Motor Codes: 45% of Motorists Feel Ripped Off by Their Garage

According to the findings of a study commissioned by Motor Codes, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders subsidiary established to act as the self regulatory body for the automotive sector, more than an estimated 14 million motorists feel short changed by their local service and repair garages. A sample survey of 1,194 UK motorists shows some 45 per cent of drivers have experienced this ripped off feeling, Motor Codes reports. Those living in the East of England have saw most cause for complaint, with a third claiming to be short changed, compared with just 17 per cent of Northern Ireland motorists. A quarter of motorists considered themselves between £51 and £150 out of pocket, and five per cent felt their wallets to be at least ₤300 lighter following an encounter with their local garage. In total, Motor Codes estimates that some ₤2.4 billion in motorists’ money is being lost in this way.

“The service and repair sector historically has a bad reputation when it comes to cost,” said Chris Mason, Motor Codes director. “Despite there being many very good UK garages, the public’s bad experiences with some has brought about a lack of trust. There are over 6,200 garages that subscribe to Motor Codes across the country and these businesses buck the disappointed motorist trend.  Customer surveys show an industry leading 91 per cent satisfaction rate from customers visiting Motor Codes garages, we’d like every motorist to feel this satisfied.”

Motor Codes operates a self regulatory code of practice for garages across the country, the aim of which is to ensure motorists receive consistently high standards of service. To help achieve this goal, Motor Codes has announced its ‘Golden Garages’ competition, said to be the UK’s first competition to uncover the best service and repair garages. The competition, details of which can be found at www.goldengarages.co.uk, runs until the end of March and offers prizes totalling more than ₤16,000.

“The launch of our Golden Garages competition aims to champion the great service and repair centres across Britain, so that consumers know they can place their trust once more in their local workshops,” Mason continued.

 “Going to a garage can understandably be quite daunting for both men and women. You practically have to be a mechanic yourself to spot when you’re being ripped off by a dishonest garage – it’s even something that I’ve experienced,” added Golden Garages judging panel member, racing driver and  television personality Vicki Butler-Henderson. “The Golden Garages competition will champion the best garages out there so that motorists can be confident of taking their car for a service or repair.”