How to Choose the Right Vehicle Servicing Firm in Sussex

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 08:00

Advertising feature: For most people, their vehicles are one of their most valuable assets.

Ensuring that your car, van, or electric vehicle meets your needs year-round is one thing, it’s another thing entirely to keep it in tip-top peak performance condition.

Many people find the process of vehicle servicing to be nothing more than a tick-box exercise, and maybe, if you aren’t particularly passionate about cars or their appearance, it’s understandable why servicing may not top your priority list. However, UK safety standards mandate that all vehicles meet a minimum level of performance, and deviating from that can have health and safety implications.

We All Need to Take Vehicles In for Services

Whether you’re passionate about vehicles or not, if you have a car to get around in, you will need to take it for services periodically. It doesn’t matter if this service is funded by your leasing provider or yourself; you will need to get it seen to. This is why it pays off to have a reputable, trustworthy, local vehicle servicing firm nearby with experienced car technicians who can offer insights, timely repairs, maintenance and good customer experiences.

Finding a local vehicle service firm in Sussex that can properly maintain and repair your vehicle should always be a top priority. Faults can happen in the blink of an eye, often when we least expect it. To get these addressed and rectified quickly, at minimal disruption to you, will help if you have a vehicle service firm you can rely on, only a phone call away.

Ideally finding one that offers the experience, manufacturer expertise and on-site capabilities to properly maintain and repair your vehicle close to home, will be ideal.

Choosing a Reliable Local Vehicle Service Provider

Here's what to look for when selecting the right vehicle servicing company for your needs

Confirm Proper Certifications and Credentials

Reputable garages should have all the proper certifications required to legally work on vehicles.

Look for accreditation from:

The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair
The Good Garage Scheme
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
Trust My Garage Scheme
The RAC
Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA)

Reputable car servicing providers may also offer a wide range of additional services such as MOTs, auto repairs, vehicle diagnostics, breakdown recovery, and others. Many firms may also specialise in performing warranty repairs for specific vehicle manufacturers, so depending on the one you use, these may be of preference. Nonetheless, if they show adherence to the industry codes of conduct, visible displays of the above will be good signs to look out for.

Don't hesitate to ask for proof of valid credentials before allowing any servicing work. Uncertified mechanics can render your warranty void.

Look for Specialist Knowledge of Your Vehicle Make and/or Model

While some garages will service all makes and models, those with deep expertise in your specific vehicle brand can be ideal for some. These types of vehicle garages will typically have:

Advanced training and familiarity with your car or brand
Proper, manufacturer-approved diagnostic tools and software
Access to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts
Understanding of common issues and known faults with models

This level of specialisation ‌ensures accurate troubleshooting and repairs, and can offer many vehicle owners better peace of mind.

Check Customer Reviews Extensively

One of the best ways to ascertain a servicing company's reputation and quality is by checking impartial customer reviews.

Look for consistent positive feedback across multiple websites and platforms, including their Google Business Profile, social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, third-party review sites like TrustPilot, and local directories.

Be sure to ask any community groups for recommendations and whether they have had positive experiences with certain firms if you need additional reassurance.

Beware of garages with no reviews or overwhelmingly negative ones. This could signal problems if you don’t discover these until after you have consulted them.

Confirm They Offer All Maintenance and Repair Services You ‌Need

Avoid garages that only focus on a limited scope of servicing. While these garages may be able to alleviate short-term issues, you may be best served if you find a local provider that can deliver:

Routine maintenance - like oil changes, tune-ups, brake pad replacements, battery changeovers, and so on.
Mechanical repairs - engine, transmission, electronics, air conditioning, and other technical adjustments.
Bodywork - dent removal, windshield replacement, paint touch-ups, bumper filler, and more.

It’s even more reassuring if they have an on-site MOT testing station for inspection renewal and conducting routine MOTs immediately following advised repairs or urgent issues.

Having a "one-stop shop" for total vehicle care is efficient, particularly if it can cater for complex needs or lesser-known models of cars. If you fall into this category, then finding a reputable local firm is in your best interests.

Look for Longevity and Local Reputation

Established vehicle servicing firms that have been operating locally for many years typically offer reliability. Their work and standards will often be loudly touted by local business owners or customers that you may interact with regularly.

If you regularly hear people mention specific firms in a positive light, you can safely assume that their reputation is solid allowing you to approach them with confidence.

Newer pop-up garages may not deliver the same level of service, but that’s not to say that you cannot scope them out.

Ask About Warranties on Work Performed

Reputable garages - regardless of experience levels - should stand behind their work with warranties on parts and labour. Repair work warranties are common, with the length often depending on the extent and nature of the car repair.

If a local firm offers this proactively, you’ll likely receive complete peace of mind that they can and will fix any issues properly. Avoid any shop unwilling to offer a warranty or those who aren’t forthcoming about reassuring you after you receive your vehicle back.

Beware of Warning Signs of Untrustworthy Garages

Be vigilant and avoid garages displaying red flags like:

No certifications, accreditations or relevant credentials on display
Pushy sales tactics or upsells
No itemised estimates provided
Refusal to show removed parts
No business address or shop location

Use caution if something feels amiss. Protect yourself and your vehicle first and foremost, and don’t hastily approach the first garage you come across in an attempt to save time.

Ask Questions and Trust Your Instincts

Don't hesitate to thoroughly question any vehicle servicing company before entrusting them with your vehicle's care. If they avoid answering or give vague responses, that's a red flag. Go with your gut feelings - if something seems off, move on.

Taking the time to choose the right vehicle servicing firm is worth doing, as once you find one that you can turn to for future issues, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Consistent maintenance from mechanics you're confident in helps maximise your vehicle's performance and lifespan.