Services We Offer

Servicing ::

We undertake routine servicing on all makes and models and are able to carry out early services without jeopardising warranty. Many of our customers have spent a king’s ransom with main dealers during their warranty period only to discover later that they could have used their trusted local repairer all along. This common misconception arose because, prior to 2003, manufacturers were permitted to void warranty if they didn’t carry out all in-warranty services themselves.
The European Union, in a rare display of wisdom, recognised the unfairness of this monopoly and introduced a piece of legislation known as the “Block Exemption Regulations 1400/2002”. Now motorists can use any garage of their choice to service their cars without invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty (subject to certain conditions).
The Office of Fair Trading have stated “Independent repairers CAN carry out normal maintenance and repair services during a vehicle’s warranty period without invalidating the warranty conditions provided that:

· The service is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s servicing schedules and is recorded as such
· Any parts used are of ‘appropriate quality’ and are recorded as such
 Where we can do so, we will use “after market” parts (oil filters, air filters etc.) provided by third parties at a fraction of the cost of manufacturers' originals yet compliant with manufacturers' specifications.

Every service includes a routine inspection of safety critical items and very competitively priced tyres can be provided from stock if required.

MOT Testing ::

We have been accredited MOT testers since 1980 and are now one of the area's busiest test stations, providing MOT testing to local motorists as well as to a large number of local traders and repairers without their own facilities.

All our MOT tests are now carried out using the latest technology wheel play & suspension wear detectors, meaning any problems are detected with pinpoint accuracy. This is not a legal requirement, but we know that identifying a problem in its early stages can save you time and money in the future.

We can, of course, undertake any work necessary to ensure that a pass certificate can be issued in the event of an initial failure and, providing the vehicle does not leave our premises, no retest fee is chargeable.

Electrical & Mechanical Repairs ::

We can undertake any type of electrical or mechanical repair to any vehicle. Many of our jobs are relatively minor repairs, such as worn out suspension, steering or braking components leading to MOT failure or failed electrical components including alternators or starter motors.

At the other extreme, engine and gearbox replacements are regularly undertaken and it is with jobs of this nature that some of the greatest savings can be seen in comparison to main dealers. Motorists with older vehicles faced with a major repair often have to contemplate repair bills approaching the value of their vehicle. All our major repairs are carried out in-house, as opposed to many other garages who send major work off to specialists, so that we never present our customers with shipping overheads and increased waiting times.

We are aware that, like us, many people have a deep affection for their car and are naturally reluctant to abandon it to a scrap dealer on account of a necessary repair exceeding the resale value. In these situations we are prepared to fit reconditioned or even second hand parts (at the customer's risk) thereby rendering an uneconomical repair feasible - an option which would not be entertained by a main dealer.

Accident Repairs ::

We have been running a fully equipped bodyshop for over 20 years and have very extensive experience of carrying out all types of work from scuff and scratch removal through to chassis straightening, panel replacement and major repainting.

We also have far too much experience of dealing with insurance companies and their various foibles and are happy to communicate with them on your behalf if necessary. One key point to realise is that, although many companies will insist that you use one of their preferred repairers, you are actually under no obligation to do so.

Often a car is brought into us by a recovery firm and we can then keep it on our premises until an insurance assessor can come out to inspect the damage. This saves multiple recovery charges and saves you from having to stay in for some vague appointment. In the event that we carry out the repair there would be no charge for storage or in the event that the repair is carried out elsewhere, we would charge this to the insurer.

Electronic Diagnostics ::

We have a range of sophisticated diagnostic equipment able to interface with the on-board electronics present in all modern cars. This equipment allows us to identify faults quickly and effectively, and to reset fault and service indicators. Earlier vehicles with less advanced electronics must be approached in a more hands on way but our extensive experience and access to comprehensive databases of vehicle data mean that there is no electrical problem we cannot address.

Air Conditioning ::

We are now fully equipped with state of the art technology allowing us to carry out air conditioning maintenance and repair on virtually any vehicle.

In addition to annual checks and servicing we can undertake repairs to faulty systems and can advise on the feasibility of upgrading early systems reliant on the older R12 refrigerant which has, for some years, been prohibited on account of its environmental impact.