The difficulty that comes in trying to find a reliable garage for your car can seem like a futile, on-going struggle for many motorists. The venture can seem even more taxing when you are in need of a place that handles diesel engines specifically.

However, no one is alone in this battle, as there are many established outlets of information that are dedicated solely to informing motorists of where they can count on reliable places to service your car. In addition to these resources, drivers should heed the advice of some time-tested tips that can assist them in identifying a garage where service levels should be top notch.

Launched in 2008, the Motor Industry Code of Practice is a listing of garages that only allows them to register when they meet strict standards and abide by certain regulations. Garages who are registered on this list typically display a sticker in their window in order to allow customers to understand the level of service that they will receive. If you are taking in your diesel car for a service or MOT, available at Bristol Street Motors, for the first time, then you’ll probably not realise that you can go to non-franchised garages without running the risk of invalidating your warranty. This information is valuable when shopping around for the best deal, a practice that all drivers should do as a matter of course.

There is another key item to look for should you choose to use a non-franchised garage. Insist that the garage only uses manufacturer parts on the service that they perform, so that you can keep your warranty intact. If you have any doubts about this part of the repair, then ascertain receipts and serial numbers for parts in order to ensure that the service is being carried out in accordance with what they say they will be doing. It also doesn’t hurt to do a few routine checks of your own, to prevent unplanned visits to the garage. Things like checking wiper blades, fluid levels and tyre pressures will ensure longevity of your car. If you do have anything go wrong, while warranties can vary greatly depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer, any work that is done which the warranty covers must be carried out by a franchised dealer in most cases. It is important to read over your warranty before you make any major repair decisions.

Understanding how the price you pay works when it comes to labour can also be valuable information when getting your car serviced, available at Bristol Street Motors, at a fair price. The technicians at franchised garages typically charge more for labour due to the fact that they receive much more training than your average mechanic. While the labour may be cheaper in independent garages, they are typically unable to deal will highly complex problems or those isolated to just one make and model. A garage’s hourly rates will vary greatly depending on where you are located, again, making it necessary to do your homework before you settle on any one shop.