Prior to 2003, motorists who took their vehicle for a service or repair at any garage other than a main dealer were at risk of invalidating the vehicle's warranty.
In October 2003, the European Commission Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2002 changed all of that and gave motorists more flexibility. Independent garages were given access to technical information from the manufacturer including diagnostic equipment and software allowing them to service and repair cars.
As a result of the legislation, motorists are free to take their vehicles to any garage for maintenance or service work provided Original Equipment 'Matching Quality' (OEM) parts are used and recorded as such. The garage must also follow the manufacturer's service schedules.
How does Block Exemption Regulation (BER) affect the motorist?
Block Exemption Regulation is good news for the motorist because it allows more choice in the vehicle servicing and repair market leading to lower costs and higher standards without invalidating the vehicle’s warranty.
According to a study of garage servicing prices carried out by Which?, franchised dealers consistently charged the most and independent garages were 18% cheaper.
If you are still unsure, just ask your Good Garage Scheme member garage.
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