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In general, minor car services (like replacement of oil and oil filters, test cooling systems, check brakes and fuel filters and more) are covered for every 10, 000 to 15, 000 km, and major car services (like re- pack wheel bearings, changing trans line oils, replace spark plugs and more) and part replacements are done every 30, 000 to 35, 000 km.
According to the consumer guarantees provided by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013, here is what you need to know about the new car warranty legislation and who can service your car:
Neither a manufacturer nor a dealer can void your cars warranty simply because you serviced your car from an independent car service workshop. The only thing you should do is to keep safe all the bills and receipts, so as to produce them during claims or future services.
While repairs during the warranty period are recommended to be done by an authorized dealer by professionals, scheduled services can definitely be done by independent car mechanics in Brisbane without affecting the manufacturers warranty. However, you should be aware that only genuine parts and lubricants are used and manufacturers specifications are stringently followed.
Some dealers also offer extended warranties at POS. However, these warranties are solely applicable to few restricted service stations or dealership and cannot be clubbed with the services of independent car service stations.
If you plan to sell your car, the remaining period of the manufacturers warranty automatically gets transferred to the next owner. However, your paid extended warranties may or may not get automatically transferred.
The mechanic usually returns all replaced parts, except for those that needs to be mandatorily returned to the manufacturer's. This is usually done to settle warranty claims smoothly.
Following the rule of Mechanic Lien, if you are unable to pay fully for the services acquired, the mechanic has the right to keep your car till all dues are cleared.
Other than having those expensive electronic technology equipment, dealers and individual car service stations doesnt have much difference. On the higher note, the latter is comparatively much cheaper.
If a vehicle is still covered under warranty, one should not go for non- genuine parts that are available at much cheaper cost. Use of non- genuine parts can give a blow to your warranty by heating up an argument between the supplier and the manufacturer, without any of them taking the responsibility. It becomes nearly impossible for a manufacturer to reject a claim if one uses only genuine parts.
Ultimately, its your decision to choose between cost effectiveness and set beliefs. Work done by professional and qualified people by trusted car service workshop would give you comparable assistance at a cheaper cost.
