When deciding upon which garage should carry out the regular service and maintenance of your executive car, it is important to make a “wish list” of all the items you feel should be included. Apart from the vehicle and road safety features demanded by law, there are regular checks to be done which cut down on wear and tear expenses and increase the life span of your vehicle.
Choosing a Garage:
Whether you are new to driving or not, it’s important to shop around for the best quotes for parts and labor. Ask your colleagues, friends and family if they have any recommendations. Within the scope of garages which deal with your particular brand of car, there are different types of garages dealing with general servicing and mechanical repair, “fast-fit” services, body repairs or even engine specialists. Choose the garage which is best suited to your needs.
A good garage should deal with your vehicle in a fairly and timely manner. They will have personnel who know their customer service standards and are mindful of your rights as a consumer; they only carry out works they are qualified to do; they will comply with a code of practice if they belong to a trade association; give all details of repair options and costs when you telephone them; agree any work with you and confirm it in writing.
A reputable garage will give fixed-price, written quotes (including Value Added Tax), or provide written estimates if quotes aren’t possible; the garage will explain why any diagnostic work is needed to identify a potential problem and get your permission to any follow-on work and costs.
What should I expect from the Service?
At a basic level your garage should tell you in advance if they don’t take certain types of payment (such as checks, credit or debit cards) or if they charge for these. Naturally, they should seek your permission to go ahead if the cost is likely to go over the written quote or estimate; they should also explain why any replacement parts are needed and how long it will take to fit them, if they are not in stock and have to be ordered. If you are dependent on your car for work or family commitments, ask if the garage will provide you with a courtesy car whilst your car is being serviced.
Your garage should advise you whether your MOT is due and if it is needed you can often add it to your chosen service for half price. A standard MOT costs around £54. Repairs carried out to your vehicle should leave warranties unaffected. You should be able to ask for interim and/or major service checks to be made.
The garage should let you inspect any replaced parts or return them to you upon request. Unless otherwise specified by you, they should only use new replacements and provide full details of labour and parts on invoices and receipts with the total cost including VAT. Ideally, the garage should have a written complaints procedure.
If the garage will not provide you with this level of service, you might like to look elsewhere. Remember, the law says that any services you pay for must be undertaken with reasonable care and skill; they must be carried out within a reasonable amount of time at a reasonable charge (if no charge is agreed in advance); and that any goods supplied must be of satisfactory quality.
Reference: Auto Transport > Garage > Questions you should ask your Luxury Service Repair Garage
