Testing options and levels of testing :-

Identifying the Nature of the Fault:

Permanent vs. Intermittent Faults:

If the fault occurs consistently and can be replicated by running or driving the car for a short distance, it is considered permanent.
If the fault is not consistently present, then it’s an intermittent fault, meaning it may not always be detectable, even if a warning light has appeared or a warning light is on.

Diagnosing Intermittent Faults:

For any fault to be diagnosed, it must be present and repeatable during the time the technicians are testing the vehicle. If the fault does not appear during testing, it becomes extremely difficult to pinpoint the issue.
Just because a warning light is on doesn’t necessarily mean the fault is still active—it could be a “leftover” from a previous event, much like yesterday’s news headlines.

Challenges for Customers:

Customers need to understand that diagnosing intermittent issues requires the fault to happen while the vehicle is being tested.
If you can identify specific conditions or patterns under which the fault occurs, it will help our technicians replicate the issue and improve the chances of finding a solution.
The comparison to capturing a picture of a shooting star you need to have the right equipment but you still have to be there at the right time illustrates that, even with the right tools and knowledge, the timing and conditions must align to catch the problem when it happens. So, customers are advised to wait until the issue is consistently present or identify the triggers that cause the fault before bringing the vehicle in for diagnosis.

Each car can have its own unique problems some simple to find some more complex and involved as we don’t know and cannot predict how complex your car issues are we offer a scaled approach with our fault testing. At each level we will contact you and advise of our progress in finding your cars fault and advise if we need to progress to the next level.

Vehicles Are Very Complex computers on wheels is an apt term often used.

We will use our 43 years of fault-finding experience to resolve your vehicle problems.

We are not just another garage but are specialists in diagnosing faults

We have the best trained staff.
Our process works by allowing you to maintain control over the repair decisions while we provide support and expertise. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Budget Agreement:

We agree on a budget with you upfront, and we commit to sticking to it. This ensures that there are no unexpected costs, keeping you in control of your spending.
You Make the Decisions:

Throughout the repair process, you are in charge. We are here to assist in resolving the issues with your car, but ultimately, it is your decision on how to proceed. We respect that it’s your vehicle, your responsibility, and your money.

Key Points:

1. No Fixed Timeframe: Diagnosing vehicle faults can be unpredictable, so no specific completion time is
guaranteed.

Vehicles must be left at the workshop, and the client should arrange their own transport.

2. Fuel Requirement: Ensure the vehicle has at least half a tank of fuel for necessary testing and road
tests.

Fault Diagnosis and Repair Process:
Our Tier 1 Testing is designed to triage your vehicle’s issues and provide a broad, non-intrusive assessment of the problem. This initial phase is essential for identifying the general cause of the fault and determining the next steps for further investigation or repair. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Tier 1 Triage : Non-Intrusive Vehicle Assessment (£120 inc VAT)
• Purpose: This is the starting point for all diagnostics, and it acts as a triage stage. It includes:
o Gathering important information during the client consultation to understand the issue.
o Inspecting the vehicle with you to align on the specific problem.
o Interrogating the vehicle’s systems for current and historical faults.
o Consulting technical bulletins for known issues (additional costs for manufacturer’s data may apply).
o Reviewing system live data to identify any anomalies.
o Providing you with an overview of the tests required and costs for further investigation.
• Outcome: Based on the results of the initial testing, we will assess whether further, more in-depth diagnostics are necessary to get to the root cause of the fault. If your vehicle has a complex fault or a history of previous unsuccessful repairs, it is likely that we’ll need to move to the next level of testing to investigate deeper into the issue.

Tier 2: Intrusive In-Depth Investigation (£120 inc VAT)
• When Needed: Vehicles with ongoing issues, repeated fault codes, or complex problems will require
Tier 2 testing.
This includes more intrusive testing such as:
o Scope testing of individual components.
o Compression and wiring checks, where necessary.
o Fuel pressure and flow tests.
o Pressurised smoke tests of the intake system.
o Further investigation time may be required at this level depending on the nature of the fault this is
carried out by continuous negotiation

Important Notes:
• Previous History/Complex Issues: If your vehicle has a long history of ongoing problems or failed repair
attempts, it’s highly likely that Tier 1 will not be sufficient on its own to diagnose the issue.
We may need to move directly to Tier 2 to get a full understanding of the problem.
• No Fixed Timeframe: Fault diagnosis, especially for complex issues, does not come with a guaranteed
timeline.
The vehicle must be left with us, and you will need to arrange transportation home.
• Transparency Over Costs: We will always consult with you before moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2, providing
a clear recommendation and breakdown of any additional costs. Your approval is required before
proceeding further.

By starting with Tier 1 triage, we can offer an efficient, transparent approach to diagnosing your vehicle’s issues. However, more in-depth tests in Tier 2 are often required for vehicles with more complicated problems or a history of unsuccessful repairs.

After diagnosing and performing the necessary repairs, it’s essential to confirm that the issue has been completely resolved. This often requires extensive road testing to thoroughly assess the vehicle’s performance under various driving conditions.

Road Testing Benefits:
1. Performance Verification: We test the vehicle at different speeds and driving scenarios to ensure
everything functions correctly.
2. Detection of Related Issues: In some cases, road testing helps us uncover hidden or secondary issues that
might not be visible during in the workshop diagnostics.
3. Ensuring Safety: This process ensures that your vehicle is safe and reliable before returning it to you.

Additional Charges:
Please note that this extensive road testing is offered at an additional cost due to the time and resources involved. However, you have the option to decline this service if you prefer. If you choose to decline, we recommend closely monitoring your vehicle’s performance after the repair. Should any issues arise, you can bring the vehicle back to us for further assessment at extra cost.
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you either way.

Priority Bookings:
• A non-refundable £120 fee for same-day bookings. Changes or cancellations require two working days’ notice for a refund, provided the slot can be reallocated.
• For vehicles with extensive histories of repairs or recurring issues, a pre-agreed limit of £240 is required
to cover both Tier 1 and 2 testing.
Additional Notes:
• The availability of parts may delay repairs, and no guarantees are made regarding timelines due to
supply chain issues.
• The workshop does not offer a “wait while we work” service, and transport home must be arranged.
Please ensure the vehicle arrives with half a tank of fuel for testing purposes.