Halfords Garage Services Stockport — Local services in Stockport

Appalling Service at Halfords Autocentre, Green Lane, Stockport, SK4 2JR

I visited Halfords Autocentre, Green Lane, Stockport, SK4 2JR in January 2024 after noticing a battery warning light on my dashboard. Despite explaining the issue to the staff and being assured they would conduct a thorough diagnostic, their assessment took only five minutes before they told me I needed a new battery. Trusting their judgment, I agreed to the replacement.

Unfortunately, within half a mile of leaving the centre, the battery light reappeared, and shortly after, my car broke down. After contacting the AA, I was informed that the real issue was a faulty alternator, not the battery. It was clear that Halfords had failed to properly assess the problem, leading to unnecessary costs and an incredibly frustrating situation.

What made matters worse was the lack of professionalism and compassion from the staff, making an already stressful experience even more unpleasant. I’ve since requested a refund and the return of my original battery.

I am extremely disappointed with Halfords' refusal to compensate for a mistake made by their staff, and no refund has been offered. Due to this poor service, I will never use Halfords garages again and have already informed my family and friends about this ordeal.

I strongly urge anyone considering this autocentre to be cautious. Their failure to diagnose the real issue and lack of customer care have left me deeply disappointed.

Update 20/09/24

On 16/09/24 at 12:15, I spoke with Halfords Autocentre Stockport following a response from the owner to my comments on Google and Trustpilot. The person I spoke to said they would discuss my issue with the manager and get back to me within a couple of hours, but I’ve still not received a call. I also asked for their store email address, but the individual refused to provide it, insisting I explain the problem over the phone.

Once again, I feel let down by this company. This experience further strengthens my belief that they only respond to reviews on Google and Trustpilot to maintain a positive public image, with no real intention of resolving issues or compensating customers for...

Since I have been doing service and MOT at this autocentre I had some problems that I didn't have before: I can hear strange noises when the engine is idling, like of loose parts, and the brakes squeak since I have replaced pads both on the rear and front wheels. I brought the car to the autocentre for a free check of the brakes. During the check I was informed that the batteries fail all the test and needed to be replaced. I asked how much it would be: "£330" at my surprise, Dave, one of the technician, added me: "but for you we can do £300". He justified this high price for the special type (AMG) of the battery to comply with the start and go technology of my car. I refuse the offer. I searched on a competitor website and I found the same type of battery for £160. I booked a free check of the battery with them the day after. The result was that there was no need of replacement. Only at the moment I thought: "why in the first place did they check the battery? I left them the car for a brakes check, not a general check. How did they get to the battery?" I was not sure about their capabilities before, but now it's a total different matter, I cannot trust these people. I have quite good evidence that they tried to scam me proposing me an unnecessary work and pricing it double the market price. Their gentle manners made me trust them, but now they have just revealed their true colours. UPDATE: I've been contacted and invited to bring back the car for solve the issue. After two failed attempts they finally replaced the brake pads in all the wheels and finally the problem was solved. No fee has been charged for this; I had only the inconvenience to go back to the garage three times. In conclusion, even if some doubts remain on how they behave, I have to say that they did their best to get the customer satisfaction. And finally the main problem was solved. To be fair I have to change my rating from 1...

Had my MOT here last Saturday (06/07/19) after being booked in by Ian. I arrived early (much earlier than my appointment and waited in my car, but Ian came over and greeted me and said it wasn't a problem and they'd start my car MOT early - such a lovely touch). I waited instore whilst my MOT was carried out as I live quite a way away and I observed Ian's interaction with customers, staff and suppliers and he was consistently lovely, respectful and polite to each and every one. My car unfortunately failed its MOT on a broken coil spring and damage to the anti-roll bar (so I'm glad I took it in two weeks before the MOT was due as that could have resulted in a serious accident!) and Ian was busy, so the lovely mechanic who had conducted my MOT took the time to explain to me what was wrong and what the implications were but assured me that it could be easily fixed and I wasn't to worry and then I heard Ian already on the phone and sourcing prices and parts so that when he came to me, he could give me an instant price and get the parts ordered for me. He managed to fit my car in for an immediate repair and to get the MOT completed and passed the same day and within a couple of hours, I was driving home in a safe and MOT'd car feeling extremely happy with the service from both Ian and all of the mechanics I'd seen who were ALL lovely, friendly and seemed happy with their work. I was also happy with the cost as it was a lot less than I expected it to be, to have two coil springs replaced and the joint on the anti-roll bar. I'm taking my car back in a couple of weeks for a service and I feel more than happy to leave my car in their hands.

Thankyou Ian and the team for making the dreaded MOT time a lot less stressful and for making me...