With Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard

Consumer Protection is reminding Western Australians how important it is to use licensed repairers to service or fix cars.

Backyard or bush mechanics operate in WA and even though Consumer Protection aims to identify them and stop them, the community can help by always choosing licensed repairers, to protect themselves and their vehicles.

Your car is one of your biggest assets, so why trust it to an unqualified mechanic? If they don’t do the job properly you are putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk.

When you select one of WA’s 4,400 licensed repairer businesses that employ more than 15,700 certified individuals, you know they’ve been vetted and declared fit and proper and this means you should be guaranteed a high standard of workmanship with warranties available.

With its ongoing checks, the licensing system maintains standards and safety in WA’s motor vehicle repair industry and on our roads. There’s even a compensation fund to assist consumers if a licensed repairer disappears or becomes insolvent.

You might save money in the short term using an unlicensed repairer but it could cost you in the long run, and the price you pay could be injury or death related!

Avoid personal safety risks and damage to your car by searching for a licensed repairer with the correct expertise. See: www.myautorepairer.com.au.

Another sign a repairer is licensed is having a yellow and black logo with circled tick on display at their premises.

So, use the online licence search is our top tip. Followed by, look for the yellow sign with the black circle and tick!

Help keep WA safe by reporting unlicensed motor vehicle repairers. Email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.