How Long Can a Dealership Hold Your Car for Repair? Find Out Your Rights

When your car is at the dealership for repairs, it’s natural to feel a bit uneasy.

Whether it’s a minor fix or a more complicated issue, the question that often arises is: how long can they actually hold onto your car?

Knowing the factors that affect repair timeframes, your rights as a car owner, and what to do if the dealership is taking longer than expected can help you navigate the process with less stress.

In this article, we’ll explore what influences repair times, what’s considered a reasonable delay, and how you can make sure your car isn’t held longer than necessary.

What Factors Influence How Long a Dealership Can Hold Your Car?

There are several factors that can affect how long a dealership keeps your car for repairs.

Understanding these can give you a better sense of why some repairs take longer than others.

1. Availability of Parts

One of the most common reasons for delays in car repairs is waiting for parts.

If your vehicle requires a specific part that’s not readily available, the dealership might need to order it, and this can take time.

In some cases, parts may be back-ordered, particularly if your car is an older model or has uncommon specifications.

2. Complexity of the Repair

Some repairs are straightforward, while others are more complex and time-consuming.

For example, replacing brake pads might only take a few hours, but diagnosing and fixing an electrical fault or replacing an engine can take days, sometimes even weeks.

The more intricate the problem, the longer the dealership is likely to hold onto your car.

3. Technician Availability

While you might assume your car goes straight into the garage, the reality is that dealerships often have many cars lined up for repairs.

The availability of skilled technicians to work on your car can be another reason for delays.

During busy periods or times when the dealership is understaffed, your car might spend more time waiting to be worked on than actually being repaired.

If you’re wondering what happens when things don’t go smoothly at the dealership, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car.

4. Warranty or Recall Work

If your car is in for a warranty repair or recall work, the time it takes can vary based on the manufacturer’s approval processes and parts availability.

Warranty work often has to go through a more structured procedure, and this can sometimes mean it takes longer than a regular repair.

Typical Timeframes for Common Car Repairs

Understanding the typical timeframes for various repairs can help set your expectations and reduce the frustration of waiting for your car to be returned.

• Brake Replacement: 1-2 hours.
• Oil Change or Tyre Replacement: Under an hour.
• Transmission Repair: 3-4 days.
• Engine Replacement: 1-2 weeks.
• Electrical System Repair: 2-3 days, depending on the issue.

If you’re curious about service times for your vehicle, check out our page on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

What Are Your Rights as a Car Owner?

It’s important to know your rights when dealing with a dealership holding your car for repairs.

In the UK, there is no specific legal timeframe for how long a dealership can keep your car.

However, you do have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

If the dealership is taking an unreasonable amount of time to repair your vehicle, you may have grounds to request a refund, repair, or replacement, especially if the delay is affecting your ability to use the car for work or other essential purposes.

Additionally, the dealership is obligated to complete repairs within a “reasonable” time frame.

What constitutes “reasonable” will depend on the circumstances, including the complexity of the repair.

What to Do If the Dealership Is Taking Too Long

If you feel the dealership is holding your car for too long, there are steps you can take to address the issue.

1. Contact the Dealership Regularly

Regularly check in with the dealership to get updates on the status of your car.

Make sure they are aware of any time constraints you have, such as needing the car for work or travel.

2. Request a Loaner Car

Many dealerships offer loaner cars or courtesy vehicles if your car will be held for an extended period.

It’s worth asking if this is an option.

3. Request Rental Reimbursement

If the delay is excessive, some dealerships may offer reimbursement for car hire while your vehicle is being repaired, especially if the repair is covered under warranty.

4. Escalate the Issue

If the dealership isn’t providing satisfactory answers, escalate the issue by contacting the service manager or the manufacturer.

In some cases, the manufacturer can apply pressure to speed up the process.

What Is Considered an Unreasonable Delay?

An unreasonable delay is subjective and depends on the situation, but some red flags indicate your car may be held too long without just cause:

• The dealership provides vague or changing timelines without clear explanations.
• Parts have been ordered, but you receive no updates for several weeks.
• The dealership cannot give you a clear answer on when repairs will be completed.

If these situations occur, you may have grounds to seek compensation or further action.

In some cases, legal action may be appropriate if the delay is significantly impacting your life.

Can a Dealership Charge Storage Fees if the Car Is Left After Repairs?

Once your car has been repaired, you’ll usually be expected to pick it up promptly.

While most dealerships won’t charge you for leaving the car for a day or two, some may impose storage fees if your car is left for an extended period after repairs are completed.

It’s important to check with the dealership if they have a policy on storage fees.

If you can’t collect your car immediately, make sure to inform the dealership and try to come to an agreement to avoid any additional costs.

Does the Warranty Affect How Long a Dealership Can Hold Your Car?

When a car is under warranty, the repair process may be more complex.

Dealerships often need approval from the manufacturer before proceeding with warranty repairs, especially for costly parts or labour.

While this ensures that your repair is covered under the warranty, it can also result in longer wait times as the dealership coordinates with the manufacturer.

If you’re dealing with warranty repairs and curious about dealership negotiations, check out this page on how much dealerships will come down on price.

How to Minimise the Time Your Car Is Held for Repair

Although some delays are unavoidable, there are things you can do to help minimise the time your car spends at the dealership:

1. Book in Advance

Scheduling your repair appointment ahead of time can reduce waiting times.

2. Provide Clear Information

When you drop off your car, make sure to explain the problem in detail.

The clearer you are, the easier it is for the dealership to diagnose and fix the issue quickly.

3. Stay in Touch

Regularly call the dealership for updates, which can sometimes prompt them to prioritise your car.

FAQs

How long can a dealership legally hold my car?

There’s no set legal timeframe, but they are required to complete repairs within a reasonable amount of time.

Can I get a loaner car while my vehicle is being repaired?

Many dealerships offer loaner cars, especially if the repair is expected to take several days.

What if the dealership damages my car while it’s being repaired?

If the dealership causes any damage while your car is in their care, they are responsible for fixing it at no extra cost to you.

How long do parts usually take to arrive for dealership repairs?

It depends on the part.

Common parts may be available the same day, while others may take days or weeks, especially if they need to be ordered from overseas.

Conclusion

In most cases, dealerships will repair your car within a reasonable timeframe.

However, delays can occur, especially if parts are unavailable or the repair is complex.

Staying informed, maintaining regular contact with the dealership, and knowing your rights will help ensure your car isn’t held longer than necessary.

If you ever feel the dealership is taking too long, don’t hesitate to ask for updates, a loaner car, or even escalate the issue to ensure your repair is completed promptly.

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!