FAQ
Questions about your car, answered
Pick a tab. If your question is not here, call the workshop: the technicians pick up between jobs.
Will a service here keep my manufacturer warranty?
Yes. Block exemption rules let you have a new car serviced anywhere, as long as the work follows the manufacturer schedule and uses parts of matching quality. We do both, stamp your book and add the record to the digital service history.
What is the difference between interim, full and major?
An interim service is an oil and filter change with 42 checks, for cars doing high mileage between full services. A full service is the yearly one: oil, air and cabin filters and 68 checks. A major service adds spark plugs (or a diesel fuel filter), brake fluid and coolant, usually every second year.
Can I wait while you do it?
Yes, for jobs up to 2½ hours: interim and full services, brakes, the annual test and diagnostics. Longer jobs are drop-off only. The waiting room has wifi, a desk and coffee.
Do you service hybrids and electric cars?
Yes. Two of our technicians hold high-voltage qualifications and we have the equipment to isolate the battery safely. Electric services cost less because there is no oil, filter or spark plugs to change.
What if you find something else wrong?
We stop, call you, explain it and send a photo with a fixed price. Nothing extra is done without your yes. Amber items go on your report with a date to look at them again.
How do I get a price for a repair that is not on your list?
Book a diagnostic check (£69). We find the fault, give you a fixed price for the repair, and take the £69 off if you go ahead within 30 days.
Do you use genuine parts?
We fit parts that match the original specification from the same suppliers the factories buy from. If you want genuine dealer parts we will order them and quote the difference before we start.
How long is the warranty on repairs?
24 months or 24,000 miles on parts and labour, whichever comes first. If something fails away from Reading, call us first and we will arrange the repair under the warranty.
Can I have a courtesy car?
We have 2 small hatchbacks for drop-off jobs, free for the day. Book one with your slot; you need a full licence and to be over 23.
Can I bring my own parts?
We would rather not: we cannot warranty a part we did not supply. If you do, labour is charged at our hourly rate and the part is not covered.
What is included in the fitted price?
The tyre, fitting, a new valve, wheel balancing and recycling your old tyre. There is nothing else to add at the till.
Do I need to replace tyres in pairs?
Not always, but the two tyres on an axle should have similar tread. If one is worn and the other has plenty left, we will tell you and fit just one.
Which tier should I choose?
Budget tyres are fine for low-mileage town driving. Mid-range is what most customers pick. Premium tyres stop shortest in the wet and last longest, which pays back on motorway mileage.
Do you do wheel alignment?
Yes, a four-wheel alignment check is £39 and takes about 40 minutes. We recommend it with new front tyres if the old ones wore on one edge.
Where do I find my tyre size?
On the tyre sidewall, as three numbers like 205/55 R16: width in millimetres, profile as a percentage of the width, and rim size in inches. It is also inside the driver’s door frame.