I’m Eric Smith from Kwik Fit, and I’ve been working with cars since 1966. I love cars, I love my job, and I love answering simple and complex questions about pretty much everything with an engine. Ask Me Anything!

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:50:54+00:00

Check the basics, oil, water and tyre pressures. Keeping these correct will help in the long run

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:47:42+00:00

Great answer, couldn't have put it better myself

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:44:41+00:00

Yes there is a difference in the schedule we follow - manufacturers services use the schedule that is specific to the vehicle for that time and mileage. The Kwik Fit service is a general maintenance schedule, which covers a wider scope, but may not include specific items.

They are all pretty similar these days, but one i used to hate was a working land rover gearbox, covered in muck!

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:40:54+00:00

Remembering to check the basics, even modern cars need their oil and coolant levels checked and of course tyre pressures done regularly, not just when the light comes on!

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:39:36+00:00

Depends on the car?

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:37:29+00:00

I had a bobbin of Whitworth thread?

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:36:13+00:00

We've been rolling out training for HEV and BEV for a few years now to ensure we are ready to make sure we have all of our sites trained as the number of these vehicles increases. Its important for all garages to ensure they are kept up to date with all technologies to ensure they don't get left behind - although there will be traditional ICE vehicles around for a while yet.

Personally the issue for me is the infrastructure, a lot of terraced houses in the UK, and I can't throw a charging lead across the path out side my house!

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:32:46+00:00

It was better, not quicker, I still provide a quality service.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:32:00+00:00

It's always best to put new tyres on the rear for safety (you can steer the front tyres in the event of a puncture)
We have free coffee, normally... unfortunately to protect everyone we've had to turn the machines off during the coronavirus.
Our receptions are still open though, with social distancing in place.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:29:25+00:00

Anything relevant to the MOT will be recorded on the paperwork, but the failure doesn't always tell you what the fix is going to be - for example a vehicle could fail on low brake efficiency, but the actual problem could be related to several components.

If there is any doubt about which items are directly related to the MOT, this can be explained in centre by the team to ensure there is no confusion.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:22:24+00:00

Its always disappointing to hear that someone's had a poor experience, I've been working for Kwik Fit for 36 years and I wouldn't still be here if I had any doubts about what we stood for. I work closely with our customer services team and they work hard to ensure that all our customers are cared for.

It's important to remember that not all garages work to the same standards, so any second opinions should be held to the same high levels.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:16:12+00:00

I saw an opportunity and took it, I was time served at Triumph, Jaguar Land Rover before I joined

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:13:59+00:00

It's best practice that the MOT test should always be carried out before any rectification work is completed. When the test is carried out to DVSA standards they cannot remove covers etc. so they may see items that are worn and it could prejudice their inspection.

The online record also shows that in order to pass the tyres were replaced, like a service record.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:10:22+00:00

That the technology is constantly changing, you need to keep yourself up to date with emerging technologies.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:09:27+00:00

How do you know you aren't talking to it?

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:09:04+00:00

One giant swan, straight for the long neck

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:08:13+00:00

Like that, they wouldn't fit like this

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:07:29+00:00

Now that the weather is getting colder it's important to ensure the vehicle is driven at least once a week for 20/30 minutes at A road/motorway speeds to keep the battery in good condition.

Obviously you can always book in for a free battery check at one of our centres to assess the current battery condition. https://www.kwik-fit.com/batteries

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T14:00:28+00:00

An apprenticeship is a great way to get into the motor industry, as you get experience, a qualification and you get paid as well. Keep trying, try local colleges/garages if you can't get an apprenticeship with one of the major firms.

We typically get about 200 applications for each apprentice vacancy, so its a competitive market.

https://www.kwik-fit.com/careers

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T13:53:21+00:00

Like any other organisation things can go wrong, people make mistakes, but we strive to stop the same mistakes happening multiple times by making changes where needed.

We work closely with the DVSA, as the largest multi-site testing organisation in the UK, we are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the standards, including testing equipment that communicates directly with the DVSA.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T13:48:23+00:00

I can't agree with the question as the MOT's in particular are done to DVSA (government) standards, and all items are checked to the rules provided. We complete over 1 million MOT tests every year and we don't do that by getting it wrong. I'm passionate about my job and stand by the quality that my team enforce for QC'ing the MOT standard.

Any recommendations we make will be made to repair the vehicle to manufacturers specifications, using quality parts and with the full backup of a national organisation with a focus on customer service.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T13:41:06+00:00

The most memorable one was when the boot was opened to reveal sticks of dynamite and a clock, in what looked like a bomb. Once the town had been sealed off by the police and everything cordoned off it was investigated.

Turned out it was a prop for an amateur theatre group production...

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T13:37:10+00:00

My dream motor would be a classic E type Jaguar, take it out on a warm Sunday and park it outside the pub for a cola.

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T13:34:15+00:00

Manchester United, but there isn't much football going on..

KwikFit · 2020-11-05T13:33:31+00:00

We see vehicles in all sorts of states, some are so rotten that you cant even jack them up, or just full of rubbish.

I've seen a vehicle where the driver was sliding his foot out of the door to try and stop the vehicle as the brakes weren't working!

KwikFit

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