{"id":223160,"date":"2019-11-08T15:00:40","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T13:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=223160"},"modified":"2019-11-08T15:13:42","modified_gmt":"2019-11-08T13:13:42","slug":"series-understanding-basic-consumer-rights-motorist-part-2-receiving-quality-service-goods-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/11\/08\/series-understanding-basic-consumer-rights-motorist-part-2-receiving-quality-service-goods-right\/","title":{"rendered":"Series: Understanding your basic consumer rights as a motorist: Part 2: Receiving quality service and goods is your right"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knowing your basic rights as a motorist can be the game-changer when it comes to the servicing and even buying and selling of a vehicle, said CEO of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), Jakkie Olivier.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, we often come across cases where motorists have little to no understanding of the basic rights as captured in the Consumer Protection Act.<\/p>

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\u201cIt is important to understand that these rights are in place to protect consumers and businesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are several sections within the Act that are particularly pertinent to the buying, maintenance and repairs of vehicles.<\/p>

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\u201cThese sections need to be read within the context of the Act as a whole to ensure there are no misinterpretations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always advice motorists and service providers to call on the counsel of legal experts in the matter,\u201d said Olivier.<\/p>\n

The right to a quality service to be rendered, for example, is covered in Section 54.<\/p>\n

This section stipulates that a retailer must inform you ahead of time if the repair will take more time than initially agreed upon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the right to quality servicing within an agreed upon timeframe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf this is not the case you are within your right to escalate the matter with the retailer,\u201d explained Chanique Rautenbach, associate at Barnard Inc Attorneys.<\/p>\n

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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

Series: Understanding your basic consumer rights as a motorist: Part 1: No quote, no work<\/a><\/p>\n

Car service intervals are there for a reason<\/a><\/p>\n

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The section also covers damage to your vehicle.<\/p>\n

In the case where the retailer has damaged the vehicle during the repair or service, it is the responsibility of the retailer to remedy the situation.<\/p>\n

This covers any and all damages that may have occurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important to note that the consumer is not entitled to have the vehicle repaired to a condition that is better than what prevailed prior to the damage occurring,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

When buying a vehicle, according to Section 55, a product, in this case a vehicle, should be able to deliver the service or perform the task for which it was created for.<\/p>\n

This means that the vehicle should be of good quality, free of any defects and be in an operating condition.<\/p>\n

It must also be durable and useable for a reasonable time period, unless it was bought at an auction, in which case a different set of requirements apply.<\/p>\n

Be aware of any exclusions that have been recorded on the offer to purchase, as these exclusions will not be covered by any warranty or guarantee.<\/p>\n

Rautenbach explained that consumers must remain mindful of the fact that, when buying used goods (vehicles, parts or accessories), these goods will be subject to a warranty that covers these goods after fair wear and tear, considering the age and mileage of these goods.<\/p>\n

In addition, consumers should be aware that goods, such as electrical equipment or parts, will usually have a warranty condition that requires them to be fitted by a qualified professional and, often, an accredited RMI member.<\/p>\n

Did you know that retailers have to return old or replaced parts to the vehicle owner after a service?<\/p>\n

This is according to Section 67 of the Act.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe point of this section is to encourage transparency when it comes to the replacing of parts,\u201d said Rautenbach.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a consumer you have the right to ask for the old, replaced parts.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is important to note, however, that the section excludes this obligation if the work is done under warranty, insurance claim or paid for by a third party.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an organisation that champions the rights of motorists and service providers in the motor industry, we want to see an increased awareness of these consumer rights.<\/p>\n

“It ensures better communication between consumers and service providers and ethical trading,\u201d said Olivier.<\/p>\n

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a> <\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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