With Bonfire Night almost upon us, the minds of many motorists are likely to be focused on planning fireside parties rather than maintaining their cars. However, to ensure that the only bangers going up in smoke are fireworks, industry regulatory body Motor Codes Ltd is recommending drivers to have their cars serviced this autumn at a Code-subscribing garage.
When faced with the wealth of franchised dealerships, national servicing specialists and independent MOT and repair centres, it is always difficult knowing which garage to choose. As many people don’t know their valves from their pistons, there’s always the concern of being ripped-off by a dodgy garage.
Backed by government, vehicle manufacturers, industry bodies and the service sector, Motor Codes Ltd has consumer interests at heart. It aims to improve the overall performance of garages across the industry by setting out standards that the service and repair trade should adhere to. Motor Codes also offers a free phone advice line (0800 692 0825) to the public and provides an independent complaints procedure for anyone using a subscribing business.
Across the country, thousands of garages have signed up to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, declaring publicly their commitment to fair and honest trading. These garages all display the Motor Codes logo and can be easily found using a postcode search function at www.motorcodes.co.uk.
Each Motor Codes-subscribing garage is monitored by the RAC to ensure that they comply with the Code’s customer service standards, in addition to making sure that the quality of workmanship meets or exceeds appropriate levels. Additionally, an Independent Compliance Assessment Panel, whose work is monitored by the Office of Fair Trading, tracks customer satisfaction over time ensuring that only those garages that comply with the Code are permitted to trade using its name.
For more information on Motor Codes Ltd or the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, visit www.motorcodes.co.uk.
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