In Praise Of Honest Mechanics, And The NHS

~ beetleypete

Ten days ago, I wrote about my car failing the MOT test, and needing two new tyres.

Always Something

I didn’t use it after driving it home, and then three days later, Julie used it to take her daughter and grandchildren out for the day. They did a fair few miles, and had an enjoyable day. However, when she returnd home that evening, she said she could hear a ‘rubbing noise’ when turning right. I drove into town and back, and couldn’t hear it.

Last Friday, she cut her hand at work. It was in an awkward place on the edge of her right hand, and bleeding badly. So I drove to collect her, leaving her car in the car park. We had two options then. Either drive the shorter distance to the main Norwich Hospital, and possibly wait for many hours to be seen, or drive up to Cromer on the north coast, where there is a minor injuries unit open from 08:00 until 20:00. That seemed the better option, and off we went.

Arriving close to 7:30pm, we wondered if we were going to be too late. But no. An efficient receptionist booked her in, then asked me to wait in the car park due to Covid-19 restrictions. Less than ten minutes after I got back to the car, Julie appeared, her wound closed with steri-strips, and a dressing covering the injury. When you hear so many complaints about our health service, I think it is only right to balance that with praise for the marvellous service we received last Friday.

Well done the NHS.

On the way home, we used the main relief road to avoid Norwich, and it has many roundabouts. Once negotiating those, I could hear the ‘rubbing noise’ that Julie had spoken about previously.

On Sunday morning, I returned to the car repair dealership I had used for the MOT, service, and tyres, and asked them to investigate the noise. The manager drove the car around the forecourt, and agreed he could hear the noise. However, after some examination of the wheels and steering, he was unable to speculate on what might be causing it. He suggested I leave it there overnight, and he would get a more experienced colleague to examine the car today. (Monday) I agreed, and Julie collected me and took me home. Although this Monday is a public holiday in England, they were open from 10:00 until 16:00.

Me being me, I feared the worst. Major repairs just before our holiday, and yet more eye-watering expense. While I was out walking Ollie, Julie rang them just before 1pm, and they said the car was ready. They had found a loose back plate on a front brake disc, and that was moving enough to cause the rubbing sound on full right lock. As they had worked on the car recently, they said they would not be charging me anything at all, because of the possibility that they may have caused the temporary fault.

When I collected the car, they gave me a Diagnostic Wheel Alignment report, telling me they had additionally checked the alignment to put my mind at rest. This alone usually costs £59, but there was no charge. I think good service like this should also be praised, especially for a large chain of car repairers that doesn’t always have the best reputation here.

So, well done to Dereham branch of Kwik Fit too.

53 thoughts on “In Praise Of Honest Mechanics, And The NHS”

  4. Pingback: Weekend Wrap-up: The “Puffy Shirt” Phenomenon | Lines by Leon

  9. That’s brilliant, Pete. Sometimes things do go right and it is so refreshing when the lucky recipient writes and says so. People are so ready with complaints, no as fast with praise. I think those of us who worked with the public are well aware of this! Glad all worked out!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. The NHS and it’s dedicated staff almost always has my full regard but it’s not often I hear a garage receive praise like yours Pete. When a chain gets a bad name it colours the good with the bad so it’s great to hear some are good with customer service.
    Hugs

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, David. When I lived in London, I wouldn’t touch Kwik-Fit with a bargepole, let alone a car. But up here they seem to be fair and honest, at least in my nearest branch.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Like

      Reply

    1. He has to have the second dose of ear gel on Thursday, and that should clear up his ears for now. Julie has to leave a dressing on her hand until next Wednesday. We are changing it regularly, but she’s okay.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

All comments welcome

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.