Service stations believe in old-fashioned service

Press, 26 July 1989, Page 25

Service stations believe in old-fashioned service

At a time when the motor industry is going into specialisation and motorists are chasing all over town to find a tyre specialist here, or a mechanic somewhere else, Tony Cardwell says that he is offering some old-fashioned service at his two service stations on Harewood Road. Cardwell Motor Services, Ltd, has been established near the corner of Harewood Road and Greers Road for about five years. Recently, another service station, Tony Cardwell Motors, was opened further up Harewood Road near the Breens Road intersection. The service stations are almost two kilometres apart and are situated on a divided section of Harewood Road. This effectively means that motorists have easy access to a service station regardless of which direction they are travelling. Easy access is one thing, however. Tony Cardwell says that people deserve to get good service from friendly, helpful staff. “We may be going against modern trends, but when someone drives into one of our service

stations, we like to pump the petrol, check the oil and clean the windscreens ourselves. Self service may be all right for some people, but I know that I would not like to fill my own petrol tank or search for the dip stick if I was dressed up in a suit.” Mr Cardwell says that anyone living in the Harewood and Bishopdale areas does not need to go into town for specialised services. He claims that his service stations can provide most motorists’ needs and his prices are very competitive. “We run a full service at discounted prices. In fact, our tyres are possibly the cheapest in Christchurch. We stock three popular brands of tyres and can supply retreads as well as new and used tyres. “Batteries are also compeptitively priced. We stock only quality New Zealand batteries and have little faith in the cheap imported brands. “We were one of the first service stations to offer a free car wash with a petrol sale of $3O or more. The free wash does not have to be taken immediately, however. If you had cleaned your car before coming in for petrol, the car wash can be claimed at a later date. “We were also one of the original wheel alignment specialists in Christ-

church,” Mr Cardwell says. Other services include full workshop facilities catering for service checks and . lubrications through to motor overhauls. Warrant of fitness issuing is also offered. Clutch and brake servicing is an ongoing special at Cardwell Motor Services. Clutch overhauls involve replacing all components with new parts. Both service stations have a well stocked retail shop selling many everyday items from bread, cream and pizzas, through to car accessories and motor-related posters. Tony Cardwell has spent 20 years in the motor trade. He is also involved in saloon car racing. He has been New Zealand champion twice and has won numerous

South Island and Canterbury events. "Much of this success can be attributed to our staff who have prepared my racing vehicles. They extend this high quality workmanship, which is necessary for racing successes, through to our customers’ own vehicles,” Mr Cardwell says. Mr Cardwell is encouraged by the support the service stations get from people living in or passing through the Bishopdale and Harewood areas. “We are here to give the best service at discounted prices,” he says. The service stations are open every day and offer all services with the exception of the workshop facility which is open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings.