Motorists should get their cars checked out by an Industry Code-subscribing garage before setting out on the first big getaway of the year
With an estimated 10 million motorists preparing to hit the road this weekend, Motor Codes Ltd is urging drivers to make sure their car is in tiptop condition before they set off to avoid possible costly repairs and roadside heartache over the bank holiday weekend.
More and more people are saving money by holidaying in the UK but risk ruining their long weekend with a motoring breakdown. A small investment in a general service after the harsh winter months may save you money and help make the most of the Easter holidays. The cost of a service is likely to be considerably cheaper than having to deal with a breakdown on the motorway or having the car recovered to a garage for repair.
“With visits to friends and family planned, this is a very busy period for road users and probably the worst time of year to have the worry of being delayed due to a lack of minor maintenance. For a small investment of time and money, I would urge all drivers to get their cars thoroughly checked and serviced before they set off,” said Motor Codes director, Chris Mason. “While we should all carry out the basic checks before leaving home, I recommend drivers get qualified advice on the roadworthiness of their vehicle before joining the mass of holiday traffic.”
Motor Codes Ltd is an independent company set up to run the motor industry codes of practice. The newly launched Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair monitors pricing, quality of work and customer service among the UK’s garages. The Code commits subscribing garages to:
- honest and fair services
- open and transparent pricing
- completing work as agreed
- invoices that match quoted prices
- competent and conscientious staff
- a straightforward, swift complaints procedure
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair safeguards consumer interests by helping them identify responsible garages and encourage the sector to raise and maintain a high standard of customer service.
It offers motorists:
- an online search facility allowing consumers to locate their nearest subscribing garage
- a free consumer advice line (020 7344 1651)
- free conciliation and low cost, legally binding arbitration
Around 5,000 garages in the UK have already subscribed to the Code which is currently progressing through the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. It has completed the first stage of the OFT’s code approval process and is now the UK’s widest-reaching and most influential garage approval scheme.
