A Guide to Finding the Right Local Garage
Every town and village has a bunch of car repair garages, and normally a few forecourts selling all manner of second hand vehicles. The trick is knowing which one is going to sell you a good used vehicle or service your car properly for a fair price, and which ones to avoid. Let’s face it, everyone has heard of people buying what looks like a good vehicle, which wasn’t, or of garages charging for repairs and parts that were never fitted, not to mention those that really were incapable of doing a job properly. Good garages do exist, and finding them isn’t overly difficult if you stop to think about a few basic issues.
photo courtesy of armor flooring
Initial Check List of a Garage
Naturally, you are going to want to select a place which can show a solid track record of being reliable, and able to consistently operate at high standards. A good question to ask is are they certified to perform an MOT? Such places have to be Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), approved, so must remain permanently up to date with any alterations to vehicle legislation, ensuring all of their staff are fully capable of informing the customer exactly how those changes will affect them. While an MOT garage understands what is needed to keep your vehicle roadworthy, it is worth checking to see what other Trade Body Association memberships they have, and if they are approved vehicle repairers by such Clubs as the AA, and the RAC.
Extensive Range of Activities
The larger the range of activities undertaken by a garage, the better the understanding they will have about every aspect of vehicle maintenance and repair. Ideally, you will look for a garage that can do your MOT, service the car, deal with any breakdown and general repair issues, and operate a full crash repair service. Cars have a tendency to break down at the most inconvenient time, and often in awkward locations, so having a vehicle recovery service which can come to you is always reassuring. Vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated and car garages from Stoke on Trent to the Solent, need to have state of the art diagnostic equipment to identify the precise nature of the problem, and fix if swiftly and effectively.
Ability to Deal With all Makes and Models
When your vehicle has a problem, it is reassuring when your mechanic understands your car, regardless of the make and model. A comprehensive service station will be able to deal with everything from a motorbike to a light commercial vehicle. A garage that also deals in used cars can be attractive. Take a look around the forecourt, to see the general condition of the vehicles for sale, and ask about their warranty offerings. Ask to see testimonials from customers who have not only had vehicles in for repair, but from those that have purchased used vehicles also.
A good local garage stands by its reputation, which is not easy to build up overnight. Remember, the station that has been in operation for many years and still going strong, has generally done so, by being fair, efficient and above all honest and reliable.
Author: Sophie Fenns
