A Reputable Garage in Barton Le Clay | Bowles Garage

Bowles Garage in Hitchin receives a lot of custom from Barton Le Clay motorists, who are quite literally just down the road. They visit us for general, scheduled items such as MOT testing and car servicing, on both interim and annual basis, as well as mechanical car repairs, bodywork repairs and 4 wheel alignment when something is amiss. Here, we answer a few of the questions we most frequently receive from customers in this core service area.

Your Questions Answered

Why choose a local garage over a dealership?

Due to lower overheads, car repairs, car servicing and MOT testing can often be more affordable at local garages than at fast fits or main dealers. Another good reason to choose a local garage near Barton Le Clay, such as Bowles Garage in Hitchin, is that you are supporting an independent local business and therefore, the local community. It’s akin to going to a family-owned café rather than a Starbucks!

Many find that the quality of customer service is also more personal; with larger garages, they have such a high volume of customers it can often feel you’re being churned through the system. Finally, some fast fits and dealerships don’t offer all services. They may not be a suitable option for 4 wheel alignment or car body repairs. We offer both, being a full equipped bodywork repairs workshop with advanced 4 wheel alignment equipment onsite.

How much industry experience does your team have?

We have over 90 years of industry experience between us. For a number of us, this includes long spans working at dealerships, providing car repairs, MOT testing and car servicing. Others focus more on the car body repairs side of things, making us a top choice for Barton Le Clay motorists who’ve recently sustained “hull damage”.

What happens if I’m late with MOT testing?

Expect at the very least a £100 fine. If it were to go to court, which isn’t at all uncommon, this could be raised to £1,000. Worried that you’ll forget about MOT testing? Bowles Garage can take your details and send you an email or text reminder should that be helpful! Many Barton Le Clay customers find it’s invaluable.

My vehicle is pulling to one side. What can I do?

This is nearly always due to poor wheel alignment, of which other symptoms include irregular tire wear, or tires that wear down at an abnormally fast rate. Luckily, our garage is equipped with sophisticated equipment that can measure alignment and allow us to precisely correct camber, cast and toe to ensure your vehicle is pointed straight ahead!

Why bother with car servicing?

Investing in interim, annual and major car servicing, every 6 months, 12 months and 24 months respectively, is proven to improve road safety, preserve vehicle value and maintain fuel efficiency. It also reduces the chance that you’ll breakdown at the side of Barton Le Clay road and require often expensive car repairs! In short, it provides outstanding value for money.

What forms of car repairs do you provide?

We cover all forms of mechanical repair, including the replacement of all components with quality OEM or equivalent parts, as well as car body repairs as a bodywork repairs workshop!