discs in place (they can hardly replace the old ones!)
Even if you're not being billed for them, ask for an invoice for this work with FREE OF CHARGE beside brake work

Why wouldn’t they be able to refit the old ones?
It’s not good practice, but if the customer is unwilling to pay for them then there’s not a lot of choice.

prh47bridge · 17/09/2022 19:47

mattyprice4004 · 17/09/2022 16:50

Why wouldn’t they be able to refit the old ones?
It’s not good practice, but if the customer is unwilling to pay for them then there’s not a lot of choice.

Show quote history

There is a choice. They simply leave the new ones in place. Yes, it leaves the garage out of pocket, but that is their own fault for carrying out the wrong work. If they removed them, they would have to put the old ones back on, and the chances are they haven't got them any more so that isn't an option. And even if they could take them off and refit the old ones, they can't fit the new ones to another car as new as they have now been used, so they would incur the labour cost of removing them for no actual benefit. So, OP gets a free pad and disc change.

Original poster
Flymeaway4 · 17/09/2022 20:56

To clarify, they've left the new brakes on the car, so I've got that free of charge.

OP posts:
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