Favours Costing the Nation Dear
Asking a friend, neighbour or family member for a favour - like tackling a small repair or maintenance job can have potentially costly consequences, a study by Halfords reveals.
Motorists and householders pay out an estimated £300m a year after being forced to enlist the services of a professional to put things right with one in six people left regretting ever accepting help.
The maintenance blunders, made by well-meaning amateurs range from elementary mistakes involving car batteries, to more serious errors such as using the wrong oil or fiddling with the electrics and plumbing in the home.
Almost half (45%) of those who subsequently had to employ an expert were left with a bill of over £100.
Dave Poulter from Halfords said: “It seems that for many people there is no such thing as a cheap favour. Botched DIY jobs carried out by well-meaning friends are leaving many wishing they’d said ‘thanks but no thanks’.”
“Favours can be particularly costly for motorists where a bodged job can damage a car.”
Halfords survey found 10% of motoring DIY disasters were the result of using the wrong motor oil or not putting anti-freeze in the radiator.
One in 12 experienced problems starting their cars after a battery change because the leads had been connected wrongly and a further one in six had water added to their screenwash not realising that diluting it reduced its ability to clean effectively and increased the risk of it freezing in winter.
Dave Poulter added: “In an effort to save a few extra pounds, people often turn to friends or family for help. However, the complexities of DIY and loss of basic skills that previous generations took for granted mean that taking it to an expert can save money and friendships in the long run.”
Even when the job is completed without mishap, people are obliged to return the favour and or feel indebted to the person who helped them. The survey found that over a third of people said they felt compelled to return an act of kindness.
The survey coincides with an Autumn initiative by Halfords to help motorists fix wearing parts like Bulbs and Wiper blades through Halfords in store Wefit service
Halfords ‘we fit’ services help save drivers time and money by using trained professionals to fit car bulbs, wiper blades, batteries or engine oil bought from Halfords stores while-you-wait.
Halfords stores are also offering to carry out a free 5 point winter check comprising bulbs, wiper blades, the battery, oil and screenwash – with a free screenwash top-up - between 17-28 October
Ends
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Survey data from a sample of 2,028 people conducted by Atomic reseach during September 2013.
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at over 460 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars:
· Supporting Drivers Of Every Car
· Inspiring Cyclists Of Every Age
· Equipping Families For Their Leisure Time
The Getting into Gear 2016 plan for the Retail business is based on executing in five key areas in order to deliver a significantly-enhanced customer experience:
· Service Revolution
· The H Factor
· Stores Fit To Shop
· 21stCentury Infrastructure
· Click With The Digital Future
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Gelert and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
www.halfords.com
www.halfordsautocentres.com