Discover the advantages of using a mobile mechanic for less serious car repairs, and when you'd be better off with a regular garage.
Historically, when we’ve had an issue with our car, we’ve taken it to our local garage to get looked at. In recent years, however, an alternative option has emerged: the mobile mechanic.
But what is the difference between a mobile mechanic and a garage?
Could a mobile mechanic be a suitable option the next time your car has a problem?
In this guide, we'll run through the advantages of each option, so you can decide which is right for you.
The mobile mechanic: Explained
As the name suggests, a mobile mechanic is able to come to your vehicle's location in order to undertake repairs. They will have a van that has many tools and parts for common issues.
A mobile mechanic makes it possible to get your vehicle fixed while you are at work, at home, or elsewhere.
Convenience is the primary advantage of a mobile mechanic: they can save time and hassle by coming to you. All you need to do is hand them the keys and they'll get to work.
Given the old adage 'time is money', being able to save time by not booking-in and visiting a garage means a mobile mechanic could actually save some people money. Add the switch to home working in the years following Covid and it's easy to see why a mobile mechanic could be a great solution for millions of UK motorists.
Both the diagnosis and the fix are likely to get done quicker too, since mobile mechanics work on one vehicle at a time, whereas a garage may have multiple vehicles getting work done.
Avoid towing fees
Normally, if your car can't be driven, it would need to be towed to a garage, adding a significant cost.
One of the big advantages of a mobile mechanic is that you won’t need to pay any towing fees (unless the problem is more serious than first thought and does need the attention of a full garage).
What can mobile mechanics fix?
Mobile mechanics are able to handle a wide range of jobs, especially smaller, commonplace tasks such as:
- Coolant top-ups
- Oil changes
- Air filter checks
- Battery replacements
- Brake pad/disc repairs
- Interim services
What mobile mechanics can’t do
There are limitations on what a mobile mechanic can achieve. They won’t be able to undertake extensive repairs or carry out MOTs.
This is because some bigger tasks require specialised equipment that cannot be transported in a van.
Are mobile mechanics more expensive than garages?
Due to the convenience offered by mobile mechanics, you might think that they cost more than using a local garage. However, while this is sometimes the case, it isn’t always.
Mobile mechanics may have lower overheads than garages: they don’t need to pay rent, for example and may not have the additional administrative burdens of larger businesses (assuming they are a one-person operation).
This means they may be able to pass on savings to their customers and be more competitive as a result.
Note that not all mobile mechanics are single-person outfits; some large motoring organisations offer mobile mechanic services, too.
Mobile mechanics usually charge based on an hourly rate, plus any emergency call-out fees and any extra parts they need to purchase in order to carry out the fix.
Can I expect good customer service from a mobile mechanic?
Every mechanic is different, but given the one-on-one nature of the mobile mechanic industry, customer service is very important.
The mechanic will be keen to do a good job - not least because word-of-mouth, not to mention online reviews, are their bread and butter.
How do I book a mobile mechanic?
As with so many services, Google or Bing is the best place to search for a mobile mechanic.
As you search, you may come across directories of mobile mechanics organised by geographical location. These listings normally detail things like area of operation, hourly rate, other fees, specialisms and accreditations.
You then contact the mechanic and tell them as much as you can about the problem.
Together you will arrange a time and place for the work to be done.
When work is undertaken, it's important that the vehicle is parked on a level surface and that there are no objects nearby that might prevent the necessary access.
Conclusion
A mobile mechanic could be a great solution for a less serious mechanical problem, offering huge benefits in terms of convenience.
Mobile mechanics are a hassle-free way of sorting little jobs before they turn into more serious - and more costly - repairs.
Additionally, the ability to avoid towing fees, paired with the increase in home working and the desire to save time, mean it's easy to see why mobile mechanic services could suit many drivers.
However, for more serious repairs and MOTs, a visit to your local garage would be necessary.
