It's fairly common to hear stories of people being fleeced by the local garage or mechanic, but what steps can you take to empower yourself and avoid be caught out by a cowboy?
Here's our 18 top tips to minimise the risk, and hopefully keep you from becoming just another victim.
Look around
Major franchises tend to charge a lot more than small, independent retailers (they have to pay for the snazzy overalls somehow) so it's well worth shopping around for the best price, you could be saving yourself a small fortune!
That AUDI garage could be twice the price of a perfectly reputable local mechanic with more combined years of experience than all of the AUDI mechanics put together!
Beware a growing repair list
Remember what your car went to the garage for, although it's perfectly normal for a mechanic to highlight additional work that may need to be done to your car to keep it running, particularly if it impacts safety, if the list of repairs starts to grow rapidly, you should be very suspicious.
If you're not sure, get a second opinion! If you went to the garage for an interim service and you're now forking out for brand new alloy wheels, tyres and an Eric Cartman shaped air freshener that glows in the dark, it's definitely time to get a second opinion!
Plan Ahead
Don't leave it to the last minute to find a trustworthy mechanic or garage, you should have someone in mind well before your car needs a service, this will save you having to choose one in a hurry.
Make a note of the work that needs doing
Its well worth making a note of any work you need doing and giving a copy to the mechanic before they start. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself as well.
Make sure the work is guaranteed
Before any work starts, make sure all parts and labour are guaranteed. If you don't and something goes wrong it will be entirely at the garages discretion as to whether they put it right.
Use MOT Test Centres
If you need an MOT it's much better to take your car to a dedicated MOT test centre, that way you can be sure your getting a completely unbiased opinion as appose to risking being told your car needs work doing to pass, when it actually doesn't at all.
Empower yourself
Obviously nobody expects you to have a masters degree in mechanical engineering, but a little knowledge goes a long way, so try learning a little about your car.
Even something subtle such as leaving a Haynes car manual on display in your car will suggest you know at least a little about it, and won't be an easy target.
Use a recommended garage
Word of mouth is a priceless resource, so it's well worth asking your friends and family members to recommend a garage where they have received good service and value for money.
Don't pay with cash
Cash is great but what happens when something goes wrong? You've already parted with your money and then if a dispute arises, it's going to be a lengthy and difficult process getting a refund. Luckily, cash is not the only option. If you pay by cheque for example you can always cancel it should a problem arise. You can also pay by credit card as most credit card payments these days are covered against fraud.
Mark your parts
It's well known that some unscrupulous garages will try charging you for parts that were never replaced so, if you already know which parts are due for replacement its worth marking them just to make sure they actually have been. You can also insist on disposing of the old parts yourself.
Record any damage
It's worth making a note or taking photos of any scratches or dents on your car prior to taking it to a garage then, should it have any unfortunate mishaps while it's in their care you will know about it, and have the evidence to prove it!
Do your homework
Don't just take a mechanics word for it, do your homework, you should know exactly when your next service is due, and the schedule for the replacement of worn parts. This information can usually be found in your car manual, log book or the manufacturer's website. Still looking? There are a ton of websites out there offering free and paid car manual downloads, just Google it!
Take a test drive
A good way of making absolutely sure your car has actually been fixed is taking it for a test drive, so don't be afraid to ask BEFORE you shell out any money. A legitimate garage will have nothing to hide and therefore, won't have a problem with your request.
Check the quote for hidden extras
When you get a quote, be sure to check the price is inclusive of VAT, parts and labour, as some dealers may add these later on top of what you think is an inclusive quote. Some really unscrupulous dealers may even do this on purpose in order to catch you out so be very wary.
Don't be afraid to ask questions
When the work is complete, make sure you are given a full receipt, broken down into parts, labour and VAT. If you are not sure about anything on the receipt, don't be afraid to ask questions and if you don't understand the jargon, insist they explain in plain English.
New or reconditioned parts?
Occasionally garages use reconditioned parts, to fix your car as appose to new ones, so it's worth double checking. If they are using reconditioned parts, although perfectly acceptable practice, you should not be paying for new parts.
A stitch in time...
Try not to let car problems accumulate, keeping your car safe by taking it to a qualified technician is essential, so do so in a timely manner. If you know your tyres are due to be replaced, get it done! A blowout could easily cause a fatal accident.
Find an MICP accredited garage
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair was developed by the industry to help motorists find garages that will provide them with a good service.
Any garage undertaking car (or light commercial vehicle) servicing or repair can sign up to the code and agree to comply with its standards, which covers all aspects of garage work from advertising, booking in work, undertaking repairs, staff, invoicing and resolving complaints.
Each garage signed up to the Code agrees to provide their customers:
- Honest and fair services
- Open and transparent pricing
- Work completed as agreed
- Invoices that match quoted prices
- Competent and conscientious staff
For more information on The Motor Industry Code of Practice, visit their website at http://www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk/
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About Verooom
Verooom are experts in automotive supplying and fitting of Tyres, Exhausts, Alloy Wheels, Brakes, Suspension and Motorcycle Tyres. Here at Verooom you can expect the highest quality products at unbeatable prices and with a level of service that is second to none.
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