It is not common knowledge that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices

Looking forward to the potential bargains available in the end of year car sales or simply want a service for your new car? Here is some sound advice from West End Service Centre in West End.

The acquisition of a new car is one of the most comprehensive investments you'll likely make, so you want to be sure to ensure proper care of it. Caring for your new car goes beyond detailing the interior and keeping it sparkling with a loving weekly wash, however.

There are a few other things to consider, such as who is the best choice to service your car.

You will want to ensure it is regularly serviced by a qualified professional, to the manufacturers requirements, using high quality parts from a reputable supplier and fluids which meet the manufacturers specifications. This is not just to look after your new car, but because if these four requirements are met you will also preserve the manufacturers warranty.

It is not common knowledge that you get to choose the best mechanic to service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee

Dealers cannot force you to take the car back to the dealership where you originally got it for service or repairs. Provided the work is fulfilled to the manufacturers specifications by a suitably qualified person and uses good quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands. You have the right to choose who services your car.

With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every West End Service Centre mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means West End Service Centre mechanics are kept fully up to date with the latest in automotive service techniques and are able to service your new car without voiding the warranty.

Repco branded parts & products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. West End Service Centre will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the new car manufacturer.

Make sure you are aware of the differences between express, statutory and manufacturer warranties to avoid making the wrong decisions 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 invalidated 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 you buy a new car, be on the watch for new car dealers who may try to sell you extra “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Much of the time these ‘other' warranties may include quite specialised restrictions or provisions, and are not always what they are cracked up to be. Many times these promises provide minimal additional benefits which exceed the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a particular new car dealership.

Such promises are very unlikely to emphasise the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes 1463 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.