Hi-Q = High Quality...and peace of mind (Recommended Garages/Mechanics)

Name: Stuartli

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Product:	Recommended Garages/Mechanics
Date:	12/03/01 (1371 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Knowing you are not being ripped off

Disadvantages: None of which I have been aware

To all those who use Halfords, Kwik-Fit etc fast-fit and servicing centres here's some friendly advice.

It will probably save you money as well as, hopefully, ensure that you get what you pay for with regard to work on your car.

I use to place my trust in Halfords both in my home town and in Preston. However, after a while I became suspicious as more and more "additional work is needed" messages were conveyed to my work place.

I was fully aware that my car was virtually 100 per cent safe and reliable and did not need the work suggested.

One instance in particular was when a Halfords mechanic pointed out to me that my engine sump was leaking oil and that I needed to have it "seen to as soon as possible". He indicated some oil being present on the bottom of the sump.

I politely pointed out to him that my driveway was constructed using light grey flagstones, had no evidence whatsoever of oil stains and that in fact my VW never used oil and never needed topping-up between oil changes. The matter was quietly dropped by the mechanic.

Another time I was advised that my tracking was out. Again I politely pointed out that if that was the case the front tyres would reveal clear evidence due to "feathering" or partially worn sections and that if I took my hands off the steering-wheel the car continued in a straight line. Once more the subject was quietly forgotten.

Somewhat annoyed I decided one day three years ago to have my car MOT's test carried out at the nearby Hi-Q outlet where I always buy my tyres at remarkably keen prices.

It was half-price on Wednesdays so I fixed up an appointment for the following week. The MOT was carried out by the manager of the branch and I watched him undertake the test, which lasted some 45 minutes.

When the test was finished he asked me if I had the current MOT certificate with me. I asked why and he pointed out, correctly,
that he was able to post-date if the old certificate was still valid for a while.

At this point I asked if the VW had passed its MOT and the manager confirmed that it had. I said I wondered what condition the vehicle was in and if there were any potential problems?

To my surprise and delight (in view of the earlier claims by Halfords) he said the car, by now nine years old, was "99.9 per cent" and in very good condition.

Apart from the fact that this incident bears out my views on Halfords (and that of a number of friends I have spoken to since), it will be realised that any servicing centre offering half-price MOTs (the cost was £15) is more likely to "discover" additional work claimed to be needed.

As a result Hi-Q now not only supplies my tyres (£33 all-in per 185x14in Sava tyre) but has also done my last two MOTs and regular servicing since undertaking the original MOT test. The only work needed doing after an MOT was at the last one, a split front brake hose having to be replaced.

I was immediately shown the brake hose and asked if I wished them to do the work? It was done the next day with a genuine VW part and the MOT certificate issued, again at half-price.

One final point - Which? recently conducted a comprehensive survey of fast-fit and servicing centres throughout the country and, not unsurprisingly to me, Hi-Q outlets were wholeheartedly recommended for quality work, competitive prices and an avoidance of suggesting that "additional work" was necessary unless genuine.

So for Hi-Q read not only High Quality but also Honesty with Quality...

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