See below for some answers to frequently asked questions.  If you have a query that isn't addressed here then please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

Value for Money

Is it true that you can service my car even though it is under warranty?

Yes, we can.  Thanks to European legislation, you can have your new vehicle serviced by us without invalidating your vehicle manufacturer's warranty. See the Block Exemption news item for more detail.

How much money can I save if I bring my car to you instead of a franchised dealer?

We estimate that we can save you up to 60% per hour on the prices that franchised dealers are charging. 

We use genuine parts so this saving is based on our cheaper labour rate.  We work hard to keep costs low so that we can afford to charge less per hour for our labour.

My new car has a free service package from the dealer, can you still save me money?

We’d advise you to check out the specific terms of your service package, but in most cases the answer to this question is a definite “Yes“.

In many cases these service packages only cover basic services and do not include items such as brake pads or discs etc.  Any additional work that is carried out to your car will be charged to you at the franchised dealers hourly rate!

Our advice would be to certainly take advantage of your service package, but to take note of any additional items that are not covered and come to CarWorks to get them addressed at a fraction of the cost!

What if I have an older car and would prefer to use aftermarket parts rather than genuine parts.  Can you do that?

Yes, we understand that maintaining a car is expensive and we are happy to provide you with a choice of genuine parts or aftermarket parts.  That way, you can choose what option best suits your pocket! 

Convenience and Quality

Do you use genuine parts?

Yes, when working on Volkswagen-Audi group cars we always use genuine quality parts, unless otherwise agreed with our customer.

For all other makes of car we use genuine dealer parts at the request of the customer.

Are you the cheapest garage in this region?

No, we aren’t the cheapest garage in the surrounding area, and to be honest we don’t aim to be. 

While we compete very favourably with the franchised dealer network, we aren’t in the market to compete with the countless mechanics out there that offer “homers” at a very cheap rate.

However, what we do offer is a very high quality service at a fair price.  This seems to be what our customers want and need, keeping them coming through the doors again and again.

Can you work on my car while I wait?

Of course!  We’ll give you an estimate of how long the job will take and you can choose to wait if it suits you.  We have a comfortable waiting room where you can work/relax as you wish.

We also have a window into the workshop so that you can view the work that is being carried out on your car.

If you fancy a bit of shopping or a bite to eat then we can drop you off at the Junction One shopping outlet and pick you up again when your car is ready.

Product Offering

Why do you specialise in VAG and BMW cars?

Trevor McKee, owner of CarWorks, has a wealth of experience in working on both VAG and BMW cars, both in the franchised dealer and independent garage networks.

This experience, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for working on these makes of cars has led to us specialising in these vehicles.

Do you only work on Volkswagen-Audi Group and BMW cars?

While we do specialise in these cars, we have a lot of experience in working on other makes and models.

Can you provide me with a written estimate before starting work?

Yes, we are more than happy to provide written estimates.  We can email you a copy of the estimate if that is convenient for you.

What if my car needs more work than what was initially estimated?

We’ll always ask you for a contact number so that we can give you a call if we feel that your car needs something above and beyond what was estimated.

That way, we can explain what is needed, how urgent it is and also let you know how much extra it will cost.  The choice is then yours as to whether we proceed with the extra work.

Can you provide me with an itemised invoice?

Yes, as a VAT registered garage we are obliged to give you an invoice detailing the work carried out.

We split our invoices into two sections - Parts and Labour.  This allows you to see where the bulk of the cost is coming from for any given job.

Can you stamp my service book reset my service light?

Yes, we always do both.  That way, you keep a documented service history for the car which will ensure that you get a top price when you go to sell it.

What are your facilities like?

We have a 2,600 square foot workshop which is equipped with the latest tools and diagnostic equipment.

We don’t have a snazzy, shiny new building like some of the franchised dealers…but this is another way that we manage to keep our costs to a minimum and therefore keep our hourly rates as low as we can.

Fleet Work

Do you do work for fleets/business vehicles?

Yes, a significant portion of our work is currently carried out for local business fleets.

Since early 2007 we have serviced and maintained a fleet of over 30 Audi vehicles for one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains.

We fully understand the importance of keeping vehicles on the road, but also balance this with an awareness of recent legislation relating to the roadworthiness of vehicles (e.g. the implications of the Corporate Manslaughter act)

Do you subscribe to the 1Link network?

Yes we do.  1link has become the industry standard for the provision of the complete service and maintenance function, through the definition of supplier networks, service booking, electronic authorisation and payment processing.

Do you offer discounts for fleet customers?

We do offer generous discounts for business fleets, so please don't hesitate to contact us for further details.