How to find a good garageOFT garage schemes

Main dealer or independent garage?

Bosch's code of practice was the first to be granted OFT-approval

In the past, carmakers imposed conditions that their new cars must be serviced by a franchised (main) dealer to protect the warranty.

But this is no longer allowed. The revised EC Cars Block Exemption Regulation came into force in 2003, outlawing this practice and enabling independent garages to compete on a more equal footing.

It included a requirement for manufacturers to make servicing procedures and parts available to independent garages, as well as to their own dealers. So, theoretically, the car servicing industry should be more competitive than ever.

But according to a recent Office of Fair Trading (OFT) study, consumers still believe they must go to a franchised dealer or risk invalidating their warranty. Although carmakers can specify that you must get the car serviced to a standard in line with their recommendations, this can be done by any suitably qualified service provider.

OFT garage schemes

Ideally, you'd choose a garage that's working to sound quality standards. But this would require garages to be approved to recognised standards. The OFT garage scheme to approve codes of practice which meet acceptable criteria offers this chance. Unfortunately, OFT-approved garage schemes are rare.

Bosch: the first OFT-approved garage scheme

Bosch produces many car parts and also has a network of around 400 Bosch Car Service garages, spread across the UK. These are independents that operate to Bosch's code of practice. In July 2007, Bosch was granted OFT approval for its code – the first of its kind.

Howard Price, Bosch's Technical Service Manager, told us: ‘Every garage is audited once a year, covering 130 check points and discussing any complaints.' He went on: ‘We also mystery shop 10% of the network each year, using prepared cars needing a service and with a number of known and introduced faults.'

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Disappointing results

The company's audit procedures for garages seem thorough – we want to see more schemes of this sort. However, our undercover work revealed that one of the garages to have missed all our faults – Motormaster of Leatherhead – was a Bosch Car Service centre.

When we put this to Howard Price he was very disappointed and said it was ‘unacceptable'. Mr Price promised this garage would have a site audit within 4 weeks and a full mystery shop within 3 months.

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