Kwik Fit – the friendly face of UK car garages, why would you want to go to a grimy back street garage when you can stick to a name you can trust?
Not only do they have a big and well known brand but they have some good deals. The tyres and MOTs are very reasonable and if you need your aircon looking at they may just be the best people to go to. Also you have to love the way if they change a tyre for you their very friendly team will get your car up on the ramp and give it a quick once over free of charge.
This is the thing that gets to me – I wanted one tyre. They get it up on the ramp and say I need 3, I say nonsense.
They know tyres better than anyone and to be fair I could have used 3 but to tell me I am breaking the law by not having 3 replaced was in itself ironically breaking the law. How can I make such an accusation? Well I did not get them replaced, got pulled two months later and the police said nothing after inspecting my tyres.
It doesn’t end there, I also apparently needed new rear coil springs and the helpful chap pointed out the problem with them and said it would definately not pass an MOT with those on. Two MOT’s at two different garages later and I’m still rocking the same springs.
Kwikfit as a company are legit – they have a valuable brand image it is essential they protect. The problem lies within the fact that the workers are paid a bonus dependant on work done. This motivates excessive work, and a quick web search will reveal that they have previously been investigated for charging for work that was not carried out.
So by all means go, get your cheap tyres or cheap brakes if that’s what you are aware you need. But please think carefully before you listen to all the other suggestions they make. Appreciate the advice they offer for any extra’s you were not expecting to need but do try to get a trusted second opinion before you shell out more than you had anticipated.
It seems a little unfair to direct all of this at Kwik Fit – this type of “Bill Padding” takes place at small back street garages and National dealerships.
As a customer without much experience and concerned about your car it is all too easy to take whatever the garage says and go along with it. The car is already in their hands and now many issues can only be found with access to special diagnostic equipment. Following a few simple rules will help you avoid getting taken in to easily.
Try to find a reliable Garage before you need one
Ask your family or friends. When you go to the garage tell them you are there on a recommendation. They may treat you even better to keep you and your refferer happy.
Compare Garages
Go in and talk to them, find out how they treat their customers and what they offer under a service.
Maintain your vehicle Carefully
Make sure you keep up with the servicing – a well maintained car is less likely to need repairs. Also regularly check coolant and oil levels. Basic advice but all too often people fail to do this causing untold damage to their vehicles.
Check their credentials
Find out if they are a member of the Motor Vehicle Repairers’ Association or Good garage scheme. Find out if the mechanics have certificates of training
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