Question about any make and model.....why is it, whatever job needs doing on my car, the garage/mechanic always wants it first thing in the morning and keeps it all day?

This seems to happen regardless of where i take it (talking about many cars over many years).

Often they already know what needs doing and say the part/s will be ordered beforehand. So why do I have to spend all day without transport for a job that takes 1-2 hrs?

Im not counting jobs where unknown issues may crop up.

If a job takes half the day max, why cant i arrange to leave it with them for either the am or pm?

Im not being sarcastic here, just genuinely puzzled.

Id appreciate any sensible helpful enlightening replies

What kind of car do you drive, how old is it, and what kind of garages are we talking about?.

I'm asking because my wife gets a Motability car, so our car is never more than 3 years old. Services can be done while I wait, but typically around 2 hours, maybe 3 tops. The car gets booked in at a particular slot and is dealt with within (more or less) that time slot.

On the other hand, I run a 2nd hand van for my work, currently (since late 2018) a 2010 VW Caddy and for 9 years before that, a 2006 Ford Transit Connect. Service and repair work is done by small independent garages. When dropping my van off for a service and MOT, it is left either 1st thing in the morning (or last thing on the day before) and I pick it up at the end of the day the work is being done. But I accept that because, having worked in garages, I am well aware of how things work.

In a small independent garage, what happens during the day is a highly fluid situation. As their profit margins are smaller, they can't really afford to turn work away unless they have to. In an older vehicle (like my van) there may be unforeseen problems relating to its age, such as nuts/bolts/screws etc being rusted on, or being broken off. There may be a delay in getting parts, the parts they get may be wrong. It is a whole different ball game dealing with older cars.

I will suit them to have cars there from 08:00 to 17:00 as it gives max flexibility for planning work. On the other hand it means they've a waiting room full of punters at the end of the day all needing an explanation of work done and justification for the bill.

Ask the garage when you book it in if they can give you a more precise time slot?

If being without transport all day is causing you a particular issue with work, kids or whatever then explain that to them. You never know!!

elekie&a/c doctor ..... Might i suggest you read the part of my question that states im not being sarcastic etc. I doubt any garage wants someone hanging about watching them all day and even if they did...whilst you may have the time to do so, i dont. Im sorry you couldn't take my query seriously.

Edited by Bronte Roberts on 06/07/2021 at 12:42

You can book a time for a MoT test, which is usually allowed a predictable 45 minutes. Any other work will be allocated to mechanics as they become available, It may take longer or less time than expected, and occasionally (quite often in fact) they may have been sent the wrong parts, which will need replacing.

Unless you understand a typical working day in a garage you should allow them some space and time.

Thanks for your reply. Understanding a typical working day in a garage is precisely why i posted the question. Its interesting that you mention wrong parts being sent as this has cropped up several times over the years (and indeed did, not long after Id posted this question, resulting in my being without my car overnight). It's something else I cant get my head around. I would have thought companies that persistently supply incorrect parts would go out of business. Why do garages put up with it? Is there a limited number of parts suppliers in any one area? Again, this is a genuine, polite query.

I use my local independent garage, and as I don't need the car every day I book it in but say that if they can't finish the job the same day then the next day is OK. I know they appreciate that as other jobs can over-run as others have mentioned. On the few times I do need it back quickly then I know they will always have it ready.

Unfortunately, for various reasons, its really difficult for me not to have a car. A day is stressful but anything longer causes all sorts of complications. I realise unseen problems can crop up (and often have done with my old cars) so i do my best to just let the mechanic/garage get on with it, but have in the past had to walk miles to work because theres no public transport for eg. I plan to run this car into the ground so I'll probably have plenty of opportunities to build a relationship with this "new" garage!