National Tyres and Autocare - a Halfords company Car Repair Garage in Southsea, Portsmouth

Reviews

1. Winnie ★☆☆☆☆

   This was, without question, the worst customer service experience I have ever had. I took my car in with a flat tyre, having put enough air in to reach the garage. I explained which tyre needed to be looked at, I was told I’d be booked in for 4pm and called when done. By 5:30pm (half an hour before closing) I’d received no call. I rang and they told me to come now as the man is looking at it, but asked what tire was flat again? When I arrived, the gentleman at the desk very abruptly told me there was “nothing wrong” with the tyre and that they couldn’t do anything for me. This was completely untrue, the tyre had been so flat the car was drifting dangerously to the left. I went to the back to get my car, where I was met by another unfriendly staff member who admitted they had checked the wrong wheel and were only just getting around to the correct one. After waiting again, my car was driven out, but the man literally ran inside ignoring I was stood waiting. When I went back to reception, four staff members (clearly desperate to go home) looked at me blankly and asked “yeah?” as if I was inconveniencing them. They told me they “just put some air in” and to come back tomorrow if it went flat again as they can’t see anything in the tire. When I expressed my concern about safety, they patronisingly told me of course the car would drift left if the tyre was flat, then shrugged at me and spoke in confusing, dismissive terms that felt intentionally intimidating. It was clear they had forgotten about my car, tried to rush the job at closing time, and would not replace the tyre despite me explaining it would be unsafe. The rudeness, the lack of care, the dismissive attitude, and the complete unwillingness to reassure me was shocking. I left feeling belittled and intimidated as well as worried, not knowing what to do as my car was still pulling to the left when I drove out of their car park – causing me to call someone out for help and add more air just to get home safely. The next day, another garage replaced the tyre in just 30 minutes and confirmed I was treated unfairly and just adding air should not have been the solution. I feel as though these staff members put me in an unsafe position on the road and their rudeness, unhelpfulness and belittling was appalling. I had to share this experience as I would hate to think they make another young woman feel like this due to their awful customer service. I cannot help but feel that, had I been a man, the interaction might have been handled differently to a young woman needing help and the job would have got done. I would never recommend this garage, I hope staff members are spoken to and something changes.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Toni ★★★★★

   Excellent service, took in last minute as I started hearing a knocking noise. Friendly and professional customer service and sorted my car in the best way possible for me. Will definitely be back in the future. Thank you

   almost 10 months ago
3. Jenny Arthur ★★★★★

   Very helpful staff. Called Simon in the morning as had a slow puncture and Bedhampton National had closed down. Tony was on reception and greeted me with a smile and took my keys. Luke found a leak on my wheel rim and it is sorted. Well communicated and will use this branch again.

   almost 10 months ago

1. caroline skidmore ★★★★★

   I don’t know why I haven’t used Halfords before. Site was so easy to use, bookings available within days, lovely professional staff, called when the car was ready, went through the advisories and attached a quote for tyre replacements. Wonderful service, will return for new tyres as and when!

   almost 11 months ago
2. Edd Webb ★★★★★

   Massive thank you Ellie at the Portsmouth branch -absolute superstar - really recommend these guys. Great service.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Andrew Lyons ★★★★★

   Very good service. I arrived late on New Year's Eve and they still honoured my booking and were done within an hour.

   almost 3 years ago

1. daniel harrison ★★★★★

   Dropped car off at 08:30 for 4new tyres supplied and fitted as well as wheel alignment and a good once over got a call at 11:30 car was all ready and done. Really happy with the feel of the car again now and was given some good advice. Used the same garage multiple times and always been very impressed with the guys and the cost!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Spike Nutter ★★★★☆

   Staff are great as always, the tyre was changed in less than 30 minutes, impeccable service like normal. Downside seems to be the Halfords takeover and the additional paperwork/busy work they need to do for each task (like being forced to do a car inspection so sales can do call backs etc). This I'm guessing is why you can't really drop in anymore like before, as the extra paperwork seems to be taking away from them doing actual work, so I would recommend booking online so you can get a slot and that you can get your choice tyre. This wasn't used to be like that and it's a shame. Hopefully they find a balance as they are the best in Portsmouth and I still will highly recommend them.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Deniz Nazim ★★★★★

   Had a good experience at this place. Took my car for oil change and MOT also. They fixed one of my indicators and put a new bulb on my registration plate for free as the old one was not working.

   almost 3 years ago

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