Complaints about garage repairs and servicing are nearly top of the Trading Standards Office hit list. Overcharging, replacing parts not required and charging for parts not fitted is not uncommon.
Knowing how to avoid a garage rip-off, pass an MOT first time or knowing how to check a vehicle part is actually faulty before it is replaced can avoid a small fortune on unnecessary repair bills.
Mail order specialist, Car Parts Direct provides information on its website to help motorists avoid a garage rip-off and pass an MOT first time. Online videos show how to check if a part is faulty before replacing, all the information is free.
But Mark Cornwall from Car Parts Direct is well experienced in dealing with, what he refers to as ‘greedy and unscrupulous garages’. He claims his own vehicle was towed in to a franchised dealership following a recent breakdown. He was quoted a whacking £4,376 to repair his vehicle. He immediately had a second opinion and the vehicle was back on the road for £36.25. No parts were required, just a clean of electrical contacts.
Oops. I bet he has had a field day with this story and I will divulge inside information his car is a Mercedes! But his advice is sound and saved him a small fortune at the same time so take heed this priceless gem of information.
FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet