Female friendly car servicing for women drivers

FOXY Lady Drivers Club requires garages and dealerships carrying out car servicing for women drivers have signed the female friendly FOXY Promise to 'never overcharge, patronise or sell women services they do not need'.

We recommend regular car servicing to keep your car safer, make it more economic to run and to reduce its CO2 emissions. Ideally car servicing should be carried out annually or more, depending on your typical annual mileage.

Motorists who would like to understand their female friendly car servicing choices can read the Good Garage Guide at the FOXY Choice website.

Tips about choosing a good and female friendly local garage

Having prepared a preliminary shortlist of female friendly car servicing garages and/or dealerships, there is money to be saved by carefully comparing prices before committing to a final choice. Here are some practical tips for women drivers when shopping for the best garage to service their car.

1. Ask for an actual quote, not just an estimate, and check the costs including parts, consumables (ie oil, brake fluid, coolants) labour and VAT. Confirm that any additional work should be authorised first and ask to see any replaced parts before you pay the bill.
   
   
2. Always compare what differently named car servicing prices include because there isn't one industry standard. For example, an oil service costing £80+ might sound as if it would include a lot more, but if you drive an executive model or prestige brand it might not.
   
   Similarly you may find terms such as 'interim service', 'regular service', 'main service', 'major service' and 'full service' which are priced differently and include different work. Where in doubt, refer back to your car's handbook, see what should be included as a minimum, and ask shortlisted garages to quote accordingly.
   
   A good garage will be able to show you a copy of the service schedule for your particular model of car.
   
   
3. If you prefer to check and top up your own oils, coolant levels and replace windscreen wipers, be sure to tell the garage not to do these things when you leave your car.
   
   
4. Having chosen the garage, ask that they include the name of the mechanic who worked on your car on their invoice. If you have any questions afterwards you know who to ask.

In the UK's unregulated garage industry with a reputation for shoddy workmanship as well as overcharging, patronising and selling women services they don't need, don't be overly impressed by a low price or a friendly voice. Look for evidence of measurable quality and, where in doubt, members can ask FOXY for advice. Remember that you could be risking your personal safety and that of your family if you choose a bad garage without doing your homework in advance.

FOXY Lady Drivers Club can help you save time and money when it comes to running your car. You can also count on female friendly services, jargon free advice and someone to turn to when motoring gets stressful. A lifetime subscription costs £23 including a £3 donation to the Cancer Buddies Network charity. Exclusive membership services include FOXY approved female friendly garages; FREE car safety checks; motor insurance and car finance information & shared female feedback; money-saving motoring, garage and leisure offers; a friendly members helpdesk for practical advice and support; FREE legal advice about road traffic law and a FREE accident assistance service to reduce costs and stress levels.