What changes how long it takes
| Roughly | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| A basic service (oil, filter, checks) | Hours of work, often back the same day | A set list of jobs |
| A bigger scheduled service | Longer, and often the whole day | More filters, fluids and parts on the list |
| Service and WoF together | Add the inspection | Two jobs on one visit |
| Cambelt due as well | Can run to a full day or more | Much of the front of the engine comes apart |
| A fault found on the hoist | Depends on your yes and the parts | The garage should ring before extra work |
| A part not in stock locally | Can be a few days | Consumer Protection mentions this |
Why does the garage keep the car longer than the work takes?
Because a garage runs a queue. Consumer Protection says your service or warrant will be scheduled around other jobs, and that the garage may need the car for longer than the labour hours on the estimate or quote. Its advice is to take the car in when you don't urgently need it back.
So the hours on the quote tell you how much work is involved. The pick-up time tells you when you'll have the car again. Ask for both.
What makes a service run longer
- A cambelt, spark plugs or other long-interval items due on the same visit.
- Rusted or seized bolts on an older car.
- Extra work found during the service that needs your go-ahead.
- Parts that have to come in from elsewhere.
- A WoF inspection on the same visit.
- A Japanese import or a less common model, where the garage needs to look up the schedule or order filters.
How to keep the day on track
Say what's due when you arrange it
Give the garage the kilometres and anything you've noticed, so the parts can be there on the day.
Drop it off early
First thing in the morning gives the garage the whole day to work with.
Ask for a finish time
And ask them to ring you if that changes.
Keep your phone handy
Consumer Protection suggests telling the garage not to do extra work without your approval. A missed call can leave the car waiting for your answer.
Say if you need it back by a set time
Tell them at drop-off, not at pick-up.
Would a mobile mechanic be quicker?
For a routine service, a mobile mechanic works on the car where it's parked, at home or at work, so you don't lose the drive to the garage or the car for the day. The work itself takes about as long. Jobs that need a hoist, or a big job like a cambelt, usually still mean a garage.
What if the garage takes much longer than it said?
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, a service has to be finished within a reasonable time if no time was agreed. If a time was agreed and it slips without a good reason, talk to the garage first. If you can't agree, the Disputes Tribunal can make a binding decision, and it's quicker and less formal than court.
Most delays come down to parts, or extra work you said yes to. Getting the finish time written on the job card at drop-off heads off most arguments.
Questions to ask at drop-off
- What time will it be ready, and will you ring if that changes?
- Is anything else due at these kilometres, like a cambelt or spark plugs?
- Do you do WoF inspections, and can it be done on the same visit?
- Will you call before any extra work, with the price?
- Are the parts already here?
What you can do to save time
You can
- Have the service book or last invoice ready.
- Write down any noises, leaks or warning lights for the garage.
- Clear the boot if the spare or the jack might need checking.
- Keep your phone on for the approval call.
Leave to the mechanic
- The service itself, to the maker's schedule.
- Anything that needs the car up on a hoist.
- Finding and quoting any extra work.
What we'd do
We'd drop the car off first thing, say what's due and what we've noticed, and ask for a finish time and a phone call before any extra work. Then we'd plan the day as if the car's gone until late afternoon, and treat an early call as a bonus.
Getting a service sorted
Tell us the make, the model and the kilometres, and whether the WoF is due as well. A local mechanic rings you to arrange a time that suits the car and your day.