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A win for consumers on log book servicing
The ACCC has recently updated information about your right to choose who services your new car
Read moreRight choice for new car service
The truth of the matter is that you have the option to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices.
Wanting to get the most out of the car sales that occur towards the end of the year or are looking to get your new car serviced for the holidays? Here is some sound advice from Urangan Service Centre in Urangan.
Getting a new car is one of the most sizable investments you'll make, so the smart approach is to do your best to maintain it properly. However, caring for your new car goes beyond detailing the interior and keeping it sparkling with a loving weekly wash.
There are a few other things to consider, such as who is the best choice to service your car.
You will want to ensure it is regularly:
- serviced by a qualified professional;
- to the manufacturer's requirements;
- using high-quality parts from a reputable supplier;
- and fluids which meet the manufacturer's specifications.
This is not just to look after your new car, but because if these four requirements are met, you will also preserve the manufacturer's warranty.
The truth of the matter is that you have the option to choose which workshop should service your new car without voiding either the manufacturer's warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee
Nobody can force you to get the car serviced by the dealership where you originally bought it for service or repairs. Provided the work is undertaken to the manufacturer's specifications by an adequately trained person and uses respectable 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 Urangan Service Centre mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Urangan Service Centre 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 and products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards and are covered by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. Urangan Service Centre will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original 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's and express warranties to avoid making the wrong choices 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 outweighed by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the carmaker 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 the details needed to make a properly informed decision.
So when processing the sale of your new car, watch out for new car dealers who may try to push the addition of "express" or "extended" warranties, often for free. Many of these ‘other' warranties may include quite comprehensive restrictions or provisions and are not always what they are cracked up to be. Many times these special offers provide very few additional benefits not already accounted for by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealer.
Such special offers are very unlikely to alert you to the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how far you may need to travel to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics.
FAQ
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 Urangan Service Centre service my new car without voiding the warranty?
There is no requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve;
- Any manufacturer’s warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).
- Any state or territory based statutory warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).
- Your rights to Consumer Guarantees (formerly known as implied statutory warranties).
What steps will Urangan Service Centre take to protect my warranty?
Urangan Service Centre 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 Urangan Service Centre is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.
Can Urangan Service Centre stamp my logbook?
Urangan Service Centre 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 Urangan Service Centre 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, Urangan Service Centre 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. Urangan Service Centre will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.
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