When our car stops working or faces an issue, it feels like the entire routine is disturbed. We also try to fix the issue at the earliest time. But sometimes we do not get the required results from the services. And it not only wastes our money but also wastes our time.
To avoid this problem, next time when you find a car service in Knoxfield, know your rights as a customer. When you are aware of your rights, you can speak for yourself and raise your voice if the results are not satisfactory. Let’s understand what rights you hold to get the expected results from car services.
Your rights before booking
Get an estimate
When visiting a service centre, do not finalise the deal before getting the written estimate. As a customer, it is your right to ask them to provide you with a written estimate so you can also be aware of how much you are supposed to pay at the end.
Sometimes we do not ask for this and get a surprising bill at the end, as you don’t even have any proof, you don’t even have a counter. This written estimate can work as proof if they charge you more than that.
Approve any extra work
This is a very basic thing you have to clear with them. You may be having one repair issue, but when mechanics closely check all the parts, they may find other issues. But before they proceed with the process, they have to ask for your permission.
It is your right to understand and know what the problem is with your car. If you find it genuine and give your permission, then only they should do extra work. This makes you aware of your car and also saves you money from unnecessary spending.
Understand the policy
You are handing over your car to someone, so it is your right to know everything about their services. How they accept payments, if you can cancel the deal during the servicing or about the warranties.
They can’t decline to provide any of this information. When you are aware of their policies, you make better decisions whether to consider their services or look for another.
You have a right to quality work
When you are servicing your car, you are paying decent money for that. If you are doing what is needed, then it is their responsibility to provide you with quality results. You have the right to demand quality services, and they have to provide you with that.
If you are visiting them for some issue, then it should be fixed in one time. Even after repairing, if you are facing the same problem again, then they should take responsibility for that.
You have a right to a warranty
As a customer, you have a right to ask for guaranteed results. If you are doing major repair services and there is a need for a part replacement, then you can ask for the warranty of those parts.
If you have a service and parts warranty with you, then you can claim the expense if your car faces the same issue within the time limit of the warranty.
Proof of payment
As a customer, you have the right to get the proper invoice once you clear the payment. It applies to them also. If they are charging money for using quality parts. Then you have the right to see the bills for those quality parts. Saving these payment receipts and bills of the parts can help you if things go wrong.
What to do if things go wrong
Talk to the service provider first: If you are facing any issues with car repair, then calmly talk with the manager. Make him understand your problem and tell them you have all the records with you. Try to resolve your issues with proper communication.
Write a formal complaint: If you can’t resolve the issue by talking with the manager, then you can take the next step. You can file your complaint with a customer protection agency. Be prepared with all the proofs and records to support your complaint.
How to protect your rights
You have the right to get satisfactory results, but for that, finding a reliable service provider is also important. Check the customer reviews and their reputation in the market. How long they have been in this field, and if they have any recognised certificates to run the services. An honest and professional service provider will make sure you don’t have any complaints about the services they provide.
Conclusion
You purchase the car with your hard-earned money, so before giving it to any service centre, know all your rights to protect it. Ask questions as you have the right to know about your car, and the service provider who will handle your car. Get everything in writing and maintain proper records and bills as proof if something goes wrong.