Everything in life that involves people requires a foundation of trust. When you visit the doctor, you trust that he knows what he’s doing. And so the same applies to someone servicing your car. The workshop or garage you take it to – you trust that the technician will do a professional job… How can you have peace of mind regarding whom you choose?
A SURVEY ON WHAT SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORISTS THINK OF MECHANICS
‘Wheels24’ described, in a February 2016 article, the results of a survey that they conducted. Out of a total of 20 198 motorists surveyed, 43% (8770) said that it was a few bad mechanics that spoil it for everyone else. However, 26% (5203) of motorists felt that mechanics could not be trusted.
Those who felt they sometimes received good service comprised 16% (3206) of motorists. Only 7% (1370) were greatly satisfied with their mechanics. Finally, a meager 8% (1649) believed that South Africa actually has professional and qualified technicians. Thus, only 15% of all 20 198 motorists felt really positive about the professional status of mechanics in South Africa.
RESPONSE BY THE MOTOR INDUSTRY WORKSHOP ASSOCIATION (MIWA)
According to MIWA, it is unfortunate that many good mechanics are being tarred with the same brush because of some unprofessional mechanics.
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES FACING MECHANICS?
Motorists have a tough time paying dearly to maintain their cars and will want to justify every rand spent on any particular service. The challenge facing mechanics is the ever-increasing complexity of new car technology. This, in turn, has made servicing and repairing faults really difficult. Gone are the days when the mechanic could just ‘fiddle’ with the carburetor to make the car idle more smoothly. Sometimes, the situation facing a mechanic is too overwhelming, and he or she ends up bearing the brunt of customer complaints.
WHAT ASPECTS SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR WHEN SEARCHING FOR A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC?
Wheels24 article suggested the below guideline that motorists could follow.
A MECHANIC MUST BE A SPECIALIST OF A CERTAIN BRAND OF CAR
There is no point going to have your car serviced by a mechanic who is a ‘jack of all trades.’ One needs to find someone who has been involved with a particular car brand for years and years. These mechanics know their cars inside out, and also keep up with latest developments.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Even though you may not know much about cars, by having a good look at a garage’s facilities and how it is run can give you some idea of the degree of professionalism. There is nothing to stop you from asking about qualifications and experience of the mechanic(s) concerned, and ask to see relevant certificates.
WHAT KIND OF INVOICING PROCEDURE IS FOLLOWED?
Ask to see the format of their invoices. Do they itemise the cost of every car part used and the labour involved? Do they leave you with old parts as evidence that they have been replaced?
MOTORISTS’ EXPERIENCES ARE HELPFUL
Try and find out from motorists themselves, who have their cars regularly serviced at a particular garage, what their experience is with the mechanic(s) involved. Are there many come-backs?
THE FINAL ‘ACID’ TEST IS ACCREDITATION
Find out from the workshop if it has been accredited by a well-respected organisation such as MIWA. This will give you peace of mind. Second, at least you will have a hold on such companies regarding any complaints or unprofessionalism. You know that the garage knows this, and this adds to your confidence of entrusting your car to them.
WHAT OTHER ACCREDITATIONS ARE OUT THERE?
Some workshops are RMI-accredited and comply with the AA’s Quality Assured standards. RMI3 or the Retail Motor Industry organisation has 7500 members, and is a powerful mouthpiece, acting on their behalf. Government, insurance companies and car manufacturers will definitely listen when RMI has something to say. RMI has been in existence for over 100 years.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS PROVIDED BY RMI?
Being on the merSETA board, and involved with Technical manuals, RMI provides training across the motor industry. RMI provides advice regarding professional staff issues, and represents the retail motor industry at various SABS committees.
WHAT ARE THE AA’s QUALITY ASSURED STANDARDS?
Everything is great while your new car is being serviced under a motor plan, but what happens when that ends? Motorists need to have access to a trustworthy, high quality aftermarket service. The AA tries to satisfy this need with its Quality Assured (AAQA) accreditation programme. The AA has established service provider partners all over South Africa. They are audited by them to ensure their compliance to strict quality assurance standards.
We have read about a disturbing picture of what kind of car services you can expect in South Africa, but fortunately, accreditation has come to the rescue. Accreditation of workshops endeavours to provide much-needed professionalism and satisfaction to all South African motorists.
And while you are about it, make sure you have car insurance from a reputable company such as Prime Meridian Direct.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Why is it better to have certified professionals service my car? https://t.co/gGpT6FLmPC #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/A0IKJutYTw
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 17, 2018