Check back soon
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.
Vehicle Log Book Servicing
In this blog post we will try to cover some key areas around vehicle servicing, why service costs are what they are to ensure you have factual based information to make informed decisions.
Provided as an overview of logbook servicing, we will follow up with some more in depth information in future posts.
What is Log Book Servicing?
Log Book servicing is exactly as it states: the vehicle, when supplied to you, is provided with a manufacturers log book. In that log book it should have a maintenance schedule and a series of pages with space provided to record details of services carried out. I say “should” because as it happens more and more vehicles are being provided with less and less information provided to the consumer, this varies between manufacturers though.
This maintenance schedule is Time/Km based and as such under the warranty period will be adhered to as stated in the maintenance schedule. Regardless of whether the km’s driven have been met, if the log book states maintenance is required on a 6 or 12 monthly basis, servicing is to be conducted at those required intervals.
What is involved?
Typical servicing sees a minimum of oil and oil filter change, and a series of checks and adjustments of the vehicle with a minimum labour charge of one hour (there are exceptions but this is what is considered normal within the industry).
As the vehicle progresses through its life other items are added into the service, including but not limited to driveline oils (transmission, gearbox, differential), brake fluid/clutch fluid, air filter, fuel filters, cabin/pollen filters and timing belts.
Why do service prices vary so much?
Service prices vary in line with how many items are due for replacement at each service, and with every item due comes the cost of said item and associated labour charge for that to take place. Costs for oils required, whether the vehicle is required to have a full synthetic engine oil (which most new vehicles do) and what range and specific rating is to be used, to give an indication in our albeit small shop we have at any one time at least 5 different 5w/30 engine oils required for different vehicles.
Why is Log Book servicing so important?
Log Book servicing is predominately most important during your warranty period. At which time Log Book servicing is considered the minimum requirement for keeping your new vehicle warranty valid.
That aside if you follow log book requirements it is far easier for you and your mechanic to keep record of maintenance carried out on your vehicle especially if you travel frequently and are not necessarily using the same mechanic all the time.
Do I have to take my vehicle back to the dealer to have servicing carried out?
Typically, no. You as a consumer may exercise your right for choice of repairer, which is someone who is Licensed to carry out vehicle repair. You should always consult any documentation provided at the time of purchasing your vehicle.
For the purpose of ensuring you can make an informed decision we will provide some links below:
ACCC - Motor vehicle sales & repairs - an industry guide to the Australian Consumer Law.
ACCC - Just bought a new car? Fact sheet.