Website gears up to protect motorists against dodgy garages

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A motoring website is racing ahead in the battle to guard drivers against rip-off garages.

According to Mintel, 60 per cent of drivers* say that when deciding where to get their car serviced, the main factor affecting their choice is ‘that they are not ripped off’ – so website whocanfixmycar.com is helping car owners to find trustworthy mechanics in their local areas.

Two thirds of motorists* are seeking out independent garages or main dealers for their car repairs and servicing, and there is continued concern amongst car owners that several traders overcharge for their services, taking advantage of customers’ lack of specialist motoring knowledge. Last year, helpline Consumer Direct received 17,792 complaints about car servicing and repairs in the first 10 months.

However, at whocanfixmycar.com , motorists post details of what they require, such as a repair or an MOT, and wait for local mechanics and garages to provide quotes. The car owners can then review all the quotes they’ve received, read other users’ feedback about the garages, and handpick the garage they’d like to use.

Ian Griffiths, CEO of whocanfixmycar.com, said: “Drivers want to be able to trust a garage not to do more work than is necessary, and to provide a quality service. Unfortunately, some garages give the motor trade a poor reputation, but we’re working to combat this by helping motorists to find reputable mechanics in their local area.

“It’s a win-win situation, because mechanics find more business in the community, and drivers are put in touch with a reliable, cost effective mechanic in their area who they can go back to time and time again.”

The site launched last year and currently has almost 3000 mechanics listed, with more than 4600 current jobs posted by drivers.

* Car Service and Maintenance Repair Report, Mintel, October 2011, based on 1,433 internet users aged 16+ who drive a car.