Dubai: Consumers have complained that some vehicle repair garages delay issuing detailed invoices and fail to provide clear warranties on maintenance work and spare parts, exposing motorists to difficulties when seeking repairs for recurring faults or attempting to prove their rights.Several consumers said some garages either postpone issuing invoices or impose additional charges when customers insist on receiving them. Others expressed concerns about short warranty periods that they believe are inadequate for certain repairs and newly installed parts.Consumer Mohammed Emad said some garages deliberately delay providing invoices that document the services carried out and may fail to offer warranties on repaired or installed parts.He said such practices can make it difficult for consumers to prove their rights or request repairs if the same defect reappears shortly after maintenance work is completed.Consumer Naji Abdul Rahim said some garages only issue invoices after repeated requests from customers, adding that certain workshops demand additional payments beyond the originally agreed cost when consumers insist on obtaining documentation.He stressed that invoices and warranty terms are essential for protecting consumers, particularly when defects recur after repairs.Consumer Salah Abdulhaq described delays in issuing invoices and the failure to provide warranties on repaired or installed parts as among the negative practices faced by motorists, noting that such situations can complicate efforts to seek replacement or re-repair of defective components.Consumer Mustafa Ibrahim said some garages offer warranties lasting only a few days, arguing that such periods are insufficient for many repairs and newly installed spare parts, which may require warranty coverage extending for several months.Individual practicesFor their part, representatives of repair workshops said refusing or delaying invoices does not reflect industry-wide practices.Riaz Gian, an official at a vehicle repair garage, said many workshops encourage customers to purchase spare parts directly from external suppliers, allowing them to choose between original and aftermarket parts and obtain warranties directly from the vendors.He explained that, in such cases, the garage's role is limited to installing the parts supplied by the customer.Another garage official, who identified himself as M.R., said many consumers do not request invoices or warranties for repairs and installed parts.He added that workshops generally prepare invoices upon completion of repair work and that refusal to issue invoices stems from individual practices adopted by certain establishments.Consumer rightsWalid Salem Al Hosani, board member of the Emirates Consumer Protection AssociationWalid Salem Al Hosani, board member of the Emirates Consumer Protection Association, said consumers should not waive their rights when dealing with vehicle repair garages.He stressed that obtaining invoices and warranties for repaired or installed parts is a basic consumer right.Al Hosani said detailed invoices should clearly specify:The price of each spare partLabour chargesValue Added Tax (VAT) at 5%He added that these items should be listed separately to ensure transparency.He also stressed that consumers have the right to obtain warranties for repaired or installed parts and that warranty periods and conditions should be clearly stated on invoices.This, he said, allows consumers to return to the garage if faults or problems arise during the agreed warranty period.File complaintsAl Hosani urged consumers who are denied invoices or asked to pay unjustified additional fees to immediately file complaints with the relevant consumer protection authorities.He said consumers should not accept practices that compromise their rights and should choose repair workshops that provide clear invoices and guarantees.The Emirates Consumer Protection Association, he added, has received complaints and observations from consumers regarding invoice and warranty-related practices at some vehicle repair garages.
