Engine management diagnosis on modern cars can be a complicated task. It is impossible to estimate in advance the time it will take to identify a fault, and therefore we cannot give a quotation based on the time it will take to find it. Many garages will tell you their hourly labour charge, and say things like "it takes as long as it takes" and "it could be hundreds of pounds". This is not helpful to the customer, and so we have decided to make a fixed diagnosis charge irrespective of the time it takes.
I'm sure some of you think we speak a foreign language when it comes to cars - and you're probably right! - but sometimes we cannot immediately identify what the customer is asking us to fix, and it isn't always apparent when we first check the vehicle. At other times, like going to the doctor, the car doesn't play up the day you bring it in. So the fixed diagnosis price will also cover any intermittent faults and the odd occasion where a fault is not completely fixed first time. So, if you come in a second time for the same fault within two weeks of your first visit, there is NO further diagnosis charge. In any case you will only have to pay for the subsequent repair if you choose to have it done.
Tips and hints when asking for a diagnosis:
2. Bring the car in the night before if the problem only occurs when it's cold, and be prepared to leave it the next night for a check the following morning.
3. Be prepared to make alternative travel arrangements in case we need to keep the car for a few days.
What we are trying to achieve is a speedy, effective repair that costs you as little as possible (but make a modest profit so we are here the next time you need us!!)
We also carry out diagnosis on ABS (Anti-lock Braking) and AB (Air-bag) Systems.