Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get a quote from Wakefield & Scott?
2. What complications can arise during a repair?
3. Will Wakefield & Scott use new, or used parts?
4. Can you pick up my car if it’s not mobile?
5. Will my car be as safe as it was before the accident?
6. How long does it take for the paint to fully harden?
7. Is it OK to put my car through a carwash at all?
8. Why does the colour of my bumper not match my car?
9. What should I do if I have a car accident?
How do I get a quote from Wakefield & Scott?
Either drop into the workshop with your vehicle or give us a call and we’ll make it easy. An itemised quote takes about ten minutes as a rule and we can email you a copy as well.
What complications can arise during repairs?
It’s possible that unseen damage may be unearthed during the car repair. Things like twisted chassis, suspension damage, a broken light, maybe a water pump which has been impacted or power steering unit bent.
Don’t worry, we’ll let you know about this damage, fix it and inform the insurance company.
The only time this may impact on you is if a part is unavailable in New Zealand and needs to be imported, which could hold up the car repairs. This is not a common occurrence and we’ll try our best to provide you with a courtesy car in the mean time.
Will Wakefield & Scott use new, or used car parts?
It’s important that new parts are used if the car is under two years old to ensure the new car warranty remains valid. If we install any used parts in your older car we guarantee they will be at least as good as the part they are replacing. If a part arrives and it’s not as good as what was on your car before the accident, we’ll send it back to the supplier and source another.
Can you pick up my car if it’s not mobile?
We offer free pickup and delivery to anywhere in the Hutt Valley. Your car can be lifted onto the back of our truck and taken to the panel shop at no cost to you.
If my car is badly damaged will it be as safe to drive as it was before the accident?
Guaranteed – that's our promise as your panel beaters. We'll put your car back to pre-accident condition.
How long does it take for the paint to fully harden?
Be careful with the paint for a couple of weeks, certainly don’t put it through a carwash in that period.
Is it OK to put my car through a carwash at all?
Our advice is: Never use a carwash!
If you have to, use a non-contact water jet wash. Carwashes scratch paintwork and the worst type of carwash is the rotating slapper. You'll find they really don’t clean the car properly and you never know what the guy ahead of you was washing off his car - concrete maybe? Or was it a filthy work van? Who knows what is on the rotating brushes slapping across your vehicle.
Also be cautious as carwash slappers rotate in such a way that they can catch and damage the spoilers on your car.
Why does the colour of my bumper not match the rest of my car?
New cars often have this problem and mostly you'll not notice. Once you have a bit of work done to your car you'll start to look for discrepancies and that's when you'll notice flaws such as your off-colour bumper.
What should I do if I have an accident?
- Remain calm.
- Make sure no-one is injured.
- If anyone is injured, dial 111 for ambulance and police assistance.
- Call the police anyway. They may not attend a non-injury accident but if you can’t move your car then they are likely to attend and arrange towage.
- Also if you feel intimidated don't hesitate to dial 111.
- Gather the following details from other drivers or witnesses:
- Name, address and phone number
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance company details.
- If the other driver is uninsured note the following:
- The driver's name and driver's licence number if possible
- The car model and number plate
- Witnesses and their contact details
- The police officer contact details (if one attends).
- Do not admit liability – your insurance company will sort that out.
- As soon as possible ring your insurance company and nominate Wakefield & Scott as your repairer of choice. We’ll work with the company to arrange repair and you need do nothing further other than pick up your repaired vehicle.
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If you have any more queries don't hesitate to Contact Wakefield & Scott today.
