FAST-fit centres have been stung by claims made by the Consumers' Association that they carry out unnecessary work and fail to spot safety problems. The centres are widely used by fleets and the findings could be a blow to European Commission proposals to split car sales and servicing when Block Exemption rules are reviewed in 2002.

Fast-fits would be one of the biggest winners should fleets shop outside the dealer network for servicing. In the latest report for consumer guide Which?, more than 90 branches of eight of the largest fast-fit chains were asked to check a car for faults. The car was roadworthy apart from a cut in the spare tyre, with several months' life left in the tyres and brakes.

But the Which? report claimed many of the centres recommended unnecessary work and did not identify the fault with the spare tyre. The Retail Motor Industry Federation says the report reinforces its view that car maintenance is best carried out at franchised dealers or independent garages.