 |
 |
|
A good garage can be hard to find, but there are a few simple steps you can take which will help:
|
The thing to do is see who's available in your area, check the local press, telephone directory or use the Internet. Car dealers are not necessarily the best places to get your car serviced or repaired, but make sure you don't invalidate your warranty if you take your car elsewhere (details should be in your handbook). |
|
Ask the garage if they employ certified technicians. |
|
Don't go on friends' recommendations, unless they really know about cars. It takes experienced, qualified technicians, with the right diagnostic equipment to find and correct faults, cost-effectively. |
|
A 'cheap' garage is not a guarantee of value for money in the long run. They often keep their prices down by fitting cheap parts - which wear out or fail sooner. |
|
Labour rates are no longer a guide for getting value for money. Modern cars are highly sophisticated and a significant proportion of the manufacturing costs go into the electronics and computers. For example, a car could be running poorly and one technician may change the engine control unit, which can cost between £200 to £1000. Another technician, with the right diagnostic equipment, may find the actual fault lies with a sensor which can cost as little as £20. So it can be worth paying higher labour rates to get the job done properly. |
|
Make sure the garage is established, and their premises are clean and tidy - if their forecourt's sloppy what will their workmanship be like? |
|
You should always ask for an estimate before any work is carried out. And if you are still unsure, don't be afraid to get a quote from somewhere else (check that they don't charge an inspection fee). |
|
Once you have agreed on a job, make sure they phone if any additional work is required, that way there can be no misunderstandings or sudden surprises. |
|
|
|
Rely on Bosch
|
|
If you ever have any problems, or need help or advice, we have a nationwide network of approved garages whose technicians have been trained to very high standards. These Bosch service agents are independently owned businesses and are committed to providing high standards of work to their customers.
You can use our Service Locator facility to find a Bosch Car Service workshop near you.
|
|
|
|
