Avoid garage complaints – Do it yourself

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote: “If you want a thing to be well done, you must do it yourself.” He was not thinking of cars in 1858 but his proverb still holds true today.

The DTI has estimated that shoddy repair work could be costing UK motorists up to £4 billion per year, and last year alone the government's consumer advice line received an incredible 23,000 complaints about garages. In response, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has launched a new code of practice for garages to try to ensure minimum standards of service. However, for routine maintenance and minor faults, most drivers should be able to avoid using a garage by following Longfellow's advice – do it yourself. Checking oil and coolant levels and tyre pressures are straightforward weekly tasks which take just a few moments and require minimal equipment. Failed light bulbs and worn windscreen wiper blades can be replaced easily.

For drivers who are a little more ambitious, minor servicing tasks can be undertaken together with jobs such as replacing brake pads or a failed alternator. Because few handbooks supplied by motor manufacturers give details of how to do such jobs, it is essential for drivers to buy a repair and maintenance manual for their make and model of car. Haynes is unquestionably the world leader in manuals, having sold more than 150 million around the globe. It publishes manuals for the majority of cars and motorcycles on British roads and regularly launches new ones (go to haynes.co.uk for a full list).

Each manual is fully illustrated and explains precisely how to undertake each task – with the degree of difficulty rated. There are weekly and monthly maintenance schedules as well as useful information on how to check a vehicle before submitting it for an MOT.

Why risk poor service from a garage when for just £18.99, a Haynes manual gives you the knowledge to do it yourself?

Haynes Car Manuals retail at £19.99 (hardback) and are available from all good car accessory retailers and bookshops including Halfords, Motor World and WH Smith. A comprehensive stockist locator can be found at haynes.co.uk