CCS lifts limits on car services and repairs

Drivers can have their cars repaired in other workshops without worrying about losing their warrant.

The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) finished its inquiry into Singapore's supply of car parts.

According to a press release, by next year, car owners will be able to have their cars repaired at a workshop they choose without worrying about warranty.

Currently, drivers can only have their cars repaired at authorised workshops. Doing otherwise with an independent workshop will void their warranty.

CCS found concerns with car warranty terms that restrict competition for car servicing and repairs between authorised car dealers and independent workshops.

"These restrictions give car dealers the right to void car warranties or reject warranty claims if the car has been serviced and/or repaired at an independent workshop, regardless of whether the damage or defect to be claimed under the warranty is in fact caused by the independent workshop," CCS said.

This restriction on competition may, in turn, allow authorised workshops to charge higher prices for their services, the commission added.