Getting your car serviced each year is pretty much essential if you want to keep it running smoothly, keep it’s value, avoid losing the warranty and lower the risk of breakdowns. This article gives you the key tips on how to choose a garage – whether it’s a main dealer or independent garage – to get your car serviced.
Should you use a main dealership for car servicing?
Whatever make of vehicle you drive, you’re always encouraged by the manufacturer to carry out a service at one of their main dealerships local to your area. Whilst there is nothing wrong with this tactic, don’t feel as though you ‘have’ to use them for car servicing or repairs just to maintain your warranty. As long as your vehicle is regularly serviced using manufacturer approved parts and written down in the car’s log book, then there is nothing stopping you from ringing independent garages for quotes and comparing the prices. It’s generally the case that a main dealership will charge more for repairs and services. According to Warranty Direct’s 2013 survey of labour rates in the UK, the average rate for main dealerships is £95.83 per hour, while independent garages average a cost of £60.68 per hour. Of course, if you’re happy with the main dealership service and costs you’ve already experienced then you may find it easier or more convenient to continue to use them. Sometimes manufacturers will also include free MOT and services at their main dealerships when you buy the vehicle which naturally you want to take advantage of but don’t forget you can check repair costs with other independent garages.
What about independent garage car servicing?
If you want to negotiate on your car servicing costs, then finding a reputable independent garage is key. Look at reviews online, get recommendations from people you know in the area and try giving each garage a call for quotes to see how friendly and attentive they are to your needs. You can check whether the garage is a member of the Trading Standards Institute for added peace of mind too. Consider the garage’s expertise on your particular make of car and whether they’ll use the parts that are manufacturer approved to keep your car’s warranty intact – they should stamp your log book accordingly too. You can also ask to see if there are any discounts on labour to help lower your service costs (usually parts aren’t negotiable as they have to buy them at cost from the manufacturer). At the end of the day, go with your gut instinct once you’ve done all the research.
Independent Servicing Garage in Bath
Being an independent servicing garage in Bath, which also specialises in the Volkswagen car group (VW, Audi, Skoda & SEAT), we guarantee that all parts during your car service will be manufacturer approved and we will stamp your log book once the service is complete. We’re open and honest about our pricing and are very competitive with our quotes. We can even supply a courtesy car (we just charge 30 pence a mile to cover insurance and fuel), or we can collect and deliver vehicles / customers for free if you’re local to Bath. Read one of our customer reviews about our car servicing below. Get in touch with us today on 01761 415 501 to make an appointment or for a free quote.
MCM Garage are knowledgeable, friendly and great value for a well-trusted garage near Bath. I’ve been using them for over 3 years now for my Passat service schedules and MOTs and it’s been a great experience. They even delivered my car back home once the service was finished.
Lawrence Tilley