Got my first service done at 1346KM.
Service Centre -
It was a mixed feeling at the service station. I did not take an appointment and decided to head for the first service around 1 o'clock yesterday. First I dialed the board number of the service centre (Deonar - Wasan Motors, Near Govandi East) and was immediately refused by the lady who attended the call. I was asked to call back next day morning at 9 o'clock for an appointment.
However, I never let go of things based on call-centre remarks. I called back again, this time ready with a story. I told her that my safari will take up a long trip on Friday and I am busy on the previous two days. Hence I needed the service then as otherwise my free service limit of 1500 KM would be crossed.
The lady kept saying no, it's not possible and then suddenly...
"Did you say Safari?!!"
"Yes.. of course! Why?!"
"Please take down the mobile number of our Safari Service Advisor and speak to him directly."
I did that and the guy asked me to come over right away.
After a little bit of feasibility discussion and intervention from my sales guy (from the showroom, I kept him in the loop), he promised delivery within two and half hours.
The advisor took my car for a spin and found no issues regarding brake, body roll, steering lag etc. (I conjured these up as I felt the need of reporting "something" at least, otherwise I look like a lame customer who bought a 4x4 because of the sticker).
They changed the oil (with castrol gtx), added up some bardhal additive to the engine oil and gave me a bottle of oil which I need to pour in the diesel tank when I fill it next time. All put together, it costed around RS. 3500/- odd.
I asked him to check if he can increase the steering play for reducing turning radius. He tried it, but the steering started giving out some weird noise at full right turn. So he adjusted the settings back to normal.
Funny Incident -
I asked him for instructions on how to use the wind shield demister effectively (This falls under my check the knowledge of the mechanic module). He said... "Safari knobs and regulators are not good, they break easily. So don't use them. Wipe the glass with a cloth."
He supported his argument with a comparison between the quality of AC blower position and AC temperature control knobs with the blower speed control knobs. HE elatedly stated, "Blower control knob is much more strong and sturdy while other two knobs are bad. Why?! ... Because Tata company wants us to use only the blower knob and not the other ones!"
All-in-all, the service was satisfactory. It was way better than the treatment they were dealing out to poor indica and indigo owners. I did not have any major issue, so can't say how effective they will be when there will be a real problem.
Headlight and Horn upgrade -
Headlight - Osram Offroad 90/130 - Rs. 175/- each
Horn - Stebel Nautilus - Rs. 750/-
Relay (for headlight) - Rs. 500/- (local brand)
Cut-out (for Horn)- Rs. 55/-
Wires Etc. - Rs. 100/-
Installation - Rs. 150/-
The Horn sounds amazing. Its loud, very loud... but it does not irritate! The sound has some qualitative aspect and is not shrill as well. The sound is similar to the Volvo horns.
Overal, I like it!
The lights are good. But I can post a feedback only after I test them on a dark, twisty highway with frequent potholes and when it's raining cats and dogs.