Were you aware of the fact that you have the option to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired?

Buying a new car is one of the largest investments you will likely make, so it is only logical to see to it that you look after 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.

Were you aware of the fact that you have the option to choose who can service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee

Nobody can force you to have the car serviced by the dealership you acquired it from for service or repairs. Provided the work is overseen to the manufacturers specifications by a properly qualified person and uses suitable 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 Bayswater Auto Care mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Bayswater Auto Care 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. Bayswater Auto Care will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original car manufacturer.

Make sure you are aware of the distinction between statutory, manufacturer and express warranties to avoid making the wrong choice 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 at the time of purchase, be on the lookout for new car dealers who may try to sell you extra “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Normally these ‘additional' warranties may include quite specialised restrictions or provisions, and are not always very clear. Many times these deals provide no substantial additional benefits not already covered by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with the dealership selling the car.

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