Fleets who feel they have been ripped-off by garages for servicing and repair work can receive help and advice from a number of sources.

Exclusive research by Fleet News found that 80% of fleet managers have discovered discrepancies on the service and repair bill from their local garage.

To counter the problem, Fleet News has devised collated the key groups to contact to resolve any problems.

In the first instance, go back to the dealer/garage and explain your grievance.

According to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) the majority of problems are usually related to a breakdown in communications between the garage and the customer.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair on 0800 692 0825 or go to http://service.motorindustrycodes.co.uk which promises honest and fair services, transparent pricing which matches the quoted prices, and a straightforward and swift complaints procedure with a free consumer advice line and concilliation, as well as low cost arbitration.

The SMMT’s code is a voluntary one which 4,000 garages across the UK have signed up to. It is supported by the Government, the National Consumer Council and Trading Standards.

If the complaint relates to vehicles which are outside of the manufacturer’s warranty, contact the RMIF which represents around 8,000 garages and dealerships in the UK.

It offers a concilliation and arbitration service which is available through the website at www.rmif.co.uk or by calling 08457 585350.

Complaints arising from the survey range from work not being done but still billed for, adding on items such as fluids which didn’t need replacing, or recommending items such as brake discs be replaced when in fact they are still perfectly legal and safe.

One of the respondents to the survey, David Airey, from Derek Woodman Blackpool, said: “I found that I had been charged for full service and the fuel filter hadn't been changed.

"I had marked the housing with Tipex and there was no break in the mark.

"They changed without a fuss while I waited.”

Marie Jarrold, BCA fleet manager, said her complaints against franchised dealers centre on them trying to change brake pads and discs too early.

One wanted to change the pad when it was only 60% worn.

Generally BCA‘s cars require new front brake pads after 30,000-35,000, but it’s not uncommon for dealers to try to change them at less than 20,000 miles.

She added: “It’s all too easy for dealers to say ‘change them due to health and safety’.

"Fleet managers often feel obliged to do it because they don’t know any better.

"And they can’t take risks with it.

"The problem seemed to be getting worse towards the end of last year.”

MJ Quinn Integrated Services fleet manager Danny McKeown added: “I used to use a garage who charged for work which was never done.

"I stopped using them and refused to pay £2,000 which they wrongly tried to charge me."