Trusted.
Family-Run.
Since ’73.
Over 50 years of honest, expert vehicle care for families across the West Midlands. MOTs, servicing, diagnostics & repairs — 100% recommended.
Three Generations of Trust
Your Car.
Our Family’s Promise.
On the road since
Over 50 Years on the Clock
And still going strong
What We Do
Our Services
From routine MOTs to electrical diagnostics, we handle it all under one roof in Wordsley with honest pricing and no surprises.
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Dave Timmins
April 2024 · Facebook
Expert Hands, Every Time
Our team of qualified mechanics tackle everything from routine servicing to complex engine rebuilds.
Our Story
Family-Owned Since 1973
John Downes Garage has been a cornerstone of the Brierley Hill community for over five decades. What started as a small family workshop on Stamford Road has grown into one of the most trusted garages in the West Midlands.
We serve generations of families — grandparents, parents, and their children all trust us with their vehicles. Our commitment to honest pricing, transparent communication, and first-class workmanship has earned us a 100% recommendation rate from our customers.
As members of the Independent Garage Association (IGA) and part of the RMI, we uphold the highest standards in the motor trade. Every vehicle that comes through our doors gets the same care and attention — that’s the JDG promise.
Since 1973
Over 50 years of trusted service
50+
Years in Business
3
Generations Served
100%
Recommended
4.8★
100+ Google Reviews
“When my car is at John Downes I can relax knowing their work is of an excellent standard. They keep me informed, give great advice and have saved me from being overcharged by other garages.”
Christine Vickery
March 2024 · Facebook
Built on Trust
For over half a century, families across Brierley Hill and the West Midlands have trusted JDG with their vehicles. Three generations of honest, reliable service — and counting.
“Big thank you from a grateful nurse on her way to work when her windscreen wipers broke. I was seen straight away and my wipers were fixed.”
Rachel Dutton
December 2020 · Facebook
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Engineered to Perfection
From timing belts to full diagnostics — we know what makes your car tick.
“”
Lisa Pritchard
July 2018 · Facebook
What Our Customers Say
100% Recommended
4.8 rated from 101+ reviews on Google
“Had an excellent experience at the garage. The staff were all helpful and friendly and were able to diagnose the fault code on my car as well as source the part and fit it the same day. They were accommodating to my needs and the price was very reasonable.”
Rachel Stringer
March 2026
“I was taken there by the AA recently after breaking down and sitting freezing in my car. They were so nice to me and helpful. The problem was something they don't specialise in, so they gave me a recommendation and didn't even charge me for looking at it. Would highly recommend this family-run garage.”
Rachel Elgerton
January 2026
“Great service, fitted me in very quickly. Took my car in thinking I needed new front brake pads — turns out I didn't at all, it was just my pads rubbing on my partly worn brake discs. Honest and didn't try to fob me off.”
Sally Foster
September 2025
“Excellent garage and staff. Went above and beyond to help get my car fixed. Contacted warranty company for me and kept me updated every step of the way. Very informative and knowledgeable.”
Emma Jane
September 2025
“Very helpful on reception and diagnosed the problem with my car. I would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you!”
Alex Wilkinson
January 2025
“These wonderful people helped me out massively. They showed me so much kindness. I am ever so grateful of their honesty and professionalism.”
Emma Parker
December 2024
“Absolutely fantastic service. Cannot fault these guys. They have definitely earnt my business for life. Mechanics are friendly and the reception was brilliant.”
Dave Timmins
April 2024
“When my car is at John Downes I can relax knowing their work is of an excellent standard. They keep me informed and give great advice.”
Christine Vickery
March 2024
“Can't thank Paul enough for rescuing me twice this week, went above and beyond all expectations! Honesty and knowledge go a long way.”
Lisa Pritchard
July 2018
Running at Full Power
Advanced diagnostics that read your engine like we built it.
Fuelled by Reputation
100% recommended. Our tank is full — and we’re not slowing down.
“Everyone at this garage is so lovely and friendly. They are so knowledgeable, and talk to you honestly. Pricing and service is highly recommended!”
Katy Grove
May 2023 · Facebook
Keeping Brierley Hill Moving
Looking for a Brierley Hill garage you can trust?
We are a family run garage on Stamford Road in Brierley Hill, and we have been looking after local drivers since 1973. Everything happens under one roof, so you can bring a car in for its MOT, have the service done at the same time and get any faults put right without driving around half the Black Country.
We are a DVSA approved test station for Class 4 and Class 7 vehicles, which covers cars, vans and light commercials. Alongside MOTs we handle full and interim servicing to manufacturer schedules, diagnostics with fault code reading and live data, brakes and suspension, clutches, timing belts, alternators, starters and batteries, air conditioning regas, exhaust repairs and new tyres supplied and fitted.
It suits anyone who wants a straight answer about their car. We will tell you what needs doing now, what can wait and what does not need touching at all. You speak to the people doing the work, we explain the job in plain English before we start, and we ring you if anything unexpected turns up.
Common questions
Where are you and when are you open?
You will find us on Stamford Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2PT. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm, and closed at weekends.
What vehicles can you MOT?
We test Class 4 and Class 7 vehicles, so cars, car derived vans and heavier light commercials up to 3,500kg. If anything fails, we can talk you through the repair and retest it here.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking ahead is best, especially for MOTs and servicing, as it means we can set the time aside for your car. If you have broken down or something has gone wrong on the way to work, give us a ring and we will do what we can to fit you in.
Your local Brierley Hill garage for MOTs, servicing and repairs
Most people searching for a Brierley Hill garage want the same thing, somewhere close to home that will book the car in, do the work properly and tell them the truth about it. We have been on Stamford Road since 1973, so we know the roads, the potholes and the sort of wear they put on brakes, suspension and tyres around here.
Drivers come to us from across the Black Country as well as Brierley Hill itself, including Dudley, Stourbridge, Kingswinford, Netherton, Cradley Heath and Halesowen. Everything is done in our own workshop, from Class 4 and Class 7 MOTs to full and interim servicing, diagnostics, clutches, timing belts, batteries, air conditioning regas, exhaust work and new tyres supplied and fitted.
If you have never used us before, ring us or drop in and tell us what the car is doing. We will look at it, explain what we find in plain English and let you decide what happens next. You will always speak to the people working on your vehicle.
Can I wait while the work is done?
For shorter jobs such as an MOT you are welcome to wait with us. For servicing or repairs it is usually easier to leave the car with us for the day, and we will ring you as soon as we know what is needed.
Do you work on all makes and models?
Yes, we look after cars, car derived vans and light commercials from all manufacturers. Servicing follows the manufacturer schedule for your vehicle, and our diagnostic equipment reads fault codes and live data so we are not guessing at the cause.
Get In Touch
Contact Us
Give us a call or pop in — we’re always happy to help.
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00 - 17:30
Sat-Sun: Closed
