Garage trust is the main driver for UK motorists

Both money and time may be tight for many motorists but when it comes to choosing a garage to maintain their car, trust beats both price and convenience as the most important factor, according to a new study.

Research from Kwik Fit shows that almost half of motorists (45%) say their most important reason for returning to the same garage they’ve used previously is because they trust it will do a good job.  This is almost twice as many as those who are most influenced by price (24 per cent) while only one in five (20%) base their decision on convenience. 

The study reveals the extent to which motorists remain loyal to the garage they trust – over three quarters (78%) will stay with one garage where possible. One in three (30%) are so faithful they wouldn’t switch at any price.

It takes up to three successful visits to gain the trust of most drivers (74%).  A sceptical 3% of motorists say it takes seven visits or more to a garage to have fully earned their confidence. One in ten (10%) motorists say they don’t trust garages.

Motorists in Wales appear to be the most loyal as nearly half (44%) of Welsh motorists wouldn’t change garages under any circumstances. Londoners are the most price sensitive with more than four out of five (82%) admitting they would switch to another garage if it was cheaper.

Percentage of motorists that wouldn’t switch from their garage at any cost (by region):

-          Wales: 44%

-          North West: 35%

-          Yorkshire & Humberside: 35%

-          Scotland: 32%

-          South West: 30%

-          West Midlands: 30%

-          East of England: 29%

-          East Midlands: 29%

-          North East: 27%

-          South East: 22%

-          London: 18%

Just one in 12 (8%) drivers will try a new garage for a service or MoT, but when it comes to tyres, motorists are more willing to put loyalties to one side – a quarter (26%) say they would be prepared to go elsewhere.