An accredited workshop will do the best job

IT IS time for your regular maintenance service or your vehicle is in need of a repair and you need to find a mechanic that can do the job well. Where do you start looking?

There are a number of factors that you should consider, but the most important is accreditation.

“If a workshop has been accredited by a reputable association you can be assured of good workmanship, but also recourse should the job not be done to acceptable standards,” Les Mc Master, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa), said.

Gone were the days of the having to take your vehicle to the proverbial “greasemonkey”, Mc Master said. “Accredited independent workshops are now run by highly skilled mechanics, with excellent service levels, administrative support and quality parts and machinery. The key is to ensure you select an accredited workshop.”

During the accreditation process a workshop undergoes a thorough assessment. Aspects including the health and safety operating procedures are scrutinised, as are the premises, equipment, administration, waste removal, staffing and so on. Even aspects of the business such as parking facilities, lighting, ventilation and uniforms are inspected.

The Miwa accreditation and grading process includes a 20-point document of proof of compliance to Health and Safety policies that members must adhere to before they receive their accreditation.

“It is a rigorous process that we believe is essential to ensure customers know they are dealing with professionals and feel protected,” Mc Master said.

The level of staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process.

“Often we find that mechanics previously employed at larger dealerships branch out and start their own workshops, bringing with them the specialist skills to work on specific vehicle makes.

“By using an accredited workshop, customers can feel reassured that they are dealing with highly trained individuals who are at the same level, if not more advanced, than those found at dealerships.

“And the good news is these workshops will do repairs at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at a dealership,” Mc Master pointed out.

Possibly the most important benefit of using an accredited workshop is the knowledge that there is an association you can deal with in the event of a bad service or poor workmanship experience.

“Owning a motor vehicle is a big investment. The purchase price alone is a major financial commitment and repairs don’t come cheap. It is very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price.

“If this is not your experience then you need to approach Miwa and the association will assist in a conflict resolution process on behalf of its member,” Mc Master said.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when contacting a workshop.”