Updated: Questions to ask when taking your car for a service

If you own a car, chances are car servicing is nothing new to you. Car servicing is an important part of owning a car and is the only way to maintain your car in its best shape possible. While it is a straightforward procedure, it is still advisable to ask a few questions when you take your car for a service. 

When to service your car varies between manufacturers, but as a general guideline, minor car services are usually carried out every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, and major car services usually at around 30,000 to 45,000 kilometres.

When you’re ready to take your car for a service, be sure to ask the following questions:

 Are your mechanics certified?

This should be your biggest concern. Think of a mechanic as a surgeon. Would you allow someone who isn't a certified doctor to operate on you? You wouldn't. In the same way, it is important to make sure that the people who will be servicing the car have the necessary qualifications to return your car to a better state than what it was before the service. Many fear that they might appear condescending if they ask for someone's credentials, but it is a professional environment, and you have every right to ask about the qualifications of the person who will be dealing with your precious ride. 

A Service Plan through MotorHappy gives you access to our list of approved dealerships. 

 Will you be given a written estimate?

Services come with plenty of grey areas, meaning there are a lot of possibilities for the final cost to skyrocket. It’s always best to have a written estimate so you can avoid any confusion that might arise out of a verbal estimate. It will also give you a more concise way of looking at all the potential reasons you are incurring a cost and what you can do to reduce the service cost. You can also ask better follow-up questions, such as what parts will be used as replacements and the individual warranties on them. A written estimate just gives you a clearer and more concise picture of what is happening during the service. 

 Exact repairs and why?

As an expansion of the previous point, it is quite easy to be ripped off by being asked to pay for repairs and replacements that are not necessary. It is vital to know exactly what repairs and replacements are needed and why. The 'why' part is very important as every replacement and repair can have a huge bearing on the overall servicing cost. It is also wasteful to replace something that is working fine. If the mechanics say something needs to be repaired or replaced, then get them to tell you exactly why it needs to be replaced. Agree to it only if their explanation and reasoning seem legitimate and your car is in actual need of such a replacement. If you are unsure then have the car checked out by a different mechanic and see if they suggest the same replacement or not. 

Get cover for those unexpected expenses with a Maintenance Plan through MotorHappy, which offers a convenient way to budget for these costs.

 What parts are used as replacements?

Say you are convinced that the said replacements are necessary. What follows is even more important. Understand that a car servicing shop makes a big chunk of its profits from selling aftermarket parts. As such they will try to sell you replacement parts that aren't OEM parts or that aren't from a reputed brand. Take a stern stand in this regard, as the parts that are used as the replacement can make or break the car. We are not saying that OEM parts are the only safe choice here. Many aftermarket brands can give a better performance and are more durable compared to OEM parts, but these brands are usually expensive and backed by warranties that back up their quality. Do not let the service centre sell you replacement parts from brands you have never heard of. Only opt for OEM parts or parts from reputed brands. 

(Read more: How SA’s new automotive Code of Conduct impacts you) 

 How much time will it take?

Your car is probably an important part of your life and you do not want to leave it indefinitely in the shop. Get a clear time estimate and work this estimate into your schedule so that you do not have to cut corners in the other aspects of your life. This will also allow you to avoid unforeseen delays as the mechanics will have to work to a given schedule rather than take their own sweet time. It is also important to give the mechanics a way to reach you so that they can inform you about any delays. 

There you have it. Ask these rather simple questions and get the most out of your next service stop.