Motorists 'have to trust garages'

20/01/12

By Steven Birch

Trust is the most important factor for motorists when it comes to choosing a garage to maintain their car, according to research.

Despite the current financial climate, the prices and convenience offered by garages are only a secondary concern next to knowing they are reliable.

The study, completed by Kwik Fit, showed that 45 per cent of motorists will always look to return to a garage they have used before and been happy with. Meanwhile, only 24 per cent actively seek out the lowest price and a fifth of drivers just go to the nearest garage.

More than three quarters of those asked said they would always remain loyal to a garage they trust where possible, with 30 per cent even saying not even rock bottom prices could persuade them to switch.

When it comes to putting the car in for an MoT or a service, only 8% said they would be willing to risk trying a new garage.

To win the trust of motorists it takes around three visits, according to 74 per cent of respondents. But 3 per cent of drivers said it takes at least seven visits to earn their confidence.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: "It's encouraging to see that even in times of financial hardship, motorists are not abandoning their loyalty to a decent garage."