8 clever ways to save on your car service
Maintaining your car by servicing it regularly can save you a lot of time and money in the long run but many of us struggle to afford the cost of a car service in the first place.
Jeff Osborne, Automotive Head for Gumtree SA suggests the following 8 helpful tips to ensure you get a great service at a great price:
- Source references for the service station you’re considering from car owners that have used that particular garage.
- Get at least three quotes from different places and find out exactly what each of their service offerings entail – carefully compare prices and what is included.
- Be sure to read the small print regarding any damage to your vehicle while under the custodianship of the service centre.
- Before booking in your vehicle, get a written quotation for the complete job – this will deter them from over-charging.
- Instruct the service centre to phone you before starting any job that is not quoted for – if you’re unsure about the job, get advice from a mechanically-savvy friend before giving permission.
- Avoid booking your car in on a Friday as you’re more than likely to be stuck without wheels for the entire weekend.
- Make a note or take a picture of the exact mileage and fuel level when the vehicle is booked in – you’ll easily be able to see if one of the workers went joy-riding with your car.
- Take up any dispute with the service manager – if you’re unsuccessful, follow it up with a visit to the Ombudsman or fall back on the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) to back-up your case.
Also read: How to dispute a bad car service
Osborne adds that it is vital to get your service history booklet updated and stamped by the garage to ensure you have a complete documented service record when the time comes to sell; “it can add thousands to the price”.
Source: Gumtree Autos SA