I recently got my four-wheeler serviced at a prominent authorized service center. My previous experience with the same service center was exceptionally good and I expected similar, if not better, “service” from them. As the person (service adviser) who attended to my vehicle during the last service was moved to a different section I had to be satisfied with another service advisor. Being from the same background (I have done my Diploma in Automobile Engineering), I usually take interest in the necessary services to be carried out on my vehicle. In-fact, when I take my two-wheeler for its service I know what is being done (thanks to my initial work experience in the service centers) and where are the un-necessary services being offered on the vehicle. Somehow this time around I was sort of “duped” (read as services which are not actually required, but, offered for the prosperity of the service center) with some extra-care maintenance work. It is needless to say that the matter was resolved and a refund for the said activities obtained (wasting precious time and not to forget the three trips to the service center). Here are some “guidelines” to follow when you take your vehicle for its regular service (preventive maintenance).
- Schedule: Read the owner’s manual of your vehicle. There would always be a section purely for the maintenance activities to be carried out on the vehicle. This section would specify the frequency of the service as well as the necessary replacements which should be made based on time/km run. The general norm for a two-wheeler service is 2-3 months or 2000 km, whereas it is 6 months to 1 year or 6000 to 10000 km for a four-wheeler; whichever is earlier. The periodic maintenance schedule will stipulate the time-gap between regular services. Vehicles under warranty must follow the schedule strictly; if not the manufacturer’s warranty will be void.
- Service centers: Always take your vehicle to an authorized service center, more so if the vehicle is still under warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty will be negated if the vehicle is serviced in an un-authorized service center. It is also advisable to get your vehicle serviced at the same service center (chances are that the rapport built will make sure that unwanted work is not carried out on your vehicle; you might also get preferential treatment ;-)). Though the cost of service would be a little higher, you can be assured of genuine spares. There is always an option of “calling on the manufacturer” if/when there is a problem with the service [you can expect wondrous assistance if you know whom to contact, and what juicy words (never insult, just embarrass) to use].
- Appointment: Most service centers offer the value-addition of booking a prior appointment for the vehicle service. Use this if you do not want to be sent back sighting flimsy reasons that the vehicle can’t be serviced because of excess inflow, shortage of staff, etc. Make sure you get the contact details of the service advisor while booking an appointment.
- Service: It’s not possible to write on this important aspect using numbered list. So, please refer the paragraph below the numbered list.
- Vehicle delivery: Taking delivery of the vehicle is as important as the service itself. This is the time to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any defects (both in terms of functioning as well as the vehicle appearance). Failure to inspect the vehicle may lead to some serious guilt later on when you discover extra scratches on your vehicle. Service complaints can always be taken care of at a later point of time. But, if you miss to “capture” the new scratches/dents then chances are that you will be blamed for them. (Likelihood of fresh scratches is more during the servicing of a vehicle.) Try to take delivery during daytime. Check for the functioning of horn, indicators, brake light, head light (high beam and low beam function and focus), and tail light. Insist for a test drive if you want to check whether a particular complaint of yours has been rectified. Go through the receipt and demand explanation for charges which are not regular. You are also at the liberty of collecting the replaced components of the vehicle [don’t ask for the used lubricants ;-)]. Keep the receipts safe at least for a couple of weeks. If you replaced a component which comes with after sales warranty then the receipt has to be kept safe until the warranty expires. Components like battery, speedo-meter, tires (American English :-D), etc., have warranties of their own starting from the day of purchase.
Service
Again, I rely on the periodic maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual which gives a clear picture of what needs to be inspected, adjusted, and replaced. Most automobile manufacturers have a detailed schedule on the above mentioned services. Any doubts with anything mentioned in the job-card (the work-sheet where-in the complaints and the work to be carried-out are listed) should be clarified with the question “Is this part of the recommended service?”. If the answer is no, then probably the mentioned work is not required for your vehicle. Beware of some "catchy" terminologies like engine decarbonising, wheel truing, silencer cleaning, shampoo wash, Teflon coating (some prefer to spend money on this job), etc. Ask for an estimate of the entire service. It would always be better, if you make a list of the vehicle complaints and ask your service adviser to specify all such complaints in the job-card. Don’t hesitate to mention even the silliest complaints; it is the duty of the service adviser to give plausible explanations to your complaints. Make sure that the fuel available in the vehicle is specified in the job-card. All the scratches and dents should be “listed”. The service has to be recorded in the manual, if there is a provision.
