Formula One Autocentres - Reading Anmeldelser 

I booked my tyre fitting through Blackcircles, with Formula One Autocentres (Reading) carrying out the work. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing.

Following the tyre fitting, I discovered damage to one of my alloy wheels that was not present beforehand. Rather than carrying out a thorough investigation, Formula One Autocentres concluded that the damage was pre-existing based solely on photographs and their own internal assessment. At no point did anyone offer to inspect the wheel in person or arrange an independent assessment.

When I asked for CCTV footage of the fitting process to understand how the wheel had been handled, this was not provided. I also requested a copy of the technical assessment and details of the qualifications of the person who reached the conclusion, but these requests were declined.

As a precision engineer, I found the explanation given for the damage to be unconvincing. Despite raising detailed technical concerns, they were dismissed without any meaningful engagement or further investigation. Blackcircles ultimately relied on Formula One Autocentres' assessment when rejecting my claim.

What disappointed me most was not necessarily the damage itself, but the way the complaint was handled. I expected transparency, accountability, and a genuine effort to establish the facts. Instead, I felt Formula One Autocentres simply denied responsibility, and Blackcircles accepted their version of events without any independent investigation.

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Formula One Autocentres (Reading), particularly if you value good customer service, transparency, and fair complaint handling.

Auxiliary belt was falling apart - F1 replaced it same day, very helpful staff

Unfortunately phoned the day before my MOT to cancel (second time this has happened to us now) pretty disappointing especially as they took the money a week ago.

Booked an MOT for June 5th at the Reading branch and even got a reminder email on June 4th. Arrived on the day only to be told their equipment was broken and I’d have to wait a week. Staff said they tried calling me the day before, but didn't leave a voicemail. Nobody answers unknown numbers nowadays due to scams. They should have emailed or left a message. Total waste of my time and fuel.

They admitted fault damaging my vehicle requested quotes then reneged and wanted to fix themselves. Consumer Rights Act let's me use alternatives. Now they want me use the Motor Ombudsman which has a three year delay

I attended this garage on Christmas Eve with a puncture. Despite being fully booked, the team managed to fit me in and get me back on the road. Friendly and helpful staff, great service.

Okay they were busy and a bit delayed starting the job, but we were told on arrival and advised immediately.
However the standard of communication, once work started, was excellent. There were a couple of genuine issues which we were aware off prior to work being carried out, which didn't phase the guys at all. Each and every step was communicated and dealt with professionally and too a great standard (without an increase in price).
I have no issues with providing an extremely good feedback to this branch and will undoubtedly be using them again in the future.

I received outstanding customer service during my recent visit. Despite a delicate situation where a staff member had called in sick, the team handled everything professionally and went above and beyond to make sure I was looked after without any delays. Their dedication, communication, and willingness to help truly stood out.
A big thank you to Billy, Kristin, Josh at the end of the day for making the experience smooth and stress-free.

I normally have a really good experience when visiting the Reading branch. Today however was an absolute mess!
I booked my car in 6 days ago for 9:30 today to replace a window regulator. I arrived at 9:15 with the part needed (as requested by them at the time of booking). I was also told at the time of booking that it would take an hour and that I was welcome to wait. At 9:30 I’m told they are short staffed and really busy and they don’t think they can get my car done today. I explained that it’s booked in for 9:30 and that I have taken a day off work to get this done. I’m then told that there are a few cars already in before me so I’ll have to leave my car there, or come back in the afternoon. Again, MY CAR WAS BOOKED SO WHY ARE THERE CARS AHEAD OF MINE???
I leave and return back at 13:45…I’m told there’s a half hour wait and then they’ll get to my car. Ok, fine. At 3pm my car finally goes in only to come back out less than 10 minutes later. I’m then told that they can’t do the job because they don’t have the correct rivet gun to replace the regulator and that this repair should never have been booked in the first place!!!The entire day was wasted without even trying to get the right tool and was given back my keys to be on my merry way!
Yes, they apologised, but frankly, in such a ‘couldn’t care less’ manner! My problem I guess!
Sadly I won’t be back, you’re only as good as your last experience!

*edit - i have completed a customer service form on thurs 6th november, awaiting feedback.
Avoid!
Car body damaged in their possession. Won't give me evidence that it wasn't them.
I requested a tyre puncture repair, which I believed they had done until I got home and realised they had not.
They did rectify the tyre repair at a later date when I notified them and bought it back in, with no apology from them but still no outcome from the damage caused.

Booked in for wheel alignment at very short notice. No waiting at all, pleasant, helpful professional service and my car is driving perfectly. I will definitely be back.

15 minute tyre change that was booked a day in advance took 4 hours. When I asked what the cause of the delay was they said they forgot it was there.

I got a quote from 'FixMyCar' for an oil and filter change of £59.99 from F1. I rang the the Reading site to ask a few questions and book the service because they failed to answer the question i sent them on line. On the call I was told that they had no record of the quote and that the cost would be £120. Sharp Practice.

I took my car to F1 garage in Reading to fix probable fault in the battery/alternator. The staff checked and tested the car for a whole day but could not find a fault in either. The car simply needed to be driven more often to charge the battery. Yet, they did not charge me at all even for their time spent on testing. I really appreciate their honesty. Besides, the staff are very friendly.

My garage told me that my aircon doesn't work and that I need a new compressor (cost approx £750). I contacted Formula One in Reading and made an appointment for the following day. I was on time and Formula One didn't keep me waiting. They replaced the seal and applied new sealant. Now my aircon is working perfectly. The job took about 30 minutes and it was free of charge. Congratulations to Formula One in Reading from a very satisfied customer.

I booked an MOT appointment online at F1 Autocentres Reading and received confirmation. I showed up early, only to be told the MOT was cancelled because they do not have the required tool.

This was news to me as I received no communication from the centre since booking. The staff claimed the appointment had previously been rescheduled, then cancelled. Not only is this false, but I had no calls, emails, or messages to that effect.

All they did was refund my payment and send me on my way.

This level of service is unacceptable. Avoid this centre unless you’re happy to be left stranded without notice or solution.

I've been using Formula One Autocentres in Reading for several years because they offer good service at a reasonable price. However, I don’t believe care is one of their strengths.

Last year, after a service, I noticed a dent on the passenger door. I didn't raise it at the time, as I thought it could have been an accident and accidents just happen. But this year, after my MOT and service, I found a new 4cm dent and scratch on the bonnet, as if a tool had been dropped on it. Two years in a row is too much of a coincidence, and I don’t think this level of carelessness is acceptable.

**Update***

After raising my concerns with customer services, I was contacted by the branch manager, Chris, who took the matter seriously. I visited the garage again, and after an inspection, they acknowledged that the damage was consistent with an airline having caused the dent and scratched the surface. As compensation, they offered to carry out some non-essential work that had been identified during my service. I appreciate Chris' efforts to resolve the situation where others might have just dismissed responsibility.

Thanks to this positive resolution, I feel reassured and will now be returning as a customer.

Nice chaps. Good service. Value for money.

Excellent service by Chris and his team. Would recommend going there.

I’ve used F1 a couple of times now and always find them friendly and efficient. Never had any unexpected add-ons as I have elsewhere. I trust their advice.