How to find a good garage and get the best service

Finding a good mechanic and garage can be challenging, especially if you’ve just changed cars or moved to a new area. 

In this guide, we take you through some basic steps to set you on your way to finding the right garage for you.

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1. How to find a good garage near you

We recommend checking Which? Trusted Trader mechanics and garages to see if there’s a local firm that’s part of the scheme. All the garages shown on Which? Trusted Trader have been subject to a credit and customer reference check, along with an assessment of their processes, documents, staff and complaints procedures. 

You can use our Trusted Trader search tool below to quickly find a reliable mechanic or garage near you. You can also check the Motor Ombudsman, which shows you garage that is signed up to its code of practice.

2. Get a quote and check prices in advance

You can now get an idea of how much a service or repair is likely to cost before a mechanic even looks at your car.

As long as you know roughly what you need the garage to do – such as a ‘major’ or ‘minor’ service, or to fix something specific – websites such as WhoCanFixMyCar, ClickMechanic and RAC Approved Garages and Accredited Repairers allow you to obtain quotes from garages in your area and book online to have the work done. While we haven’t tested or rated any of these services, they can give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend.

You’ll nearly always find that labour rates at local independent garages are significantly cheaper than a franchised dealer. However, you may be able to take advantage of a fixed-price servicing deal at a main dealer that can give you peace of mind over how much you’re going to pay.

Even if your car is still covered by its manufacturer warranty, you’re not always obliged to service it at a franchised dealer. Often, the only conditions that need to be met in order to maintain the warranty is for the car to be serviced in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and that any parts used (such as oil or air filters) are manufacturer-approved.

There are some warranties that require you to use a main dealer, however, so it’s best to check the exact terms of your warranty before booking in. 

3. What to do at the garage

Before the mechanic gets started on your service or repair, ask for a written quote and make sure it includes parts, labour and VAT. Check that the garage will use approved parts, so you don’t invalidate any remaining warranty on your car. You may like to enquire about a courtesy car for the duration of the work, but be wary of steep insurance excesses on such vehicles.

When you collect the car, ask for a clearly marked receipt or invoice that details the work done and parts used, and get a stamp in the service book. These will be useful to prove you’ve looked after the car when you come to sell it.

Also, consider asking the mechanic to show you the work they’ve done – if they’ve done the job properly, they will usually only be too pleased to show you and it’s a useful opportunity to learn about any issues you might need to have looked at again in the future. If you don’t feel confident to do this, try to take someone with you who is mechanically minded.

If the mechanic refuses to show you or something feels amiss once you’ve driven off the forecourt – especially with the brakes or another safety-critical part – consider getting the work checked by another mechanic at a different garage. In most cases, this should be quick and reasonably cheap for them to do.

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4. Stay on top of servicing

Prevention is better than cure, so stick to your car’s service schedule. This is normally outlined in the handbook (manual), along with any basic servicing tasks that you may be able to perform yourself. Some cars often don't require servicing annually, but are 'condition' based, with the on-board computer warning you that maintenance is required, based on their mileage and driving. Others will have a set mileage or year interval that you’ll need to meet.

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5. Be wary of aftermarket warranties

All new cars will come with a manufacturer warranty. These usually last three years, but some brands offer five or seven-year warranties. Once it runs out, it’s usually possible to extend it with the manufacturer (although, often on the condition a main dealer services the car) or you may be tempted to buy one from a third party. 

While third-party warranties can be a good option for some people, read the terms and conditions very carefully as there are likely to be all sorts of get-out clauses for the warranty provider that means you won’t get a penny back in certain situations. 

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