Busy Girls' Garage Gripes

Hate taking your car to the garage? Need a new tyre but don't want to get ripped off buying it? You're not alone, Busy Girl...

According to a new survey by Sheila's Wheels, more than four million of us Busy Girls have admitted to putting own lives at risk by continuing to drive faulty & potentially un-roadworthy cars because we dislike the experience of visiting a garage!

The 'Girls & Garages' survey from Sheilas' Wheels - a car insurer designed for women - shows that a staggering 30% of women continue to drive their car around for more than a month before taking it to a garage knowing there's something wrong with it.

47% of female motorists say visiting a garage is an ordeal they'd rather avoid. In fact, a fifth of women say they would rather go to the doctors (an experience that few look forward to!) than take their car into a garage for a service or repair.

So, what can you do? Well, we put our heads together at Busy Girls HQ to give you our best advice on how to stay safe without being conned...

1. Phone a Friend...

Ask car-savvy friends for referrals of reputable mechanics or refer to their customer testimonials for evidence of good results.

2. Make it clear who's the boss...

Before you leave the car with them, make it perfectly clear that you want to be notified before any major work is undertaken.

3. Get it in Writing...

Make sure the shop gives you an invoice that describes the work done, including a list of all parts supplied & their cost, labor charges and the vehicle's emissions reading, both before the work was done and after.

4. Get in the know...

Don't leave it until there's a funny smell/noise or rattle! Familiarise yourself with your car's maintenance schedule so you know what repairs to expect and when.

5.Don't skimp...

Ok, shopping around is one thing, going to a dodgy garage to save a quick buck is another. Make sure you get a good deal from a certified mechanic- car brand garages are often a little more expensive but you can find some kosher chaps who have gone it alone. Not sure if they are qualified? Just ask before you book.

Busy Bottom Line...

Until they do something about the regulation of the car repair industry, we'll have to remain quick-witted to avoid the cowboys - or we're going to have to send more women to mechanics school!

Be safe Busy Girls & enjoy the ride!

Nikki Clarke, Travel & Trends Expert