Kwik Fit
Beware Kwik Fit

I visited a Kwik-Fit garage (on Balham High Road) to have the coolant level topped up and my tires filled with air.

I am heavily pregnant, and have a 3 year old child, and told the mechanic I was making a long journey that day. Shortly thereafter I was told that 3 of my tyres needed replacing due to 1 having a slice in the side wall and 2 others having low tread depth. For this I was charged £500.00 (down from an initial quote of £550). The mechanic was adamant that there was no choice as the tires were not safe.

I was shocked at both the cost and the fact that the tyres were apparently not fit for purpose. I have since done the following:

• As the car had a full MOT just over 2 weeks earlier. I have since contacted the MOT centre and they confirm that the tyres were completely safe and had more than an estimated years additional wear left in them; and

• The cost of Vauxhall Vectra tyres should be closer to £70 each not £180 each. This price has been confirmed by 2 additional garages.

I had no idea Kwik Fit were up-sellers and assumed their employees were professionals as they are such a large company.