Were you aware of the fact that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices

Thinking of snapping up a bargain at the end of year car sales or getting your new car ready for the holidays with a service? Here is some sound advice from ETS Equipment & Transport Specialists in Chinchilla.

Purchasing a new car is one of the most comprehensive investments people often make, so it is sensible to see to it that you ensure correct maintenance 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.

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

Car dealers cannot force you to take the vehicle back to the dealer where you originally bought it for service or repairs. Provided the work is only done to the manufacturers specifications by a properly trained person and uses acceptable 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 ETS Equipment & Transport Specialists mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means ETS Equipment & Transport Specialists 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. ETS Equipment & Transport Specialists 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 manufacturer, statutory and express warranties to help you make the right 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 substituted by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the car maker and car dealer respectively).

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.

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 point of sale, watch out for new car dealers who may try to bundle “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Usually these ‘bonus' warranties may include quite extensive restrictions or provisions, often in a language that is difficult to follow. Many times these deals provide hardly any additional benefits beyond the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealership.

Such deals are very unlikely to focus on the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how long the drive will be 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.