Seven-day delays
Page 75
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I am replying to Mr. Hutchingson's letter about 24-hour breakdown services (CM, Feb. 21. I have been employed in the motor industry for 15 years, perhaps compared with others a 'short period of time, but long enough to have an opinion. Unfortunately, I have to agree with Mr. Hutchingson's comments.
I am employed as a commercial mechanic with a distributor. The company has been established for over 100 years; much of the equipment dates back to this period. Major overhauls are carried out as a major operation with neither pit nor ramp.
We have a breakdown vehicle which when required is towed round the block a number of times, and with great difficulty just manages to tow a car. Since at most periods each mechanic can be employed on as many as our repairs at any one time, an outside specialist firm is employed for recovery. In fairness they are very efficient and very prompt. Therefore, having delivered the vehicle to the works, it is possible for delays of up to seven days to occur before the repair is carried out.
hat can be more frustrating for a skilled man than having to listen to an irate operator shouting abuse down the phone because of delayed repairs (on occasions such as these staff members promptly disappear)?
Many garages are happy enough selling commercial vehicles but repair and service are of secondary importance and very much an inconvenience. Goodness knows why, it can be profitable, the rates charged these days.
The time has come for manufacturers to examine the service garages give. since garages act as agents for the manufacturers. P.J.N. (name and address supplied).