Car Servicing – 2013 Ratings
“Less is more,” says car owners who skip servicing to save cash
In tough economic times, cutting costs can be a major priority for New Zealanders. One way nearly half the respondents to our recent survey save money is to have their car serviced at less regular intervals.
Skipping scheduled car services is acceptable when a vehicle is running well, according to two in five of our respondents. Furthermore, a little more than two in five only get work done on their vehicle if it fails a warrant or needs specific repairs.
A similar number again (more than two in five) would take on their own basic car servicing, but confess they don’t know how. On the other hand, forty one percent of respondents have stated they are already performing basic car servicing at home to save money.
Costs aside, 87% of New Zealanders agree with the statement: “It’s important to maintain the service schedule of my car.”
A well-oiled machine: Car servicing brand achieves inaugural award-win
In order to keep your vehicle running smoothly, you may need the help of a car servicing organisation to take good care of your car.
Achieving five stars in all our rated criteria, and our Most Satisfied Customers Award – Car Servicing for 2013, was Oil Changers. Also rated in this category were Pit Stop, AA Auto Service and Midas.
Canstar Blue commissioned Research Now to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have had their car serviced in the last two years by a servicing chain (i.e. not a car dealership or independent mechanic) – in this case, 440 people. Brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.
Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.
Overall customer satisfaction
Oil Changers led with a five star rating in this category for overall customer satisfaction. Next in line was Pit Stop with four stars, then AA Auto Service and Midas with three.
Value for money
Costs for getting your car repaired or serviced can quickly climb in certain situations, so it’s important to find a brand that offers good value for what you pay. Oil Changers customers were most satisfied in this regard, earning the brand five stars for value for money. Pit Stop and AA Auto Service achieved four stars each, and Midas finished with three.
Price of service
Oil Changers received a five star rating for the price it charged for car services. They were followed by three star recipients Pit Stop, AA Auto Service and Midas.
Time taken
It’s easy to forget how much we rely on cars … until we have to live without them during repairs. Widely known for their ‘nine minutes or less’ oil change service, Oil Changers received five stars for the time taken in getting cars returned to owners. Pit Stop – true to their name – came next with four stars, and AA Auto Service and Midas each received three.
Cost of any parts required
Many car servicing brands offer a fair price for car parts – a great relief to those with mounting repair costs. Oil Changers received five stars for the cost of its car parts, Pit Stop followed with four, AA Auto Service took out three, and Midas achieved two.
Effectiveness of repairs
Having your car serviced keeps it running smoothly, and more effective repairs ensure this over the long term. Customers of Oil Changers were most satisfied with the effectiveness of their vehicle’s repairs. AA Auto Service, Midas and Pit Stop all followed with four star ratings.
Customer service
Good customer service can mean peace of mind, knowing your car is in capable hands. Oil Changers came out on top with five stars for customer service; Pit Stop followed with four stars, and AA Auto Service and Midas received three each.
Advice required
Cars are complex machines. However, a good mechanic will help you through the servicing process even if you don’t necessarily understand the inner workings of your vehicle. Oil Changers earned five stars for the advice they gave to customers in regards to their vehicle. Following were four star recipients AA Auto Service and Pit Stop, then Midas with three.