MOT/Service advice

Chain garages such as Halfrods, Kwik-Fit and National tyres run on quotas for failures to generate revenue which is why they give away "free MOT's" (my father in law is a retired MOT tester).

As someone else said go to A66 for test and highly recommended local garages for any work you can't do yourself
 
If A66 is just a test centre, if you need work doing to pass, I guess you then need to go back to A66 to get it cleared? Would you have to pay for a second MOT?
 
Cheers for the advice all, I have booked into Halfords for an oil and filter change, they done a great deal on a package but couldn't bring myself to book there after all the bad reviews. The deal I got on oil and filter change after a voucher code was pretty good. I have then booked into A&K Garage in Oxbridge, which have been great over the years, the reason for my post initially is I wondered if there was a level of service all garages have to adhere to, based on replies, apparently not.
 
AytonMews said:
Are you allowed to drive your car to a garage if it’s just failed it’s MOT?
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As long as your existing MOT certificate is still in date and nothing flags up as 'dangerous'. I normally get my car serviced just before MOT so anything dangerous would be seen at that point. I use AW autoworks on Thornaby Ind estate for my BMW service. They are BMW/Mini specialists. Top lads Gary and Andy, would never rip you off. Used them for 10+ years.
 
update, Halfords have rang and said my car is ready to pick up after oil and filter change. said the front break discs are in bad shape and I should get them changed, weirdly didnt know this check was part of a oil and filter change. Will feedback to see what my MOT check feeds back with.
 
just got the report and needs fixing is brake discs, excessive wear - renew front brake discs - £207 quoted for them and additional £132.60 quoted for renew front brake pads brakes 4 life £132.60. all very confusion and something I will certainly not be paying for.
 
Soutra said:
I had a car fail its first MOT for some suspension related issue. I took it to another garage and it was passed. No mention of the suspension issue (there was no suspension issue).

I think standards for MOT inspections vary a great deal.
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It’s unbelievable some of the rip off merchants out there in terms of garages, I’ve had the same B/S off garages and took it elsewhere only to be told that there is nothing wrong with.
I use the garage at Eston for MOTs and other bits of work; Eston autos. Ian. Straight up guy. Fair and honest!!!!
 
My friend's dad left a large branch of Halfords after one week of seeing how they do things. Was expected to perform multiple times the amount of MoTs which a Ford dealership would normally schedule a mechanic to perform, so no way could the full checks be made before they've even made their gamble on how many 'repairs' you need.
 
S7DiscoDown said:
I used to use both for tyres. They were alright and usually had some sort of deals.

Yet I had a dodgy experience with Halfords. I purchased a car and decided to book it in for a free brake health check. They phoned me back saying the rear disks and pads were near to the legal limit. The fronts were not much better. They quoted me £575 to change them all.

I had the car booked in with Ford a week later for a service. I asked them to look at my brakes as I'd be advised to change them all. I didn't hear anything until the phone call to say the car was ready to collect from the service. I asked about the brakes. All of them were well with in the legal limit and wouldn't even be an advisory on an MOT. The technician was stunned yet not surprised when I told him what Halfords had said.

I have never used Halfords again. Infact I now get tyres from Black Circles. Always cheaper.

That maybe a one off. Yet it's enough to lose my custom for life. I believe both Halfords and Kwik fit employ a lot of trainee mechanics from college's. I know you have to get experience from somewhere. Yet how well are they trained or supervised ?
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I normally use In'n'Out on portrack lane. They once sent me a video of an issue they had found and asked me if they wanted them to sort it.
My car passed its MOT on Wednesday with a couple of advisories. They quoted £205 for rear discs and pads, supplied and fitted.
 
Just save money on MOTs by having a new car every 2 years. Yes cars are MOT free for first 3 years but who wants to take that 3rd year chance that something is developing. Oooo, not me.. Just fork out a new 3k deposit and 300 quid a month to avoid these expensive 49 quid trips to the MOT place and possible anxiety ove a defected wiper blade. Imagine my peace of mind now
 
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