Motorists urged to do their homework
The Motor Ombudsman is encouraging motorists to spend time doing research to ensure that the independent garage or franchised car dealership is accredited to the body when buying, repairing or servicing a vehicle.
Using an accredited business gives consumers important peace of mind, as the retailer or repairer has committed to The Motor Ombudsman’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Codes of Practice for service and repair and vehicle sales.
The Codes are a comprehensive set of operating guidelines which have been designed to allow a business to operate to even higher standards and deliver exemplary customer service and workmanship. This includes the use of clear pricing and invoicing, advertising which is factually correct and only carrying out work which has been agreed beforehand with the vehicle owner.
Bill Fennell, chief Ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, explained, ‘When it comes to buying a car or having routine maintenance on a vehicle, consumers regularly have a large choice of garages in their local area. It can therefore be difficult to make a decision as to where to go, and to determine the criteria on which to base it.
‘A few seconds of research is all it takes to ensure that the garage is accredited to us. This will help to alleviate these common concerns, whilst at the same time, give individuals the reassurance and confidence that the business will value their custom and act in their best interests.’
