Why pay dealer prices? The Office of Fair Trading reports that the average service costs £199 at a typical franchised dealer, whereas the independent average is £116 without any apparent difference in quality. Now you can use any garage to service and repair your car without invalidating the manufacturer's warranty.

"BLOCK EXEMPTION" - In October 2003 European Union legislation affecting the motor trade came into force, its full title is "Block Exemption Regulations 144/2002" (in short BER). This legislation changes the way cars may be serviced and repaired and gives motorists a lot more freedom in their decision as to who should look after their cars. Before BER, it was very difficult to have cars, which were still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, serviced anywhere except a franchised dealer.

Now motorists CAN use any garage of their choice to service and repair their cars without invalidating the manufacturer's warranty. Therefore motorists and garages are no longer forced to take their cars back to the dealer or to use parts supllied from the vehicle assembler in order to maintain the new vehicle warranty. As long as all parts used are matching quality parts, they may be used when independents are servicing vehicles which will cut costs without comprimising on quality.
For more information please visit www.adf.org.uk

Note:This notice is intended to introduce interested parties to the topic of BER. it should not be taken as a full definition of the law or proposed laws.