Car Service - Is it must?

prkothan · 22nd March 2006, 09:59

Hi all,

My car is for 22500 km service due? Service centre charge me for the following.

1. Change the Air filter
2. Change the Oil and Oil filter
3. Change the fuel filter
4. Engine tune up
5. Wheel alignment and balancing
6. Change the brake pad
7. Water service

Here the condition of my vehicle. As such its in great condition. And I did the following

1. I checked the air filter, its looks very good. I cleaned it myself. Looks like it will last for another 10K.
2. Looked at the oil. Changed oil 6500 km before, but looks very good and there is no sound from the engine. Last time I used shell oil,I guess its doing the trick.
3. Did wheel balancing and alignement at MRF tyre drome 2 months back.
4. No issues with brake.

Even then service centre want to do the 7 points the mentioned and its come around Rs 2k. What they mean by engine tune up? What they really do? I believe just engine oil and oil filter change should be enough and that too after 2 k kms.

Friends, your comments please. My car is Palio 1.2 (petrol).

GTO · 22nd March 2006, 10:08

Strictly adhere to the schedule mentioned in the owners manual. Even if you have doubts on whether its worth it. The cars manufacturer knows the product best, after several lakh km of testing.

GTO

parijnan · 22nd March 2006, 16:20

The oil , the air filter etc might look good. But all of these have a shelf life beyond which they can cause damage to the car. It is a good idea to replace the oil more often than recommended depending on the driving conditions and your driving style.

It would be best to stick to your service schedule and replace whatever has to be replaced.

Zappo · 22nd March 2006, 16:37

actually, the oil may last... depending on the type used. the manufacturer talks only about the recommended product and its life. So when they say oil they may just mean the regular BP/HP or the regular Castrol. You may need to factor those in. Again balancing and alignment is done after a fixed interval and if you have already got it done within this period it can very well be skipped. In fact it is better to get it done from outside, from the specialists rather than the service station guys.

In fact if your car is already out of free service (I guess it is) why do not you check out the Bosch service? I heard they are good. Particularly the higher end ones (I guess they have 4 types of service stations... check their site).

Also, could you tell me how much did it cost to get the wheels aligned and balanced (separately under each of the two heads) at MRF's?

prkothan · 22nd March 2006, 16:56

wheel alignement and balancing costed me Rs 600

Zappo, Please let me know the website for Bosch car service centre.

Zappo · 22nd March 2006, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by prkothan

wheel alignement and balancing costed me Rs 600

Zappo, Please let me know the website for Bosch car service centre.

Hmmm... I see. While alignment is understandable is the balancing really required, specially if the car is completing its 1st 10k kms and never had a puncture (tire when taken off the rim and then put back on causes imbalances many a times)?

Hey, I PMed you the Bosch site.

varunroy · 25th March 2006, 16:59

[quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zappo

Hmmm... I see. While alignment is understandable is the balancing really required, specially if the car is completing its 1st 10k kms and never had a puncture (tire when taken off the rim and then put back on causes imbalances many a times)?

Wheel balancing is as important as wheel Alingment, if not more. It becomes even more important when you are doing high speeds of over 100 kmph. It should be done every 8k and if the tyre takes in more than 50 gms of weight then have the wheel bearing checked. also look out for uneven tyre wear that could lead to other problems . Most cars start rattling after about 10k because of improper wheel balancing.

Needless to add that wheel balancing become most neccessary after a flat is repaired, because other than the weight of the patch the hammer work of the repairer could add to your woes. It is also advisable to put a mark on the tyre and the rim before removal and make sure that these marks are matched on refitment.

So long....

kb100 · 26th March 2006, 12:43

HI

My Accent CRDI had to go the 30k service - the A.S.S quoted this is a "Major" service - luckily this statement got my hackles up and I insisted on a estimate - they slapped me with a 8k one!! I called up three different A.S.S's and all three quoted different figures - the cheapest being 4k! Finally got it done by the A.S.S for 500 Labour + oil filter + Brake Pads (I had them removed in front of me - they would have lasted another 5-7k but decided to change anyways!)... I have K&n's - so no Air Filter for me! .. I had taken MOBIL1 with me - howeve they refused to put it in - I told them to just finish the rest and push the vehicle out of the A.S.S - that I will then pour the oil myself and drive away into the sunset

) - Everyone had a good laugh and they finally agreed to do it for me! Total cost 2K including Brake pads + cost of oil!

I have learnt from my mistakes... I NEVER get my alignment/ Balancing done by the A.S.S - those boys are BAD .. my Michelins went thru TWO such bad ones at the hands of the A.S.S in Blr - finally they themselves refered me to the big tyre shop - the one below the Double road flyover - saying "even our boys get trained there".

.. But the damage was done! will have to change the tyres immly!:(

karthik247 · 26th March 2006, 18:57

Ofcourse car service is a must. Another must is that u stay till they service ur car unless u know the person doing it for you.

Once while me n my frnd were waiting for his Accent to get serviced, a guy with another Accent shows up. He actually had run 19k kms without doing 1st service cuz 'he forgot that it had to be done'. But anyway the mechanic there was saying that its ok even if he missed it cuz these cars are designed to run long kms without any maintainance! Is that really true guys??

varunroy · 27th March 2006, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by karthik247

Once while me n my frnd were waiting for his Accent to get serviced, a guy with another Accent shows up. He actually had run 19k kms without doing 1st service cuz 'he forgot that it had to be done'. But anyway the mechanic there was saying that its ok even if he missed it cuz these cars are designed to run long kms without any maintainance! Is that really true guys??

I don't know much about the service part but surely for the any Warranty claims it is absolutely neccessary for all repairs and services to be carried out at the stipulated mileage or time period as mentioned in the Owners Service Manual

So long....

suman · 27th March 2006, 16:37

Mate, the service schedule is there with a purpose and I'm not sure if we can determine by looking at the filter if it will last another few k kms....I've always tried to follow the schedule irrespective of my vehicle. I neglected the alignment & balancing for a good 25 k kms once and paid the price for it - chewed up tyres, now I do it religiously every 5 k........perhaps you would feel the difference in performance if you did get it serviced.

black12rr · 27th March 2006, 16:38

If u skip a service ,in future will give them a reason for them not to cover faulty things under warranty ...so play safe ....

PS: Can someone point me to a thread ,discussing about best/no hastle warranty claims ....like which manufacture doesnt hesistate to cover warranties .....who is the best in these terms ?

SLK · 27th March 2006, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by prkothan

wheel alignement and balancing costed me Rs 600

..Isn't that too much?.... Authorised service stations are cheaper than that!...

I simply get my car serviced once a year.... from the A.S.S. that too without oil change.
Whatever oil they put is not good!... instead I buy the oil from a good shop in and put it in. And I have felt the difference everytime!

souravbasu · 5th April 2006, 14:00

Q : First Service on time or delay it ??

My new car (WagonR) has just completed its 1 montht after purchase and due with the 1st servicing (after 1 month or 1000 Kms , whicever is earlier) .. but the Car hasn't even completed 250Kms ... so do you feel if it is better to give the car for servicing right now or little later (say after 2 more weeks when I would complete ~400 Kms) ???

One known person told me to delay the 1st free service, otherwise it would just go for a waste !!

What do you people say ??

supremeBaleno · 5th April 2006, 14:41

Sourav, I had the same problem with my Baleno. But the service centre guys were OK when I said that I will bring the car for service only when it does 1K kms. However, in case of warranty claims later, this might create an issue - I am not sure. My 3rd service (1 year or 10K kms) is due this week, but I have only 7K on the odo. Plan to run some more (atleast 9K kms) and only then give for service.

22nd March 2006, 09:59	#1
prkothan BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: chennai Posts: 180 Thanked: 39 Times	Car Service - Is it must? Hi all, My car is for 22500 km service due? Service centre charge me for the following. 1. Change the Air filter 2. Change the Oil and Oil filter 3. Change the fuel filter 4. Engine tune up 5. Wheel alignment and balancing 6. Change the brake pad 7. Water service Here the condition of my vehicle. As such its in great condition. And I did the following 1. I checked the air filter, its looks very good. I cleaned it myself. Looks like it will last for another 10K. 2. Looked at the oil. Changed oil 6500 km before, but looks very good and there is no sound from the engine. Last time I used shell oil,I guess its doing the trick. 3. Did wheel balancing and alignement at MRF tyre drome 2 months back. 4. No issues with brake. Even then service centre want to do the 7 points the mentioned and its come around Rs 2k. What they mean by engine tune up? What they really do? I believe just engine oil and oil filter change should be enough and that too after 2 k kms. Friends, your comments please. My car is Palio 1.2 (petrol).
	() Thanks

22nd March 2006, 10:08	#2
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,497 Thanked: 300,309 Times View My Garage	Strictly adhere to the schedule mentioned in the owners manual. Even if you have doubts on whether its worth it. The cars manufacturer knows the product best, after several lakh km of testing. GTO
	() Thanks

22nd March 2006, 16:20	#3
parijnan BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 66 Thanked: 0 Times	The oil , the air filter etc might look good. But all of these have a shelf life beyond which they can cause damage to the car. It is a good idea to replace the oil more often than recommended depending on the driving conditions and your driving style. It would be best to stick to your service schedule and replace whatever has to be replaced.
	() Thanks

22nd March 2006, 16:37	#4
Zappo Team-BHP Support Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 5,919 Thanked: 2,652 Times	actually, the oil may last... depending on the type used. the manufacturer talks only about the recommended product and its life. So when they say oil they may just mean the regular BP/HP or the regular Castrol. You may need to factor those in. Again balancing and alignment is done after a fixed interval and if you have already got it done within this period it can very well be skipped. In fact it is better to get it done from outside, from the specialists rather than the service station guys. In fact if your car is already out of free service (I guess it is) why do not you check out the Bosch service? I heard they are good. Particularly the higher end ones (I guess they have 4 types of service stations... check their site). Also, could you tell me how much did it cost to get the wheels aligned and balanced (separately under each of the two heads) at MRF's?
	() Thanks

22nd March 2006, 16:56	#5
prkothan BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: chennai Posts: 180 Thanked: 39 Times	wheel alignement and balancing costed me Rs 600 Zappo, Please let me know the website for Bosch car service centre. Last edited by Rudra Sen : 22nd March 2006 at 17:31.
	() Thanks

26th March 2006, 12:43	#8
kb100 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangy Boy! Posts: 1,555 Thanked: 21 Times	HI My Accent CRDI had to go the 30k service - the A.S.S quoted this is a "Major" service - luckily this statement got my hackles up and I insisted on a estimate - they slapped me with a 8k one!! I called up three different A.S.S's and all three quoted different figures - the cheapest being 4k! Finally got it done by the A.S.S for 500 Labour + oil filter + Brake Pads (I had them removed in front of me - they would have lasted another 5-7k but decided to change anyways!)... I have K&n's - so no Air Filter for me! .. I had taken MOBIL1 with me - howeve they refused to put it in - I told them to just finish the rest and push the vehicle out of the A.S.S - that I will then pour the oil myself and drive away into the sunset ) - Everyone had a good laugh and they finally agreed to do it for me! Total cost 2K including Brake pads + cost of oil! I have learnt from my mistakes... I NEVER get my alignment/ Balancing done by the A.S.S - those boys are BAD .. my Michelins went thru TWO such bad ones at the hands of the A.S.S in Blr - finally they themselves refered me to the big tyre shop - the one below the Double road flyover - saying "even our boys get trained there". .. But the damage was done! will have to change the tyres immly!:( Last edited by Samurai : 27th March 2006 at 16:53.
	() Thanks

26th March 2006, 18:57	#9
karthik247 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: BLR, HYD Posts: 2,710 Thanked: 30 Times	Ofcourse car service is a must. Another must is that u stay till they service ur car unless u know the person doing it for you. Once while me n my frnd were waiting for his Accent to get serviced, a guy with another Accent shows up. He actually had run 19k kms without doing 1st service cuz 'he forgot that it had to be done'. But anyway the mechanic there was saying that its ok even if he missed it cuz these cars are designed to run long kms without any maintainance! Is that really true guys??
	() Thanks

27th March 2006, 16:37	#11
suman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kolkata Posts: 4,589 Thanked: 279 Times View My Garage	Mate, the service schedule is there with a purpose and I'm not sure if we can determine by looking at the filter if it will last another few k kms....I've always tried to follow the schedule irrespective of my vehicle. I neglected the alignment & balancing for a good 25 k kms once and paid the price for it - chewed up tyres, now I do it religiously every 5 k........perhaps you would feel the difference in performance if you did get it serviced.
	() Thanks

27th March 2006, 16:38	#12
black12rr Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ridin earth now Posts: 1,278 Thanked: 339 Times	If u skip a service ,in future will give them a reason for them not to cover faulty things under warranty ...so play safe .... PS: Can someone point me to a thread ,discussing about best/no hastle warranty claims ....like which manufacture doesnt hesistate to cover warranties .....who is the best in these terms ?
	() Thanks

5th April 2006, 14:00	#14
souravbasu BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 79 Thanked: 11 Times	Q : First Service on time or delay it ?? My new car (WagonR) has just completed its 1 montht after purchase and due with the 1st servicing (after 1 month or 1000 Kms , whicever is earlier) .. but the Car hasn't even completed 250Kms ... so do you feel if it is better to give the car for servicing right now or little later (say after 2 more weeks when I would complete ~400 Kms) ??? One known person told me to delay the 1st free service, otherwise it would just go for a waste !! What do you people say ??
	() Thanks

5th April 2006, 14:41	#15
supremeBaleno Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chennai / Kochi Posts: 5,546 Thanked: 2,697 Times View My Garage	Sourav, I had the same problem with my Baleno. But the service centre guys were OK when I said that I will bring the car for service only when it does 1K kms. However, in case of warranty claims later, this might create an issue - I am not sure. My 3rd service (1 year or 10K kms) is due this week, but I have only 7K on the odo. Plan to run some more (atleast 9K kms) and only then give for service.
	() Thanks