Pit Start Self-Service Garage (London)

Peño · 6 Jul 2010 at 19:33

I've owned my car for two years now and apart from bulb, wiper and battery replacements... I havn't really looked after my car mechanically. I've taken it to my local indy who've been very good and have replaced the cambelt etc. and replaced the rear axle bushes (a runt of a job). But as for the easiest of jobs.. engine oil.. that hasn't been done for at least the time I've owned the car! That's about 12k miles.. I know.

Anyway being the car novice I am, I decided to finally put some love back into my car and took it down to "Europe's largest and fully equipped self-service garage". I've known about this place for a while now but havn't had the time to check it out. I've always had high expectation of it and I wasn't disappointed!

The owner was very welcoming and the assistant mechanics are very helpful. I was put in a lift bay and after I got past the paranoia of standing underneath a tonne of metal, I got to work! What's great is that the lift bay is only £20 an hour and all tools are provided free of charge. They're also open 24hrs! So if you live in London and like me, don't have the space or tools and would like to work on your car, definitely check this place out.

OpenToSuggestions · 6 Jul 2010 at 19:38

Good idea if:
1. You know what you are doing - So you don't get halfway through and get stuck and costs you many hours.
2. The garage isn't too busy so you genuinely can go whenever you please.

Peño · 6 Jul 2010 at 19:42

If you mess up - they have a directory of mechanics on-call! They also have a partnership with Euro Car Parts which is less than 30mins down the road so if you need parts which they don't have they can sort you out really quickly.
When I went (weekday, noon) the majority of the bays were full but there were plenty of lift bays.

There are franchise opportunities available - this really should go nationwide, it is such a good idea.

DM · 6 Jul 2010 at 19:48

Didnt Halfords try this and fail terribly?

thepharcyde · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:22

they reviewed this place on Fifth gear. Excellent idea

Ricochet J · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:26

That looks like a pretty good idea! North London is a bit out of my way though. Especially with the A406 road works it's hell getting to North/West from East.

shrek2 · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:28

Great idea. A haynes manual and you're all set.

Lord-Jaffa · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:38

Peño said:
If you mess up - they have a directory of mechanics on-call! They also have a partnership with Euro Car Parts which is less than 30mins down the road so if you need parts which they don't have they can sort you out really quickly.

When I went (weekday, noon) the majority of the bays were full but there were plenty of lift bays.

There are franchise opportunities available - this really should go nationwide, it is such a good idea.

Indeed, this is a fantastic idea, the worst part about doing DIY jobs is getting the car up in the air, regular maintenance things like oil/brakes are so easy that anyone (except fox!) could do them. Honda wanted 150 to change my front pads! Its a 20min job tops on a lift.

Joshy · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:38

I'm not sure about this...

Good idea in principal, but I only see the benefit of having full workshop facilities is for doing major work, which I doubt many people will do there due to time constraints (something almost always goes wrong, and when it does it'll come directly out of your pocket in a big way) while simple stuff can just be home at home with a set of axle stands with relative ease.

DM · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:41

Imagine having a disaster that held you up for 3 days, have you seen what it comes to a day with a lift in there

Lord-Jaffa · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:43

Joshy said:
while simple stuff can just be home at home with a set of axle stands with relative ease.

Id much rather pay £20 and go anytime of day that suits me and use proper lift than lay on the ground with axel stands again!

DJMK4 · 6 Jul 2010 at 20:49

Its a good idea I must admit. Aslong as you confident you can carry out the work effeciently to avoid any additional assistance/overtime costs.

Berger · 6 Jul 2010 at 21:35

How much is a normal mechanic per hour? £30-50?

Just find one that isn't busy and bribe him to use his spare lift?

DJMK4 · 6 Jul 2010 at 21:38

Berger said:
How much is a normal mechanic per hour? £30-50?

Just find one that isn't busy and bribe him to use his spare lift?

Thats the thing though, unless you know someone who has a lift in their converted garage at home, your very unlikely to find a garage thats not busy, unless you just pay him as normal and ask if you can do the work. if there is a moment where its quiet, I gaurentee you wont be around, either busy or in work. Unless you can arrange a time maybe when it closes for lunch