Hi all,

I'm sure some items were missed and 'Which' has highlighted them. As a Bosch Car Service Garage we just received the expected communication asking us to ensure strict quality control etc.
The problem with relying on quality control and the associated bureaucracy that goes with it is that it doesn't really address the problem.
I have been reading negative 'Which' reports on the repair businees for four decades now.
The fact is, that the job is much more difficult than the public think and the remuneration doesn't match the calibre of technicians needed to ensure that it is done properly.
Sure, it doesn't take a genius to get tyre pressures right but the same guy is probably expected to fix anything that comes through the door.
In terms of time pressure also there are issues with flat rate job times. Many service times are so short they barely let you get the basics done. Let alone unloading golf clubs etc to find the spare wheel and hunting high and low for the locking wheel nut key which you were told was in the glove box. Not forgetting locating the cause of the rattling noise and the check engine light that the customer forgot to mention when he booked the car in.
A garage can only be as good as it's worst mechanic, and all quality control in the world won't prevent some of his bad work remaining undetected until things go wrong.
In short, until the repair trade can consistently recruit and retain highly motivated well paid mechanics who the public hold in high esteem, 'Which' will probaly be writing the same stuff for the next forty years.