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Car, Caravan & Truck Service
At our Mount Gambier workshop, you get the friendly local service expected from a family business, combined with the peace of mind of Repco's Nationwide Warranty.
Read moreAutocare Mount Gambier - The Right Choice for New Car Servicing
It’s not widely known that you have the freedom to choose where your car is serviced, maintained, and repaired – and often at very competitive prices.
Are you eagerly anticipating end-of-year car sales in search of a great deal? Or perhaps you’re keen to have your new vehicle serviced and ready for the festive season? Autocare Mount Gambier has some helpful advice for you.
Purchasing a new car is a significant investment, so it’s only logical to take the necessary steps to ensure it’s well looked after. Caring for your new vehicle involves more than simply cleaning the interior and giving it a regular wash to keep it gleaming.
One of the key things to think about is who will service your car.
It’s important to have your car serviced routinely by a qualified expert, following the manufacturer’s guidelines, using quality parts from trusted suppliers, and ensuring fluids meet the manufacturer’s specifications. This is not just to keep your car running smoothly, but also because fulfilling these requirements helps maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
Many people are unaware that you can choose who will service your new car without affecting either the manufacturer’s warranty or your consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantee.
Car dealerships cannot insist that you return to them for servicing or repairs. As long as the service is performed by a qualified professional, adheres to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and uses appropriate parts and fluids, your warranty remains intact. You are entitled to make your own choice about who services your car.
With Repco Authorised Service, you can meet all the necessary standards. Every mechanic at Autocare Mount Gambier mechanic is fully qualified and trained through Auto-Tech, giving them access to leading automotive technical knowledge and training. This ensures they are equipped with the latest techniques to service your car without compromising the warranty.
Repco branded parts and products are held to strict quality standards and are backed by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, offering you additional peace of mind. Furthermore, Autocare Mount Gambier uses only fluids and lubricants that meet your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications.
If you already own a new car or are considering buying one, it’s essential to understand where your legal rights begin and end.
Be sure you’re clear on the differences between statutory, express, and manufacturer warranties so that you don’t make an uninformed decision when it comes to servicing your vehicle. Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you’re automatically protected by a statutory warranty, also called a Consumer Guarantee. This protection cannot be replaced by any express or manufacturer warranties provided by the car maker or dealer.
Unfortunately, the lack of disclosure requirements at the point of sale can leave buyers unaware of all the details they need to make well-informed choices.
When purchasing a new car, remain cautious of dealers offering express or extended warranties, often promoted as free extras. These add-ons may contain specific conditions or limitations and are frequently unclear. In many cases, they offer minimal extra benefits beyond your statutory rights and can tie you into long-term agreements with the dealership.
These arrangements often fail to highlight the potential downsides of returning to the dealer for servicing or repairs. For instance, you may face longer travel distances, fewer available service centres, or longer wait times due to limited mechanics.
Take control of your choices when it comes to servicing your car and ensure your decisions are informed and in your best interest.
New Car Service Frequently asked questions
The simple truth is that you are able to choose who should service your new car without voiding either the manufacturer's warranty or your rights under the consumer guarantee.
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 Autocare Mount Gambier 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 Autocare Mount Gambier take to protect my warranty?
Autocare Mount Gambier 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 Autocare Mount Gambier is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.
Can Autocare Mount Gambier stamp my logbook?
Autocare Mount Gambier 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 Autocare Mount Gambier 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, Autocare Mount Gambier 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. Autocare Mount Gambier will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.
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