It is not common knowledge that you have the right to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices.
Hoping you might find a bargain in the end of year car sales or simply want to get your new car serviced? Here is some sound advice from Hobarts Garage in kilcoy.
Purchasing a new car is one of the major investments people generally make, so it shows common sense to see to it that you ensure its proper care. Caring for your new car goes beyond detailing the interior and keeping it sparkling with a loving weekly wash, however.
There are a few other things to consider, such as who is the best choice to service your car.
You should ensure it is regularly serviced by a qualified professional, to the manufacturers requirements, using high quality parts from a reputable supplier and fluids which meet the manufacturers specifications. This is not just to look after your new car, but because if these four requirements are met you will also preserve the manufacturers warranty.
It is not common knowledge that you have the right to choose who will service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee
New car dealers cannot force you to take the car back to the dealership you got it from for service or repairs. Provided the work is implemented to the manufacturers specifications by a properly qualified person and uses OEM quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands. You have the right to choose who services your car.
With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every Hobarts Garage mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Hobarts Garage mechanics are kept fully up to date with the latest in automotive service techniques and are able to service your new car without voiding the warranty.
Repco branded parts & products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. Hobarts Garage will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer.
If you already own a new car or are thinking of purchasing one, make sure you clearly understand where your statutory rights begin and end
Make sure you are aware of the differences between statutory, manufacturer and express warranties to avoid making the wrong selection when it comes to servicing your new car. You are automatically covered by a statutory warranty, also known as a Consumer Guarantee, under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and this statutory protection can never be invalidated by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the car maker and car dealer respectively).
A lack of disclosure requirements on car dealers at the point of sale regarding these contracts can easily lead the consumer into making a choice to be bound by a long term contract without access to all of the details needed to make a properly informed decision.
So when buying your new vehicle, be wary of new car dealers who may try to push the inclusion of “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Often these ‘other' warranties may include quite precise restrictions or provisions, and often can seem very confusing. Many times these special offers provide minimal additional benefits which exceed the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific new car dealership.
Such special offers are very unlikely to warn you of the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how far you will be traveling to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics.
What is a consumer guarantee?
Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you are protected by a Consumer Guarantee which takes into account purchase price, realistic expectations of when a failure might occur, advertising claims and the conditions under which a vehicle should operate. Previously known as a Statutory Warranty, the Consumer Guarantee does not have a specific time limit associated with it nor can it ever be replaced by a manufacturers warranty, which is in addition to the Consumer Guarantee.
What is a manufacturers warranty?
Manufacturers warranties are essentially a promise to the buyer that the new vehicle will be free from defects for a specific time and that any such defects will entitle buyers to a repair or other compensation. According to the Competition and Consumer Act (2010), such warranties cannot state that a vehicle must be returned to an authorised dealer for service.
What is an express or extended warranty?
Often new car dealers will try to include "express" or "extended" warranties, sometimes for free, in the purchase of your new vehicle. These ‘extra' warranties are in addition to the manufacturers warranty and may include quite specific restrictions or provisions, usually in unclear or confusing language. Many of these contracts actually provide little or no additional benefits over and above the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealership. Extended warranties can (and often do) restrict you to a specific dealership, which can have its drawbacks.
Can Hobarts Garage service my new car without voiding the warranty?
There is no requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve;
What steps will Hobarts Garage take to protect my warranty?
Hobarts Garage are fully qualified to carry out log book servicing, and we ensure all work is performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids and lubricants where required - meaning the manufacturer's warranty remains intact. In addition, all work carried out by Hobarts Garage is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.
Can Hobarts Garage stamp my logbook?
Hobarts Garage can and will stamp your log book to verify the work has been conducted by fully qualified staff according to manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids & lubricants.
Will having my car serviced with Hobarts Garage help maintain the value?
It goes without saying that a vehicle that has been well taken care of will maintain its value better than a poorly maintained one. Proof of a regular, properly adhered to service schedule will add further supporting evidence the car is in good condition. In addition to maintaining your warranty with correct service procedures, Hobarts Garage will stamp your logbook, which can prove invaluable should you ever decide to sell the car.
What about extended warranty or service plans?
Motor vehicle dealers sometimes offer their own extended (or express) warranties on vehicles. These extra warranties often begin after the manufacturer’s warranty and may stipulate that the vehicle must be serviced by the actual dealer offering the warranty. They are generally within their right to impose this condition, but the buyer should beware, such warranties are not always what they seem. Hobarts Garage will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.
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