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I read an interesting story about a car crash that happened whilst a car was being driven by a car mechanic. A firm of lawyers was using the story as a case history of what can go wrong when evidence is lost or disposed of. Basically the driver, taking the car on a test drive, had an accident that not only injured him but also several other innocent motorists.

A forensic investigation took place following a police interview with the driver who could recall nothing of the accident. Evidence collected at the scene and an investigation of the wreck showed that the most likely cause of the loss of control was a deflated rear tyre.

However, at this critical point of the investigation, as it was several weeks after the crash took place, the suspect wheel had been thrown away. It was devastating for the driver as the lawyers needed the tyre to be able to prove whether the loss of control was, in fact, the tyre or  whether it was down to driver competence, his input and/or that of those who serviced the car?

Without the tyre they couldn’t tell whether the deflation was the cause or result of the crash. Did the sidewall collapse or did it have a puncture? Without this vital evidence the mechanic was found guilty of causing the accident – seen as unjust by the lawyers as the mechanic suffered and the garage saw its insurance sky rocket, all because a vital part of the car wasn’t kept.

The important message here is never destroy evidence. Which got me thinking. At the end of a contract you often find that a service is due. Some cars tell you on a ‘condition based counter’. This means that the service is due based on the way that you drive the car, time and mileage. On the other hand it could be an annual service per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

As most lease cars are registered a day or two before the car is delivered the service becomes due a day or two before the car is due back. Read the contract but the chances are that you will have to get the car serviced.

It’s a pain in the neck for you but a profit opportunity for the garage to charge for repairs/replacements that aren’t necessary. Typically they will tell you that you need fluid changes or replacement brake pads, even though warning lights haven’t come on.

On one occasion I still had a month to go and my brake warning light came on so I popped in to a garage for a new set of pads. Whilst they were carrying out the work the service manager came out and told me that the discs needed changing as well. I asked if they were illegal and as soon as he said no I told him to leave them. Worse still if I’d said change them and they invoiced me without doing anything. Which is my next point.

Some main dealers and garages take a video of the work they carry out which you can watch in real time on your phone or tablet or have it sent to you after the service/repair has been completed. If they don’t video make sure you ask for the replaced parts to be put into a box and placed in your boot.

If you feel that the item didn’t need to be replaced have it checked and be prepared to challenge the dealer if your expert says the work didn’t need to be done. It seems Trading Standards are getting more pro-active. By Graham Hill