Diagnostics

We have a Mercedes Specialist in our group called Waterhouse, which is based in Braintree. Please contact them on 01376 329200 or visit waterhousebraintree.co.uk

As far as other vehicles, we are trained and very experienced in Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Cupra and Skoda vehicles but have lesser knowledge of other vehicles and no access to their technical information. Therefore, while we are very flattered when asked, we regret we have to respectfully decline.

Either call our Bishop's Stortford or Chelmsford branch or simply click the 'Book a Service/Repair' button shown on any page of our website. Enter your registration, select your Service or Repair, provide us a few final details and we'll contact you to confirm if your requested appointment date is available.  

Genuine parts have been tested and produced by your Volkswagen Group manufacturer and are therefore are best suited for your vehicle, providing the highest levels of safety and reliability. Genuine parts have a 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty*

On occasions we can suggest aftermarket parts made by reputable makers who are known to produce parts and supply to the factory. 

*Service items such as wiper blades and shock absorbers have a more limited warranty as they are subject to wear and tear and external forces. 

Through our factory diagnostic equipment and systems we have full access to up to date Technical Product Information (TPI) bulletins released by the factory.

When the manufacturer becomes aware of a fault, they will produce an online document available to us to reduce the diagnostic time and lead to a more efficient repair. This information comes from reports filed by the network of dealers worldwide, or where the factory has researched the concern themselves. The TPI may ask us to carry out a software update, tell is to replace revised parts and components or explain other ways in which the customer experience can be enhanced. 

Generic data readers can obtain the fault codes stored in the vehicle memory where as our factory VAS computers can advance to the next level of diagnosis, through a process called Guided Fault Finding (GFF). 

Through a series of predetermined tests set up by the factory, our Technicians can follow the procedures to eliminate correctly working components from being at fault. With the intervention of the Technician checking wiring for lives and earths or mechanical items for operating functions, we can determine the cause of your concern, saving you time and money.  

Not all engines have a cambelt (also known as a timing or toothed belt) as some have a chain drive instead. Please contact us so we check the layout of your vehicle. 

If you do have a cambelt it is recommended that it is changed after 5 years or a high mileage (generally 80,000-120,000 miles), whichever comes first.

While it is rare for them to break, if they do so, it would in most cases cause serious damage to your engine, sometimes resulting in a complete replacement.

As some belts run the water pump but other don't, prices vary and so we would ask you to contact us with your registration number for a quote.

Once complete, not only will you have peace of mind and have secured your best resale value, we provide a manufacturers 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on all components replaced.

Yes, even though we are all trained in the same way and have the same equipment and computers as main dealers, due to our lower overheads our labour rates are 50% less than theirs. Many of our repairs have fixed prices and we always use genuine parts, unless you ask us to fit otherwise.

No, absolutely not as we follow the manufacturers schedule, use genuine parts and update the digital service record. Our tools and equipment are the same as are used in the factory and main dealers. We are all group trained and attend courses at the Volkswagen Group head office in Milton Keynes.