How To Find A Good Local Garage

Maintaining your car properly is of paramount importance for both your personal safety and the longevity of your vehicle. As car owners, we all strive to find a reputable and reliable local garage that can provide the best service and maintenance for our beloved cars. However, locating the perfect garage can be a daunting task. To make the process a bit easier, we have compiled a list of essential tips to help you find a good local garage for your vehicle’s needs.

The first and foremost step in finding a good local garage is to do your due diligence. Start by creating a list of garages in your area by searching online. Once you have a list, reach out to your friends, family, and local social media groups for recommendations. Additionally, read reviews and testimonials online, but keep in mind that reviews on the garage’s website may not be impartial. A valuable resource to check is Which? Trusted Trader, which verifies the reputation and business procedures of mechanics and garages in the scheme.

Another crucial aspect to consider when finding a good garage is cost. Many garages now offer the option to get a quote and book online before having work done on your car. If you’re uncertain about what needs to be done, you can also call around and ask for hourly rates. However, keep in mind that not all garages take the same amount of time to complete a job. Typically, labour rates at independent garages are cheaper than those at the Main Dealer.

It is a common misconception that you must service your car at a franchised Main Dealer to maintain your manufacturer warranty. In most cases, the only conditions to maintain your warranty are that the car is serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and that any parts used are manufacturer-approved or of equivalent quality.

Before the mechanic begins working on your car, it’s important to ask for a quote that includes parts, labour, and VAT. Make sure the garage will use approved or equivalent parts to avoid invalidating any remaining warranty on your car. It may also be worth inquiring about a courtesy car for the duration of the work, but be aware of any steep insurance excesses on such vehicles.

When you collect your car, make sure to ask for a clearly marked receipt or invoice that details the work done and parts used and get a stamp in the service book. These documents will be useful when you come to sell the car. It’s also a good idea to ask the mechanic to show you the work they’ve done and if you’re not confident in your mechanical knowledge, bring someone with you who is. If the mechanic is unwilling to show you the work or something looks suspicious, especially with safety-critical parts like brakes, you may want to get the work checked by another mechanic at a different garage.

Staying on top of servicing your car is also crucial. Follow the service schedule outlined in the handbook and keep an eye on the on-board computer if your car has one. Even if you’re not an expert, many basic tasks such as changing the air filter or battery can be done with a bit of research, time and patience.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that all new cars come with a manufacturer warranty that usually lasts for three years, but some brands offer five or seven-year warranties.

After the warranty has expired, it’s usually possible to extend it with the manufacturer, but this may be subject to certain conditions such as servicing with a main dealer. Be careful when considering third-party warranties, as they often offer poor value and have confusing small print, and you may be better off saving money each month for repairs.

In conclusion, finding a good local garage requires research, recommendations, and cost comparison. By following these tips, you can ensure that your car is in good hands and that you get the best service possible.

To get a online quote for a service from a local garage use our simple quote form. We have a chain of local garages if you are in and around Manchester city centre and North Manchester, Oldham, Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Stalybridge etc. We also offer a collection and drop off service. A convenient, friendly and affordable service, try Servicing Master once and you’ll never go back. Simply book your car service now or give us a call now on 0161 302 0201.