Mandatory details
To maintain and repair your vehicle yourself, you can go to a self-service garage. It is a commercial structure which rents equipment, bridges and which also makes it possible to buy spare parts such as pads or necessary products such as oil and spark plugs.
An associative garage or participatory garage operates under the non-profit association law of 1901. You join the association and reserve a time slot.
We accompany you
The location for the vehicle and the tools are made available for payment, but the association generally does not make a profit.
The associative garage being based on the principle of mutual aid, connoisseurs are often present to help newcomers to understand the operation of their vehicle and to guide them in the repairs to be carried out. The autonomy of the members is a medium-term objective, even if the operation may differ slightly from one structure to another.
Possible training
For those who want to go further or who have many repairs to do, the best thing is to find an associative garage that offers training to its members.
These sessions are often chargeable but the price remains reasonable and this always saves appreciable sums on repairs. The contribution can vary from 15 to 150 € per year and, the formula being more and more appreciated, you must apply as soon as possible when registration opens.
Shared financial efforts
According to the rules of the association, the social and professional situation is taken into account in the calculation of the contribution. However, the price per hour of occupation of the installations is generally around 20 €. In addition to the contribution, the location in the workshop or the occupation of a bridge is not included in the contribution, as well as the tools made available.
Of course, the parts and components are your responsibility. If you are looking for this type of garage where know-how is shared, you can go to the website www.selfgarage.org where addresses are available throughout France.
And the solidarity garage?
The solidarity garage also takes the legal form of the 1901 law association. The structures are financed by local authorities, state aid or partnerships with companies such as PSA and are aimed at people in difficulty.
There are about a hundred in France and combine maintenance assistance through co-repair and integration projects through training. Access is via social sector associations, solidarity centers and Pôle Emploi. List of garages here.