Car servicing: Go the extra mile with the right mechanic
Cars are a big investment and, like any other valuable item, you want to take care of them to ensure they go the distance.
When it comes to car maintenance, there are a few schools of thought. Some people swear by regular service appointments, while others prefer to only service their car when something goes wrong.
You could be spending anywhere from $1300 to $2085 annually on servicing and maintenance, but if you don’t get the car regularly serviced, this could affect not only the car’s condition but your warranty. So, what’s the best approach?
What does car servicing entail?
A car service generally includes an oil and filter change, a check of all the fluid levels, as well as the brakes and tyres, and a general inspection of the car. In some cases, more extensive work may be required, such as replacing the air filter or spark plugs.
How often should a car be serviced?
There are no hard and fast rules. Generally, most mechanics will recommend service intervals of either six months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. But this can vary depending on the make and model of your car. It's a good idea to consult your car's owner's manual, as this will list the specific service intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
Most car manufacturers are quite strict when it comes to their service intervals. Skipping a recommended service can often lead to problems down the line, such as reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear on key components.
Is it illegal not to service your car in Australia?
In a word, no. Car servicing is not compulsory in Australia, and there are no specific laws that require you to have your car serviced at regular intervals. However, if you're driving a car that's under warranty, then it's important to adhere to the terms of the warranty or risk voiding it. It depends on the issue that may arise after skipping a recommended service.
Although the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) states that "manufacturers and dealers must honour consumer guarantee rights (eg: that a car must be of ‘acceptable quality’), regardless of any warranties they give or sell to consumers", there is significant grey area surrounding the suggestion of service neglect under warranty. So it really is better to be safe than sorry.
Where should a car be serviced?
This is a question that often sparks debate, as there are pros and cons to both franchised dealerships and independent mechanics.
Some manufacturers may tell you if you have your car serviced anywhere other than their partner service centres you could void your warranty, a practice which the ACCC has clearly said contravenes consumer rights. The practice is not surprising, however - as according to the Australian Financial Review, “profit margins from car servicing have reached a whopping 64 percent”.
Although the practice is merely implied in the warranty terms, it has kept many motorists from having their cars serviced somewhere that could cost them a lot less and be a lot more convenient in terms of location to home or work.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE cited examples such as a Ford logbook that included a checklist asking the mechanic to tick that they were an Authorised Ford Dealer Service Department. But the ACCC has maintained that "an independent repairer may sign or stamp the relevant page of the customer's service logbook without it affecting the manufacturer's warranty”.
So regardless of what dealers say, you're free to shop around for the best price and service.
Are logbooks required for car servicing?
There are no specific laws in Australia that require you to keep a service logbook for your car. However, it's a good idea to do so, as this will help you track the service history of your vehicle and ensure that all required services have been carried out.
It’s also handy if you later sell your car. If you can provide the potential buyer with a copy of your car’s service history, you can show the car has been well looked after, which could help you get a higher price.
Dealership car servicing
Franchised dealerships often offer a convenience factor, as they are likely to have staff who are familiar with the make and model of your car. They will also have access to genuine parts and accessories, which may not be available at independent mechanics. However, dealerships can be more expensive than independent workshops, and the level of service varies.
Independent chains
Independent chains such as Midas, Speedy and Jax are often cheaper than dealerships. They are also more likely to be able to service older models of cars that are no longer in production. However, they may not have access to the same parts and accessories as dealerships and, again, the level of service varies, so it's important to do your research.
Local mechanics
Local mechanics are often the cheapest option, but the quality of their work can be variable. Get a recommendation from a friend or work colleague if you can. And get at least two or three quotes to compare prices.
Whichever you choose, the bottom line is regular servicing matters, but not where you do it. As of 1 July 2022, the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Act 2021 requires car manufacturers to share any proprietary repair and maintenance data with third-party service centres and repairers.
Still, you have to follow these steps to keep your warranty intact:
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- Have the car serviced by a qualified and/or licensed mechanic (see below for how to find one).
- Don't service the car by yourself unless you're licensed.
- Service the car in line with the manufacturer's or dealer's recommendations for time and distance (eg: every 10,000km or 6 months, whichever comes first).
- Use only quality parts and accessories. It doesn't have to be genuine, despite what dealers tell you unless clearly stipulated in warranty terms.
- Keep a service logbook.
Parts and accessories
Although branded car parts are recommended, using a generic car part will not affect the entire car warranty. Instead, only the actual part's warranty will be voided. But while the part is no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty, it's still covered under the Consumer Guarantees.
If your car is under an extended warranty, however, different rules may apply. According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, "Extended warranties may restrict your choice of mechanic and parts used, or lock you into a service schedule with a specific dealer or group of dealerships".
And be warned: Counterfeit products are aplenty on Australian roads, surging during the pandemic when the supply of the real thing was hard to come by. According to an investigation led by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), more than 62 percent of the products they bought for the Test Buy Program are fake. This means one in two car parts on the market could be fake. So you should know how to detect a counterfeit.
How to find a good mechanic
You can find good mechanics through word of mouth or by researching online. Avoid those who advertise heavily (they are usually more expensive) and focus on independent mechanics or those affiliated with a major chain. You can also find a specialist mechanic if you’d like your car to be in the hands of someone who knows the make and model very well.
What to look for when searching for a mechanic
Once you've found a few likely candidates, the next step is to check their qualifications. A few key things to look for include:
Are they licensed and insured?
All mechanics in Australia are required to be licensed, but only a minority are qualified mechanics. A qualified mechanic has completed an apprenticeship and is registered with the relevant trade authority. You can check whether your mechanic is licensed and qualified on the website of the relevant state or territory trade authority.
Do they have a good reputation?
You can check online reviews (beware of the fake ones) or ask around. Or, as mentioned above, ask your family or friends for recommendations. Word of mouth is still a strong recommendation.
What is their experience in car servicing?
Find out how much experience they have with your car's particular make and model. And ask if the most experienced person in the workshop will be in charge, or at least supervising, rather than the apprentice.
What kind of services do they offer?
For example, are they a general mechanic or do they specialise in repairs or servicing? If you're not sure what's included in their service, ask the mechanic to explain it to you. They should be happy to do so. If they are not, find another mechanic.
Do they offer warranties or guarantees?
If they do, you're off to a good start. But find out what those warranties are and how long they are valid for.
What kind of communicator are they?
Do they explain what the service will entail? And what will happen if they find a problem that could cost more? You don’t want any nasty surprises. So a mechanic who lets you know exactly what’s going on from the start is worth their weight in gold.
What extras do they have up their sleeve?
For example, do they offer a loan vehicle for repairs that may take longer than a day or two?
What will the service cost?
Always get a written quote before authorising any work to be done on your car. This will protect you from being overcharged and ensure the mechanic is working to a set price.
How much should car servicing cost?
It can vary depending on the make and model of your car and the type of servicing needed. But generally speaking, it's usually cheaper to service your car at an independent garage than at a dealership. The following list from AutoGuru via Canstar (from August 2021) shows a snapshot of the average cost of a car service by state and territory.
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- ACT - $363
- New South Wales - $357
- Northern Territory - $422
- Queensland - $331
- South Australia - $304
- Tasmania - $272
- Victoria - $337
- Western Australia - $320
To avoid being shocked by the cost, always ask for a quote and compare. Or you can check prices online via websites like AutoGuru and Auto Hero.
You may also get a car service plan, a pre-paid package that entitles you to a number of services or repairs during a set period of time, usually 12 or 24 months. The advantages are you’re likely to save money as service plans are often discounted. And you can spread the cost of your service over a number of months. The disadvantage is you're locked in with the service plan provider.
What about the costs of parts?
There's no specific website comparing the cost of car parts. But a quick Google search of the part should show the price range. So whether you go to the dealership or not, you should know if you're being ripped off.
Common complaints about car servicing
The complaints against mechanics and service centres are as varied as the cars being serviced. But these are some to be on the alert for:
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- Overcharging - Kia was once found guilty of overcharging customers despite advertising having 'capped price services'. Turns out, the car manufacturer had no specific price for its service. So it was able to change prices as it saw fit.
- Upselling unnecessary services - A service centre in the outer Perth suburb of Midland was fined $3,000 for obliging a customer to buy new brake pads and discs when they were not needed.
- Unprofessional and not customer service orientated - A Ford mechanic once told a woman to "drive like a man" when she complained about transmission problems.
- Using an old replacement part and selling it as new - There have been many reports that, "Some garages might play on the fact that drivers don’t know much about their car’s parts, and sell you a used part or not replace it at all."
If you’re having an issue with your car service or a mechanic who hasn’t done the right thing, you can make a complaint with the business, state and territory consumer protection agency or the ACCC.
If you're unsure where to go, make a complaint with us and we'll ensure it gets to the right place. And just remember, your issue is a priority for us at Handle My Complaint.
