Taking Your Car to the Garage

Even if you buy a brand new car or own something second hand, from time to time it will need to visit a garage to have mechanical repairs carried out. Choosing the right garage can be a little daunting. Should you choose the brand name franchise or should you go to the smaller independent?

Typically smaller independents will offer lower prices than the big names, but if the work required is a specialist problem related to a particular make and model of car, then it maybe a wise idea to go to the dealer's garage to have it checked out.

If cost is a concern to you then you should ask for a written quote or estimate of how much the work will be. Once you have this you can then decide on what work you wish to authorize. If you only provide authorization for specific work on your vehicle then the garage should not complete any other work without further permission.

If further work is carried out without your permission then the garage is not entitled to request payment for the unauthorized work. Again it is better to put the agreement into writing concerning the price agreed upon and the work to be carried out so to avoid any disputes over these issues at a later date.

If you are unhappy with the repairs that are carried out on your car, you should firstly speak to the garage about your concerns. You should remember that for some mechanical faults a complete fix might not be possible. If this is the case then you may need to consult with your motor insurance company if any modifications have been made to the vehicle to ensure your insurance policy is still valid.

If you have any concerns explain to the garage why you are not happy with their work and allow them an opportunity to explain what they have done. Ay repair work undertaken should reach a competent standard, and any materials used should be of the correct standard and free from any defects. Any work that is carried out that is substandard could mean that the garage is in breach of contract or has been negligent.

In these circumstances you have the right to take your car to another garage to have the work rectified. The original garage should then pay for the cost of repairing their work. You would need to ensure that you have evidence to support your claim that the repair work carried out was not faulty which may require consultation by an expert.

It is often best to allow the garage an opportunity to fix any work you are not happy with no additional charge to yourself. But if you do not feel comfortable with this having another garage rectify the work is the alternative option. If your car is returned to you and you believe it has developed further problems since having undergone work at a garage, again you should speak to the garage about the problem as a first step. Garages are responsible for any additional faults or damage to a car that occurred whilst in their care.

However it would be up to you to prove that this is where the damage or fault occurred. It should be noted that problems like these do not happen very frequently and that most people are happy with the level of service that their garage provides. If you do have problems with your garage then you should express your concerns at the time and remember that you have the choice to seek the services of another mechanic.