Check if the garage is a member of a recognised body (such as the Retail Motor Industry Federation or Institute of the Motor Industry) or listed by the local Trading Standards Office.

Ensure that the garage mechanics are qualified, and familiar with your car's make and model. Look for any evidence of the mechanics' qualifications - such as certificates on display. Alternatively, ask the Manager to outline the mechanics' qualifications. In the case of MOT testers, all testing stations are required to display details of qualified testers in their reception area.

Check what is included within the service - ask to see a copy of the service schedule.

Prior to booking your car in, spend some time considering how it's been running. Be honest - help the garage by informing them of any problems you've been experiencing and/or any work recently undertaken. This information could help them to diagnose the cause of the problem.

Check if the price includes the costs of service parts, labour and VAT - you should know exactly what you are paying for. Insist that no additional work will be undertaken without your permission.

Any garage recommendations for additional work should be advised in advance and quoted against, not estimated. Once again, ensure that you have a full understanding of what the price includes.

Ask for any replaced parts to be retained for your inspection.

Ask if another qualified member of staff makes any quality control checks.

Ensure that you receive an itemised report with a verbal explanation of the work undertaken and/or recommended. Ideally, this should detail key recommendations and advisory items.

Ensure that the name of the mechanic that works on your car is detailed on your invoice and ask to speak to him or her specifically, if you have any concerns or require explanations.

Ensure that you receive a guarantee. Make sure you know what it covers e.g. workmanship, parts, prices. Additionally, check how long the guarantee will be valid for.

Make sure you are familiar with the complaints procedure, should a query arise as a result of the work undertaken.