Servicing at Mercedes or Halfords?

[markjay]

My experience with national chains in general is that it really depends on the branch and staff. They don't seem to have corporate culture, so if you find a branch with a good manager and helpful staff you'll be fine.

Also, there's one advantage to chain outlets compared to small garages, and it's that their staff get trained by-the-book: tighten roadwheels to torque, etc. Sadly many do not follow the training they received, but for those who do care about what they do, they have the training and tools to do a proper job.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

I just can't believe they would send a car out with a wheel bolt missing after the customer has paid £700 for a repair and tyres.

Wheel bolt, £3 at local factors.

 

[markjay]

I just can't believe they would send a car out with a wheel bolt missing after the customer has paid £700 for a repair and tyres.

Wheel bolt, £3 at local factors.

It may have fallen-off after not being properly tightened... (not that it makes it any better)

 

[pmcgsmurf]

It may have fallen-off after not being properly tightened... (not that it makes it any better)

They had to get a specialist to remove the damaged lock nut, will have knackered this removing it, think it is more likely they just didn't bother replacing.

 

[Bert_W164]

I tried to use Halfords for an oil change during the extreme heatwave we had, they kept the car in and then said due to the type of car it is they don't have the tools available and to leave it with them overnight.

The waiting part was fine, masking their lack of available resources/ramp availability as "the type of car" nonsense annoyed me.

On the other hand Mercedes took my car in for diagnostics and a day and a half later said they have no idea when they'll diagnose it...

In both instances I just ended up buying tools required for the jobs I needed doing, and done it myself.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Local Halfords Auto Centre tale of woe...........

Shock they changed the spring on is leaking and the drop link is screwed.

I'd guess they went to springs r us for the spring rather than taking into account the many options available (colour codes on springs).

Car in question is back with them today to get their opinion.

We already have the new shock and spring here so you can imagine how confident we are.

 

[neilrr]

My son's first car, a 2003 Yaris, was owned by a non-car guy who got it from his elderly aunt when she stopped driving. It was a commuting tool, an appliance used for his 17 mile journey up & down a fast A road dual carriageway that was to all intents a 2 lane motorway. Once a year for 7 or 8 years he dropped it off at the local Kwikfit for an MOT & service.

In nearly 3 years that car has run like a top & been 100% reliable, needing only a brake light & new front pads. Mostly Toyota I grant you but KF servicing doesn't seem to have harmed it.