Can a garage refuse to give your car back...

Whiteknight

on safety grounds?

I went to a garage chain (Kwik Fit) to ask for an price on how much it would cost to replace the back brakes and disks on the car and to check if there is a problem with the handbrake.

I was told that they would need take a look at the car which is fair enough. What I am worried about it that once they have the car and the wheels off they will discover major problems, they will tell me what work is needed and how much it will cost.

Depending on this price I will either decide to have any work done or will thank them and tell them I will take it elsewhere.

Can they refuse to give me the car back until the work is done citing safety reasons

uptheanti

no they cant refuse to give it back its your resposibility to make sure it roadworthy/safe no theres they will just inform you of any problems it still belongs to you

flashg67

I'm not a lawyer, but as far as I'm aware, no they can't! Unless you've agreed to have any work done apart from a check, then they can't keep your car, only advise you of any defects. If you choose to take the car, it's your choice (and your lookout!)

I used to work in fast-fit, and the free brake check was a sales tool but I would never have threatened not to return a car!

If you're unsure, it's always best to seek a second opinion. If you're not happy with Kwik-fit - stand your ground and politely but firmly ask for your car back. A threat to call their head office would soon do the trick I suspect anyway!

I hope it doesn't get to that stage and I doubt it will, so don't panic unneccessarily - where ever you take it, they might find something wrong, but surely you're better off knowing?

Good luck!

vikingaero

If you're that worried about it then take a spare key along.

lucylucky

Are there major problems with your car?

cajef

Whiteknight wrote: »

What I am worried about it that once they have the car and the wheels off they will discover major problems, they will tell me what work is needed and how much it will cost.

Do NOT use Crap Fit, you can guarantee that they will discover major work as well as the work you specify, probably front pads and disc's, steering alignment and tyres etc. etc. it would be cheaper to buy a new car than go to them.

Find a reliable independent garage and get a quote from them.

Hammyman

Amazingly I took my car to Crap Fit for an oil and filter change on Sunday. They did just the change and didn't do anything else. It came as a bit of a shock.

d123

Try anyone but KwikFit, as everyone says, they will always find faults, even with things that aren't faulty.

Worst place you can go IMO.

eslick

years and years ago took our 205 go them, only because wanted to check the depth of the pads. The quote was for £450, took it to a small local garage and he quoted me £150 for the same work, went to pick up the car and he said that will be £30, said you told me £150 and he said that was for the list of things you told me needed doing, you took it to fit didnt you, didnt need any of those things doing to it. Never been back.

cajef

They told my daughter she needed new disc's and pads after they checked it on the front of her two year old Mazda BT50 pickup, cost £350, she took it to them after she had a vibration braking on a steep downhill, when I checked it over and then went out with her there was nothing wrong with the brakes it was just the ABS cutting in under hard braking.

lucylucky

d123 wrote: »

Try anyone but KwikFit, as everyone says, they will always find faults, even with things that aren't faulty.

Worst place you can go IMO.

If you read the post above yours you will see that that is not always the case;)

Not that I would recommend them myself but I have a great local garage.