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Make the Right Choice for New Car Service

Hey there, just a quick chat to fill you in on a little secret! You have the freedom to pick who gets to pamper your new ride. Don't worry, it won't compromise on prices, as they'll be reasonable.

Looking to keep your recent car purchase in tip-top condition, maybe ahead of those end-of-year sales or perhaps gearing up for the holiday season? Well, let's turn you to the experienced pros at Combined Automotive Services in Milton.

Purchasing a new car is a big deal and an even bigger investment. Of course, you want to make sure that it stays in the best shape possible. Now, while keeping it spotless inside and out with regular detailing and washing is key, the maintenance story goes beyond this.

One essential point to ponder over is choosing the right place for your car servicing.

You would surely want it to be in the hands of a certified expert who'll attend to it according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This means they’ll be using top-notch parts and fluids that are up to manufacturer’s standards. And guess what? Doing all these not only assures you a well-maintained ride but also helps keep the manufacturer's warranty intact.

Here's the fun part. No one can tie you down to return your car to the dealer you bought it from for services or repairs. As long as the work on your vehicle is carried out following the manufacturer's guidelines, by a fully qualified expert with the use of premium parts and fluids, your warranty will stay solid. So basically, it’s your call on who gets to service your car!

Turning to a member of the Repco Authorised Service network can check all those boxes for you. Every mechanic at Combined Automotive Services is fully certified, having received training from Auto-Tech, one of Australia's premier automotive tech information and training providers. This means the team is up-to-date with the newest service techniques. Plus, they can work on your new car without worrying about the warranty.

With Repco parts and products, you’re ensured top-tier quality as these products have undergone rigorous Repco quality testing and even come with the Repco Nationwide Warranty for added security. Rest assured, the team at Combined Automotive Services uses only fluids and lubricants meeting the manufacturer’s specs.

Keep this little gem in mind - know the difference between statutory and manufacturer warranty. Stay informed and choose wisely for your car's needs!

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 distinction between statutory, manufacturer 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 car maker 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 of the details needed to make a properly informed decision.

So when purchasing your new car, be aware of new car dealers who may try to work in “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Most of the time these ‘bonus' warranties may include quite definitive restrictions or provisions, and can sometimes seem too good to be true. Many times these arrangements provide little or no additional benefits not already given by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealer.

Such arrangements are very unlikely to point out the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes what sort of travel time you may need to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics.

Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information on New Car Service and warranties. If you need to know more, the AAAA website and ACCC website have some great information too.

New Car Service Frequently asked questions

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 Combined Automotive Services 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 Combined Automotive Services take to protect my warranty?

Combined Automotive Services 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 Combined Automotive Services is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.

Can Combined Automotive Services stamp my logbook?

Combined Automotive Services 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 Combined Automotive Services 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, Combined Automotive Services 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. Combined Automotive Services will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.

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