Motor Repairs | Local Services | Classifieds.co.uk :

Several recent investigations, by various organisations, into the quality of motor servicing and repairs, have unearthed numerous problems and complaints.

A wide range of complaints featured amongst the huge number received by Trading Standards, in connection with the motor trade, including:

Repair work carried out to a poor standard.
Faults missed.
Unnecessary "repairs" completed.
Work charged for but not completed.

A great deal is being done to eliminate bad practice and root out rogue traders, while a range of schemes promoting good workmanship and excellence have been set up. However, handing your car over to a mechanic you've never used before can still be nerve-racking. Choosing the right garage to service your car is of crucial importance. The following guidelines may help in making the right choice and avoiding the "rip-off" merchants.

Ask Around
Personal recommendation can count for a great deal. Ask friends, co-workers and family members about good and bad experiences. See if you can find any opinions on the internet. Seek out an established firm with a good reputation.

Trade Associations
Look out for membership of accredited local "good garage" or similar schemes operated by some local authorities. Check out your local council's website to find out if they operate any such schemes and ask for a list of accredited companies. Find out if the garage is a member of a recognised trade association that has an independent complaints procedure.

First Impressions
Call in at the garage in person so you can see the facilities and explain what work you want carried out. There should be a menu of fixed-cost work, and evidence that mechanics are trained. Obviously, any garage is going to have some dirt, but a general appearance of neatness and order indicates that the establishment is competent and professional.

Prepare Yourself Well
If you have had indications that there is something wrong with your car, be prepared to express these symptoms and any concerns you might have to the mechanic in as much detail as possible. Making a list is always helpful.

Quotes
Be clear about what you want the garage to do, putting it in writing if possible. Get them to set out in writing what work they intend to do and the quoted price. Don't accept a verbal "guesstimate." Confirm that any additional work uncovered needs to be discussed and approved, including a quotation, before they go ahead. Be aware that you are buying a service and have every right to ask questions. Insist on having your questions answered in non-technical language and find out about labour rates, parts charges and guarantees. Always get a price quote before the work is carried out and ask to be contacted if this quote increases. Don't assume that big is best. Going to your local biggest operator does not guarantee quality. Even major dealers may have little or no quality control systems in place to monitor the output from the workshops. Find out what make of car they service. If you have invested in an expensive vehicle, it's best to find a mechanic that specialises in that make.

Additional Work
Be extremely wary if you take your vehicle to a garage for one job and you are told additional work is needed. This may be genuine, but in a lot of cases, the work might not currently be needed, or indeed, at all. You might also feel under pressure to give permission to proceed without first having the opportunity to check it out or to shop around for a cheaper quote, particularly if the work is a safety-related issue.
Ask the garage to keep aside any parts it removes for you to check (and take them away if in any doubt). A screwdriver mark in replaced brake pads is a favourite amongst rogue mechanics.

Make absolutely sure you get an itemised invoice setting out exactly what work has been carried out, along with any relevant guarantees. This ensures a detailed description of work done is available if things go wrong and an independent check is requested.

If You are Not Satisfied
Contact the garage as soon as you can and give them the chance to resolve your complaint. Put your complaint in writing. If you are still not happy with the response, contact your local Trading Standards service through your local authority. You can find the telephone number in your phone book or through its website

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05 August 2008

Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Gatwick And City Airpor..

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19 July 2008

MOBILE MECHANIC/ROADSIDE REPAIR/WINDOW TINTING..

Mobile mechanic with over 15 years experience roadside recovery/repair m. o t preparation, part and full service window tinting no local call out fees cheap rates call now or email .

RM10

18 July 2008

Regas Car air conditioning..

Let us regas your climate control or car aircon before the hot summer sets in. why go to halfords and pay £70 plus vat when we come to your door and do it in the comfort of your home at half the price. more inf on: rockbottomprice. co. uk .

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ecu remapping..

Performance ecu remapping service. how would you like to increase the performance of your vehicle and improve economy? then see for more details or call ben on 07843 879320.

£185

BD20

14 July 2008

East London Car Diagnostics, Service and Repair..

East london car diagnostics offer a full range of mobile fault diagnostics and repair services throughout east london servicing eastham, forest gate, manor park, strafford, leyton and surrounding areas. our mobile diagnostic technicians will come to you for on the spot. .

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