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

Figure you might find a bargain in the end of year car sales or simply want to get your new car serviced? Here is some sound advice from Matlin Auto Repairs in Richmond.

Obtaining a new car is one of the major investments people generally make, so it shows common sense to see to it that you ensure its proper care. 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 have the right to choose who will service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee

New car dealers are not able to force you to take the car back to the dealership you got it from for service or repairs. Provided the work is implemented to the manfufacturers specifications by a properly qualified person and uses OEM 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 Matlin Auto Repairs mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Matlin Auto Repairs 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. Matlin Auto Repairs will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer.

Make sure you are aware of the differences between statutory, manufacturer and express warranties to avoid making the wrong 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 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 buying your new vehicle, be wary of new car dealers who may try to push the inclusion of “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Often these ‘other' warranties may include quite precise restrictions or provisions, and often can seem very confusing. Many times these special offers 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 specific new car dealership.

Such special offers are very unlikely to warn you of the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how far you will be traveling 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.

Find out more:

• New Car Warranty Service
• Full Car Service