Hi AllReading the link below in Autowired, it looks as if the Independents are in for another bashing...BUT WHY?. Could the servicing standard be raised by a few basic introductions
The survey said the vehicle were taken in for a full service and four faults were overlooked by many of the Independents and Franchised Dealers
Nail in a tyre
Split wiper blade
Faulty reverse lamp bulb
Deflated spare tyre
Well one simple solution is to make "Servicing Check Sheets" compulsory, with a copy being given to the customer
One thing i noticed when they came around to do the Carwise check was that they seemed obsessed with making sure estimating and record keeping was up to scratch, but no mention of "Service Check Sheets". Surely this it a basic requirement when carrying out a service
Each item is checked and ticked, the tech then knows all items are ok, and so does the customer. If its later found that the wiper blade is split, or flat spare, then there is no one else to blame other that the technician carrying out the service......but instead the whole Independent or Franchise gets it in the neck
So lets get back to basics, make servicing check sheets compulsory. UKAT has the most comprehensive service check sheet available, which is downloadable by members, perhaps the RMI and OFT would like a copy??
Another problem was: they had trouble getting an estimate for a service. Well this survey was obviously carried out by someone who is not in the motor trade. Most of us know that you cannot give an accurate estimate until you are actually doing the service, you cannot predict things like worn brake pads, blocked pollen filters or split brake hose. You can only give an accurate estimate once the vehicle has been completely checked over
We can all quote a fixed price, but different vehicle models and makes need different parts and operations at different times and mileages.....so a fixed quote is not always possible
This is how leasing companies operate, you have the vehicle in, check it all over, then you ring them with the cost for servicing, they then give you authorisation for the work. They do not expect you to GUESS in advance
Peter