Nct Fail...need to get these fixed where??

thegame

exhaust is leaking and need a new tyre as its over 6yrs old..im living in dublin 6 and was thinking of fastfit..anyone recommend them??

coylemj

Not singling out the crowd you mentioned, this applies to almost all of the major chains..... They'll probably tell you that all of your tyres that are showing any wear need replacing, be prepared to challenge everything they tell you. If you feel they're doing a hard sell, ask them to quote the exact legal requirements and if they do (unlikely), tell them to measure the tread to establish if it is below the minimum.

I once went into a branch of one the chains, we're talking about a very prominent branch of one of the big chains. The guy said my tyre was below the limit, I asked him to state the exact legal requirement, he couldn't. I then said 'well if you don't know the legal requirement, how do you know that I'm in breach of it?', he just shrugged and by the way he was the guy behind the counter, not some grunt fitting tyres. I then asked him to measure the tread, he didn't have the gadget to do this so I took my business elsewhere.

Don't assume that the big chains are cheapest, shop around and try some of the smaller independent operators, the big boys operate on the basis that people don't shop around and they are sometimes more expensive than the independents as well as being more aggressive on the sales side.

Captain Commie

thegame wrote: »

exhaust is leaking and need a new tyre as its over 6yrs old..im living in dublin 6 and was thinking of fastfit..anyone recommend them??

No experience with fastfit but would reccomened you having a look at your local advanced pit stop, used them a few times and always great to deal with and dont stick the arm in either

mickdw

I would go somewhere else tbh. If your exhaust can be fixed with a spot of weld, chances are that many of those chain outfits will tell you that you need a new exhaust. I would get a small independant garage to have look. If it can reasonably be fixed, they will generally do their best.

homer90

innovated wrote: »

No experience with fastfit but would reccomened you having a look at your local advanced pit stop, used them a few times and always great to deal with and dont stick the arm in either

:eek:

...and employee of the month goes to ...

Atlantic Dawn

You should always replace tyres in pairs on the same axel, replacing just one tyre will lead to an inbalance in your car and could cause problems with skidding or tyre wear as both tyres should have the same grip.

thegame

just got a quote from fastfit and they quoted 280 euros they said i need a new exhaust and a new tyre..not sure if thats a good quote..might shop around

thegame

went to atlas tryes today they quoted 300 euros and they would replace the whole exhaust and tyre.. whereas fastfit were only going to replace one part of the exhaust and tyre for 280....

johndaman66

coylemj wrote: »

Don't assume that the big chains are cheapest,

I'd be more inclined to assume the opposite is the case coylemj. Anytime I went to Advance Pitstop for a quote (which was twice ever I think and why I went back for a quote second time I'm unsure) it seemed extortionate. There was absolutely no way I was going to pay the hugh premium they were asking for the comfort of a warm waiting room and a water cooler....I'm not that rich like!

johndaman66

thegame wrote: »

went to atlas tryes today they quoted 300 euros and they would replace the whole exhaust and tyre.. whereas fastfit were only going to replace one part of the exhaust and tyre for 280....

I'd be inclined to get a few more opinions thegame. A bit odd that atlas are telling you that you will need to get the complete exhaust changed while fastfit are telling you that you only need to change a section of it. Either one of these guys don't know their job too well or else one of them are trying to pull a fast one.

On the exhaust depending on the make and model of the car it may work out a hell of a lot cheaper to pick it up from a breakers yard and fit it yourself or a friend who is someway mechanically minded. I was getting quoted a ballpark figure of €300 for a new exhaust not including fitting on my car when it went. In the end I got one from a breakers yard for €40 and fitted it one sunny afternoon with the help of my cousin. Probably a job that ideally requires two people but two even half mechanically minded people should be able to complete. You may need an angle grinder to cut bolts as they tend to rust badly enough on the exhaust. Some sealing gunk along with the necessay gaskets could be got in most good motor factors.

Ideally you would need a lift for the car when attaking this job but if you are pretty agile a couple of axle stands should suffice. I will empasise the following though - If you are not completely confident in what you are doing leave the job to somebody who is. Do not take shortcuts or chances under a car which is being held on axle stands. Ensure vehicle is being supported at the correct points and you are working on level, solid ground. Angle grinders aren't toys and do not use one or ask anybody else to if not adhering to the necessary safety precautions. Peoples health and safety come first.

Just said I'd mention it to you as practically everyone is trying to save a few quid these days and you could save a small fortune here. No doubt there are pointers Im overlooking or not paying enough attention to also. Also if taking an exhaust from a breakers yard best to go for a car that hasn't being sitting too long all other things being equal.