Halfords autocentre

[clk320x]

Would you get Halfords autocentre to work on your car? Need coolant leak investigated asap, and they are only place open Saturday.

 

[clk320x]

Would be the Northampton branch although if someone could recommend a branch they have had good experience from then I'd be more than happy to go

 

[John Jones Jr]

Would you get Halfords autocentre to work on your car? Need coolant leak investigated asap, and they are only place open Saturday.

Personally, I wouldn't consider it. It would be much better imo if you had someone like a family friend, neighbour etc with even basic mechanical knowledge to check over the car.

 

[CabrioDave]

My local Halfords did a "major service" for me last month. (Just bought the car, with little recent use and unclear history. It's 22 years old, so not going to M-B. I wanted the antifreeze and brakefluid changed, for peace of mind ... and while they were doing both of those, they may as well do the "full" service items such as oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, etc).

I was impressed. I told them the car was new to me, and I wanted to know the condition of the parts being replaced.

When I collected it, they had boxed up and bagged all the parts, and - without my asking - talked me through their condition (rather good, luckily!). Then the desk guy called over the one who'd worked on it, who talked me through everything he'd noticed. The paperwork included written report on what they'd found, measurements of pad and disk thickness, etc.

And yes, the door and boot locks, boot, bonnet and door hinges, and bonnet latch, had indeed all been greased.

Polite, helpful, straightforward ... and £225 the lot. No valeting done, of course!

I hope to do future stuff myself, where I can, but I'll certainly consider them again where I can't (or can't be bothered).

 

[markjay]

It is very difficult to answer this question.

I find that with large chains (KwikFit, ATS, National, etc) the quality of service is a bit of hit-and-miss, and depends largely on the particular branch and the specific technician assigned to deal with your car.

I had some good experiences and some bad ones....

The advantage of using a specialist is that you know what level of service and expertise you can expect.

 

[clk320x]

Does anyone know anyone on the forums with mechanical skills who could look over the car don't mind paying etc
Cheers

 

[clk320x]

*today
Cheers

 

[190]

The standard could be hit and miss who ever services a car including MB. If you get poor service the only difference will be how much they charge.

I'd happily give Halfords a try and if they do a good job you can go back and if they don't you have to try somewhere else next time. Surely we all apply the same principle where ever we go and that includes MB and specialists.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Asking the likes of Kwik Fit, Halfords etc to carry out a service is one thing, asking them to attend to a possible coolant loss is entirely something else.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

I had my van serviced at Halfords in wellingborough (for some reason, it's usually VW as VW finance book it!) and the courtesy car I was given stunk of Lynx and there was a packet of cheesy Doritos scattered across the back seat

Personally, I'd wait till Parkhams in Wellingborough is open. Nick will sort it out properly

 

[Johnrodenby83]

Definitely not they put a aux coolant pump on my merc and got it back eng management light straight back on they won't entertain the fact it's still a fault with it there had it time and time again and now they say they doing nothing else wouldn't give them a pedal bike to look at mate

 

[clk320x]

Cheers guys stayed away from them

 

[Johnrodenby83]

Iv had a night mare with them had my car in 3 times and the last time they rang me and said they not doing any thing else with it and gave me it back with engine management light on its going to another garage on Friday

 

[John]

I know of one near where I work which doesn't appear to have been too bad for a few colleagues who've used it.

I think like any of these outfits and any other business - they are only as good as the people employed...

I wouldn't personally use them unless it was necessity.

 

[dozypillock]

I had an experience with Halfords today.
Yesterday decided the old Volvo needed a thermostat and looked online etc. Found out could be had for around £6 from ECP. As I am working in Burgess Hill at the moment, and there is a Halfords just as I leave the trading estate I decided it would be easier to pop in there, pay a bit more, and it would save the hassle of trying to get to my local ECP.
Popped in, to be told, sorry, not in stock (system said it was) but they can get one for first thing next day.
Decided still easier to do this, as had other things to do. Paid £9 and ordered.
Went in today on way home. Part had arrived but not been booked in. Lady said I think I know what it is, and went to get the package.
Then presented me with a thermostat in a bag.
Had a closer look when I got home, and discovered it looked like it had been in at least one workshop before (maybe just supplied incorrectly but box tatty and oily fingerprints on it)
The bag containing it had ECPs logo all over it !!

Do Halfrauds just order from ECP themselves now? and mark up accordingly?

Neil

 

[fabes]

Yes, been there and seen the van turn up (QQ was being serviced there)