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Right choice for new car service

You have the freedom to decide where to bring your car for service, maintenance, and repairs. This is a guaranteed right, and you can avail of these services at competitive rates...

Are you considering buying a new car during the End of Year Car Sales or planning to get your current vehicle serviced as part of your new year's resolution? Well, you're in luck as Ocean Reef Service Centre has some valuable advice for you. So, sit back, relax and allow us to guide you on making a wise decision regarding your vehicle.

When you decide to buy a new car, you're making a significant investment. That's why it's crucial to take care of it and make sure it stays in excellent condition. Although keeping the interior clean and giving it a regular wash is important, proper maintenance goes beyond that. It's crucial to ensure that you take all necessary measures to protect your investment and keep it running smoothly for as long as possible.

When it comes to maintaining your car, it's important to weigh all your options and choose the right person for the job. After all, finding the best service provider can save you time and money in the long run.

To keep your car in top condition and preserve the manufacturer's warranty, it's important to have it serviced regularly by a qualified professional who uses high-quality parts from a reputable supplier and fluids that meet the manufacturer's specifications. Not only will this keep your new car in tip-top shape, but it will also ensure that you're covered if anything goes wrong. Think of it like taking your car to the doctor for a check-up - it's all about prevention and maintenance to avoid any bigger problems down the road. So, be sure to follow these four essential requirements and give your car the TLC it deserves.

It is a fact that you have the right to choose the best workshop to service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee

If you purchase a new vehicle, it's important to know that you aren't obligated to bring it back to the dealership for service or repairs. As long as the work is done according to the manufacturer's guidelines by someone who is qualified, and acceptable quality parts and fluids are used, your warranty will still be valid. Ultimately, you have the freedom to choose where you take your car for maintenance and repairs.

With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every Ocean Reef 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 Ocean Reef 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 exclusive Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. Ocean Reef Service Centre will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original carmaker.

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.

Make sure you are aware of the variances between manufacturer, statutory and extended warranties to help you make the right selection 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).

Car dealers have been known to fail to disclose important contract details at the time of sale, leaving consumers vulnerable to long-term agreements without the necessary information to make an informed decision. Without proper disclosure requirements, buyers may inadvertently agree to terms that could be detrimental in the long run. It's important to have all the necessary details before committing to any contract, and dealers have a responsibility to provide this information in a clear and transparent manner. This way, consumers can make the best decisions for themselves and their wallets.

When buying a new car, watch out for dealers who try to sneak in "express" or "extended" warranties, which they may offer for free. These warranties often come with specific rules and limitations, and may seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, many of these deals do not offer any additional benefits beyond what is already guaranteed by the law, and could end up locking the buyer into a lengthy agreement with the dealership. So, be careful and always read the fine print before making a decision.

Such transactions are often 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 how far you may need to travel to get your car serviced or higher 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.

New Car Service Frequently asked questions

The simple truth is that you are able to choose who should service your new car without voiding either the manufacturer's warranty or your rights under the consumer guarantee.

What is a consumer guarantee?

Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you are protected by a Consumer Guarantee which takes into account purchase price, realistic expectations of when a failure might occur, advertising claims and the conditions under which a vehicle should operate. Previously known as a Statutory Warranty, the Consumer Guarantee does not have a specific time limit associated with it nor can it ever be replaced by a manufacturers warranty, which is in addition to the Consumer Guarantee.

What is a manufacturers warranty?

Manufacturers warranties are essentially a promise to the buyer that the new vehicle will be free from defects for a specific time and that any such defects will entitle buyers to a repair or other compensation. According to the Competition and Consumer Act (2010), such warranties cannot state that a vehicle must be returned to an authorised dealer for service.

What is an express or extended warranty?

Often new car dealers will try to include "express" or "extended" warranties, sometimes for free, in the purchase of your new vehicle. These ‘extra' warranties are in addition to the manufacturers warranty and may include quite specific restrictions or provisions, usually in unclear or confusing language. Many of these contracts actually provide little or no additional benefits over and above the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealership. Extended warranties can (and often do) restrict you to a specific dealership, which can have its drawbacks.

Can Ocean Reef Service Centre service my new car without voiding the warranty?

There is no requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve;

  • Any manufacturer’s warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).
  • Any state or territory based statutory warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).
  • Your rights to Consumer Guarantees (formerly known as implied statutory warranties).

What steps will Ocean Reef Service Centre take to protect my warranty?

Ocean Reef Service Centre are fully qualified to carry out log book servicing, and we ensure all work is performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids and lubricants where required - meaning the manufacturer's warranty remains intact. In addition, all work carried out by Ocean Reef Service Centre is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.

Can Ocean Reef Service Centre stamp my logbook?

Ocean Reef Service Centre can and will stamp your log book to verify the work has been conducted by fully qualified staff according to manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids & lubricants.

Will having my car serviced with Ocean Reef Service Centre help maintain the value?

It goes without saying that a vehicle that has been well taken care of will maintain its value better than a poorly maintained one. Proof of a regular, properly adhered to service schedule will add further supporting evidence the car is in good condition. In addition to maintaining your warranty with correct service procedures, Ocean Reef Service Centre will stamp your logbook, which can prove invaluable should you ever decide to sell the car.

What about extended warranty or service plans?

Motor vehicle dealers sometimes offer their own extended (or express) warranties on vehicles. These extra warranties often begin after the manufacturer’s warranty and may stipulate that the vehicle must be serviced by the actual dealer offering the warranty. They are generally within their right to impose this condition, but the buyer should beware, such warranties are not always what they seem. Ocean Reef Service Centre will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.

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