Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to vehicle repair, maintenance, diagnostic, mechanical, transmission, mobile mechanic and related services provided by *VM Garage* through *vmgarage.co.uk*, at our workshop, at a customer’s location, or as otherwise agreed.

By booking, requesting or authorising work, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions affects any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded or restricted.

1. About VM Garage and Scope of Services

VM Garage provides services including, but not limited to:

* vehicle diagnostics;
* mechanical repairs;
* servicing and maintenance;
* transmission and gearbox repairs and rebuilding;
* replacement and fitting of vehicle parts;
* workshop-based repairs;
* mobile mechanic services;
* fault investigation and testing; and
* other vehicle-related services agreed with the customer.

The exact scope of work will be based on the work requested and authorised by the customer.

2. Customer Authority and Vehicle Information

The customer confirms that they are the owner of the vehicle or have authority from the owner to authorise the requested work.

The customer must provide accurate information about the vehicle and, where relevant, disclose:

* known faults;
* previous repairs;
* modifications;
* warning lights or diagnostic issues;
* accident damage;
* non-standard components;
* previous unsuccessful repairs; and
* any other information that may reasonably affect diagnosis or repair.

VM Garage is not responsible for additional work, delay or cost caused by inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by the customer.

3. Estimates and Quotations

An *estimate* is an approximate indication of the expected cost based on the information reasonably available at the time. The final cost may change if further faults, damage, parts or labour requirements are identified.

A *fixed quotation* may change where:

* the customer changes the requested work;
* additional work is subsequently authorised;
* previously hidden or inaccessible faults are discovered;
* information supplied by the customer was incorrect or incomplete; or
* another circumstance outside the original agreed scope reasonably requires additional work.

Where additional work or cost becomes necessary, VM Garage will, where reasonably practicable, contact the customer and obtain authorisation before proceeding.

No significant additional work will deliberately be carried out without customer authorisation unless immediate action is reasonably necessary to prevent danger or further damage and it is not reasonably possible to contact the customer.

4. Diagnostics and Fault Investigation

Diagnostic charges cover the technician’s time, knowledge, investigation and use of diagnostic equipment.

Payment of a diagnostic fee does not guarantee that:

* a fault can be conclusively identified during the initial diagnostic session;
* only one fault exists;
* replacing a suspected defective component will reveal no further problems;
* an intermittent fault will occur during testing; or
* a vehicle with multiple or cascading faults can be completely diagnosed within the original diagnostic time.

Diagnostic work already properly performed remains chargeable even where:

* no definitive fault is identified;
* further investigation is recommended;
* the customer decides not to continue with repairs; or
* another underlying fault is subsequently discovered.

Where further diagnostic work is required, VM Garage will advise the customer before incurring significant additional charges.

5. Hidden and Additional Faults

Some faults cannot reasonably be identified until components have been removed, dismantled or tested.

If additional faults are discovered during diagnosis, dismantling or repair, VM Garage may pause the work and provide the customer with information about the additional work and expected cost.

The customer may choose whether to authorise the additional work.

If the customer declines work that VM Garage considers necessary for safe or proper completion of the repair, VM Garage may stop work and return the vehicle in its existing condition where reasonably possible.

VM Garage is not responsible for consequences resulting from a customer’s decision to decline recommended repairs, except where VM Garage is itself legally responsible for the relevant loss or damage.

The customer remains responsible for authorised diagnostic, dismantling, parts and labour costs already incurred.

6. Parts Supplied by VM Garage

Where VM Garage supplies parts, we will use parts reasonably suitable for the agreed repair.

Depending on the repair and agreement with the customer, parts may be:

* new;
* OEM;
* aftermarket;
* reconditioned;
* remanufactured; or
* used.

Where reasonably relevant, the type of component proposed will be communicated before fitting.

Parts may also be subject to separate manufacturer or supplier warranty conditions.

A manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranty does not automatically extend the duration of VM Garage’s own commercial workmanship warranty unless expressly confirmed by VM Garage in writing.

Nothing in this section reduces statutory rights that apply to goods supplied by VM Garage.

7. Customer-Supplied Parts

Customers may only supply their own parts where VM Garage agrees to fit them.

VM Garage does not provide any commercial warranty covering the:

* quality;
* durability;
* compatibility;
* specification;
* performance; or
* fitness for purpose

of any part supplied by the customer.

The customer is responsible for ensuring that customer-supplied parts are correct and suitable for the vehicle.

Where a customer-supplied part is incorrect, defective, incomplete, incompatible or subsequently fails, any additional labour required to diagnose, remove, replace or refit that part will normally be chargeable.

VM Garage is not responsible for damage or additional costs caused by an inherently defective, incorrect or unsuitable customer-supplied part where VM Garage could not reasonably have identified the problem before installation.

VM Garage remains responsible for carrying out its own fitting work with reasonable care and skill.

8. Removed and Replaced Parts

Unless agreed otherwise before the repair, components removed from the vehicle may be disposed of following completion of the work.

Some components may have to be returned to a manufacturer or supplier under an exchange, surcharge or warranty arrangement and therefore cannot be returned to the customer.

If the customer wishes to retain removed parts, this must be requested before work begins.

9. Mobile Repair Services

For mobile repairs, the customer must provide a reasonably safe and suitable working location.

The vehicle should, where reasonably possible, be positioned:

* on firm, flat and stable ground;
* on private property or another lawful working location;
* with sufficient space around the vehicle;
* away from unsafe traffic conditions; and
* in a location where the required repair can legally and safely be carried out.

VM Garage may refuse, pause or reschedule mobile work where conditions are unsafe or unsuitable.

This includes circumstances involving:

* unsafe ground;
* insufficient working space;
* dangerous traffic;
* severe weather;
* inadequate lighting;
* environmental hazards; or
* any other condition that creates an unreasonable safety risk.

Where work cannot safely be completed as a mobile repair, VM Garage may require or recommend that the vehicle is recovered to a suitable workshop.

Unless the need for recovery results from a breach by VM Garage, recovery costs are the responsibility of the customer.

10. Mobile Call-Out, Fuel and Travel Charges

Mobile services may be subject to call-out, travel or fuel charges.

Any applicable standard charge will be communicated as part of the booking or quotation where reasonably possible.

If additional visits are required because:

* the customer requests additional work;
* previously unknown faults are discovered;
* customer-supplied parts are incorrect or unavailable;
* access to the vehicle is unavailable;
* the customer is not present where their presence is required;
* the vehicle cannot be worked on because of circumstances at the customer’s location; or
* the agreed job reasonably requires further attendance,

additional travel and labour charges may apply.

VM Garage will communicate material additional charges and obtain customer approval where reasonably practicable before they are incurred.

11. Workshop Vehicles and Vehicle Movement

By leaving a vehicle with VM Garage, the customer authorises VM Garage to move the vehicle where reasonably necessary for:

* workshop operations;
* diagnosis;
* repair;
* parking;
* testing; and
* collection arrangements.

Where reasonably necessary to diagnose a fault or verify a repair, the customer also authorises VM Garage to road-test the vehicle, provided that doing so is lawful and appropriately insured.

The customer must inform VM Garage if the vehicle is not legally suitable for use on a public road.

12. Personal Belongings and Vehicle Condition

Customers should remove valuables and unnecessary personal belongings before leaving a vehicle with VM Garage.

VM Garage is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings unless that loss or damage results from VM Garage failing to take reasonable care.

VM Garage is not responsible for:

* pre-existing vehicle damage;
* pre-existing mechanical or electrical faults;
* normal wear and tear;
* deterioration resulting from age or mileage;
* corrosion;
* pre-existing weakened, seized or damaged components; or
* faults unrelated to the work performed,

unless the relevant loss or damage was caused by VM Garage.

Where appropriate, photographs, video, diagnostic records or other records of a vehicle’s condition may be taken before, during or after work for job records, diagnosis, evidence of vehicle condition and dispute prevention.

13. Completion Times and Delays

Any completion time or date given by VM Garage is an estimate unless expressly agreed in writing as a fixed contractual deadline.

Repair times may be affected by matters including:

* parts availability;
* supplier or courier delays;
* additional faults;
* specialist subcontracted work;
* diagnostic complexity;
* seized, damaged or corroded components;
* weather affecting mobile work; or
* other circumstances outside VM Garage’s reasonable control.

VM Garage will make reasonable efforts to keep the customer informed of significant delays.

14. Payment

Unless alternative payment terms have been agreed in writing, payment is due in full when the work is completed.

The customer is responsible for payment for:

* authorised labour;
* authorised parts;
* agreed diagnostic work;
* agreed travel or call-out charges; and
* authorised additional work.

Vehicles will normally only be released once payment due has been received in cleared funds.

Where permitted by law, VM Garage may retain possession of a vehicle while charges properly due in relation to work carried out on that vehicle remain unpaid.

A customer raising a complaint does not automatically extinguish payment obligations for work that is not genuinely disputed.

Nothing in this section prevents the customer from exercising any statutory right to dispute charges or seek an appropriate remedy.

15. Vehicle Collection and Storage

Customers must arrange collection promptly after being informed that the vehicle is ready.

Unless otherwise agreed, collection should normally take place within *48 hours* of notification.

Where a vehicle is not collected within the agreed period, a reasonable storage charge may apply where the charge and the basis on which it is calculated have been communicated to the customer.

Storage charges do not replace or cancel outstanding repair, diagnostic, parts or labour charges.

If a vehicle remains uncollected for an extended period, VM Garage may take lawful steps relating to uncollected goods, including giving notices required by applicable law.

Any exercise of rights concerning an abandoned or uncollected vehicle will be carried out in accordance with applicable law, including where relevant the *Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977*.

16. VM Garage Commercial Warranty

Unless a different warranty is expressly confirmed in writing for a specific job, VM Garage provides a *3-month commercial warranty* on qualifying workmanship and qualifying parts supplied and fitted directly by VM Garage.

The *3-month period begins on the date the relevant repair is completed*.

This is a voluntary commercial warranty offered by VM Garage. It is separate from statutory rights that may exist under applicable consumer law.

Scope of the Commercial Warranty

The commercial warranty applies only to a defect that is directly attributable to:

* workmanship performed by VM Garage; or
* a qualifying component supplied and fitted by VM Garage,

and only where the claimed issue relates directly to the repair recorded on the relevant VM Garage invoice or job record.

The commercial warranty does *not* create a general warranty covering the entire vehicle.

Repair of one component or system does not make VM Garage responsible for another component or system that subsequently fails.

Commercial Warranty Exclusions

The VM Garage commercial warranty does not cover a fault, damage or additional repair requirement caused or contributed to by:

* normal wear and tear;
* consumable or service items subject to normal deterioration;
* accident, collision or impact damage;
* misuse, abuse or improper operation;
* neglect or inadequate maintenance;
* racing, competition, track use or similar high-stress use;
* overloading;
* overheating;
* oil starvation;
* continued driving after a warning light, unusual noise, overheating, loss of oil pressure or other serious fault becomes apparent;
* failure to follow reasonable VM Garage instructions or aftercare recommendations;
* unsuitable or unauthorised vehicle modifications;
* remapping, tuning or performance modifications relevant to the claimed failure;
* another unrelated mechanical, electrical or electronic fault;
* pre-existing damage or deterioration;
* customer-supplied parts;
* incorrect fluids, fuel or consumables added after the repair;
* contamination;
* external damage;
* subsequent repair, modification or interference by another person where that work caused or contributed to the claimed problem; or
* circumstances outside VM Garage’s reasonable control.

The existence of one of these circumstances does not automatically remove statutory rights. It may, however, mean that the problem is outside the scope of the VM Garage commercial warranty.

Remedy Under the Commercial Warranty

Acceptance of a commercial warranty claim does not automatically entitle the customer to a refund.

Where VM Garage accepts a claim under its commercial warranty, VM Garage will normally decide the appropriate warranty remedy, which may include:

* further inspection;
* adjustment;
* repair;
* rectification; or
* replacement of the qualifying defective component,

depending on the circumstances.

A refund will only be provided where VM Garage agrees that it is appropriate or where applicable law requires it.

End of Commercial Warranty Period

Once the *3-month commercial warranty period has expired*, no claim can be made under the voluntary VM Garage commercial warranty unless VM Garage has expressly agreed a longer warranty in writing.

Any statutory rights that may apply are separate and will be considered only to the extent required by applicable law.

Nothing in this section excludes or restricts statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

17. Warranty Claims, Inspection and Third-Party Repairs

A customer who believes that a repair covered by the VM Garage commercial warranty has developed a fault must contact VM Garage *as soon as reasonably possible after becoming aware of the problem*.

For a commercial warranty claim, VM Garage may reasonably request:

* the original invoice or job reference;
* vehicle registration;
* current mileage;
* details of the alleged fault;
* photographs or videos where relevant; and
* information concerning any work carried out on the vehicle after the VM Garage repair.

VM Garage Must Be Given an Opportunity to Inspect

VM Garage must be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect the vehicle and assess whether the alleged fault is connected with the work originally carried out.

The customer should not authorise another garage or person to dismantle, alter or repair the claimed VM Garage fault before giving VM Garage a reasonable opportunity to inspect it.

If another person carries out work before VM Garage has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the vehicle, VM Garage will not automatically be responsible for that third party’s diagnostic, labour, parts, recovery or repair charges.

This does not apply where urgent third-party action was reasonably necessary for safety, to prevent significant additional damage, or where applicable law otherwise gives the customer such a right.

Warranty Inspection Location

Commercial warranty inspections will normally take place at the *VM Garage workshop*.

The customer is responsible for arranging delivery or recovery of the vehicle to VM Garage for assessment under the commercial warranty unless VM Garage agrees otherwise.

If the customer requests mobile attendance instead of bringing the vehicle to the workshop, a mobile call-out, fuel or travel charge may apply.

Where VM Garage is legally required to bear particular reasonable costs because of defective goods or services, nothing in this section removes that obligation.

Continued Driving

Where a customer becomes aware of a serious fault, warning light, abnormal noise, overheating, loss of fluid, loss of oil pressure or another symptom that could reasonably cause further damage, the customer must take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage.

Damage caused or materially increased by continued use of the vehicle after such a warning became apparent is not covered by the VM Garage commercial warranty to the extent that the continued use caused or increased that damage.

18. Cancellation and Missed Appointments

Customers should provide at least *24 hours’ notice* when cancelling or changing a scheduled appointment.

For late cancellations or missed mobile appointments, VM Garage may charge a reasonable cancellation or call-out fee where:

* the customer was informed about the relevant charge before booking; and
* the charge reasonably reflects time, travel, work reserved or other losses resulting from the cancellation.

VM Garage will not impose a disproportionate cancellation penalty.

These provisions are separate from any statutory cancellation rights described below.

19. Distance and Off-Premises Bookings

Where a consumer enters into a qualifying contract with VM Garage by telephone, online, electronically or away from VM Garage’s business premises, the consumer may have a statutory right to cancel under the *Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013*.

Where applicable, the normal cancellation period for a service contract is *14 days beginning on the day after the contract is made*.

If the consumer expressly asks VM Garage to begin providing services during that cancellation period, VM Garage may begin work before the period ends.

If the consumer subsequently exercises a valid cancellation right after requesting an early start, the consumer may be required to pay a proportionate amount for services properly supplied before cancellation, where permitted by law.

Where the service has been fully performed during the cancellation period following the consumer’s express request and the consumer has given the legally required acknowledgement, the statutory cancellation right may end once the service has been fully performed.

Different rules may apply where the customer specifically requests a visit for *urgent repair or maintenance*.

The statutory cancellation right may not apply to the urgent work specifically requested, although additional goods or services not necessary for the urgent repair may remain subject to the normal rules.

Nothing in this section limits any cancellation right provided by law.

20. Unsafe, Modified or Unroadworthy Vehicles

VM Garage may refuse to start or continue work where it reasonably believes that:

* the requested repair would be unsafe;
* the vehicle presents an unacceptable safety risk;
* the requested work would be unlawful;
* modifications make the requested repair unsuitable;
* appropriate parts or procedures cannot reasonably be used; or
* continuing the work may create a serious risk of additional damage.

The customer remains responsible for charges relating to work properly authorised and performed before the work was stopped.

21. Limitation of Liability

VM Garage does not exclude or restrict liability where doing so would be unlawful.

In particular, nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or restricts liability for:

* death or personal injury caused by negligence;
* fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
* statutory consumer rights that cannot legally be excluded; or
* any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

VM Garage is not responsible for loss or damage to the extent that it:

* existed before our work began;
* resulted from an unrelated vehicle fault;
* resulted from incorrect or incomplete information supplied by the customer;
* was caused by customer misuse or neglect;
* resulted from continued vehicle use after a serious fault became apparent;
* was caused by work subsequently carried out by another party;
* was not caused by any breach or negligence by VM Garage; or
* could not reasonably have been foreseen by both VM Garage and the customer when the contract was made.

Where a customer is acting wholly or mainly for business purposes, VM Garage will not be responsible, to the extent permitted by law and subject to applicable requirements of reasonableness, for indirect business losses including loss of profit, revenue, business, opportunity or anticipated savings.

Nothing in this section affects the legal rights of a consumer.

22. Breakdown or Fault After Repair

A subsequent warning light, fault, component failure or vehicle breakdown does *not by itself establish that work previously carried out by VM Garage was defective*.

Vehicles consist of interconnected mechanical, electrical, electronic and wear-related systems. Repairing one fault does not guarantee that another existing, developing or unrelated fault will not subsequently occur.

VM Garage is only responsible for a subsequent problem where responsibility arises from:

* the agreed VM Garage commercial warranty; or
* applicable law.

Where a customer alleges that a subsequent problem is connected to earlier VM Garage work, VM Garage must be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect and investigate the alleged connection.

23. Complaints and Disputes

If a customer is dissatisfied with work or believes there is a problem with a repair, they should contact VM Garage as soon as reasonably possible.

VM Garage will investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, inspect the vehicle and seek a reasonable solution.

A complaint or allegation alone does not establish that VM Garage caused the relevant fault or damage.

Nothing in this complaints process prevents a consumer from exercising statutory rights or using any dispute resolution or court procedure available by law.

24. Website Content and Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, the website, branding, logo, photographs, graphics, written content and other original material published on *vmgarage.co.uk* are owned by or licensed to VM Garage.

Content may not be copied, reproduced, republished or used commercially without permission except where permitted by law.

Website information is provided for general information and does not replace an individual vehicle inspection or diagnosis.

VM Garage makes reasonable efforts to keep website information accurate, but vehicle requirements, availability, prices and services may change.

25. Changes to These Terms

VM Garage may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in:

* services;
* business procedures;
* legislation; or
* regulatory requirements.

Changes will apply to future bookings and contracts from the date the updated Terms are published unless applicable law requires otherwise.

Changes will not retrospectively remove rights already acquired under an existing contract.

26. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

27. Governing Law

Questions, cancellation requests, complaints or warranty enquiries should be directed to:

VM Garage
Website: https://vmgarage.co.uk
Email: kulaktomaszhenlow@gmail.com
Telephone: +44 7399399403
Business / Workshop Address: VM Garage
Marine Garage
Redbrink Crescent
CF62 5TT, UK: Wales

28. Contact

Questions, cancellation requests, complaints or warranty enquiries should be directed to:

VM Garage
Website: https://vmgarage.co.uk
Email: kulaktomaszhenlow@gmail.com
Telephone: +44 7399399403
Business / Workshop Address: VM Garage
Marine Garage
Redbrink Crescent
CF62 5TT, UK: Wales