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Online car servicing market in UK
Its not just car insurance and road tax that motorists buy online nowadays, but car service too because of ease and savings that comes with it.
Many are happy online car servicing fits around their lifestyle and they dont have to make multiple trips to different garages and main dealers to get the best price for their car service. Motorists also dont have to drop their car off to get their car to it serviced itself. Free collection and delivery of the vehicle is offered on the day of the car service, giving customers huge convenience. Indeed motorists in the UK are gradually starting to book their car service online.
Evolution:
The “Block Exemption” Law which came in to force in 2003 had a big impact on the Automobile Aftermarket Industry. Ever since, car owners have been able to have their vehicles serviced and repaired by independent garages without affecting the cars warranty. When servicing a vehicle, the cars warranty isnt affected providing the parts used match the original manufactures specification and the manufacturer’s service schedule is followed. Companies like Servicing Stop, having over 1000 independent garages on their network have benefited from new rules following the Block Exemption. Now, car manufacturers are required to provide technical information to independent garages as they do for their franchise dealers already. Companies like Servicing Stop use advance internet technology to deliver top class customer service. Customers can easily book their car service though user friendly websites. Quotes specific to each model will be shown beforehand.
Significance:
Many consumers were discouraged by the considerable costs of having a car service through a franchised dealer. Customers did this without knowing that reputable independent serving centres can deliver the same or a better service at a fraction of the cost. UK motorists are already using sophisticated online booking systems to book their car service online.
Types:
There are many different types of online car servicing networks. Some may give the details of the local garage which then requires the customer to take their car to the respective garage. The parts needed for car servicing are delivered to the garage directly. The other type of service is that of companies providing free delivery and collection from either the customers home or office. All contact and issues would go through the car servicing company. Many would find the second type most convenient and hassle free.
Considerations:
Cars are complex machines both mechanically and electronically, therefore specific manufactures documentation is needed a lot of the times. Settings that apply to particular models wont necessarily apply to other models. The garages in the network must be able to easily obtain model specific technical information in order to complete all the jobs correctly. Under the current regulations car manufacturers are not permitted to restrict access to information necessary to allow independent garages to repair the vehicle.