As difficult as buying a car is, its maintenance and servicing is even more important. We need to get our vehicle regularly serviced for a good experience. However, at present the scams happening at service centers have started troubling people. Unauthorized service centers make less informed customers victims of fraud.
Especially women are facing more losses, who are often less familiar with the technical aspects of cars. Mechanics overstate minor problems, suggest replacement of unnecessary parts, add unnecessary fluid top-up charges or arbitrarily increase the bill. Many times money is collected by passing off old parts as new. According to the complaints registered on consumer forums and social media, most of the cases in the last one year have been of women.
Many times women go to the service center alone, they are short of time and out of trust they hand over the keys. However, now the time has come that every woman should do some basic checking herself. This will not only save thousands of rupees but will also maintain the safety of the car and reduce mental stress. Awareness is the biggest weapon. Come, let us know about 5 things to be kept in mind before taking the car for service.
1. Note the odometer reading
As soon as you reach the service center, immediately take a clear photo of the odometer with your phone and note it down. Many times mechanics drive an extra 50-100 kilometers in the name of test drive and later say that it took that much distance to fix the problem. Women can easily take photos of the dashboard. Check again upon return, the difference will be clearly visible.
2. Check fuel level
Look at the fuel gauge and take a photo or note down how much petrol/diesel is in the tank. Some mechanics take out the fuel during service or add extra charges by saying “top-up required”. Check again when you return. If the fuel level is low then inquire immediately. This check is done in just 30 seconds but can save hundreds of rupees.
3. Take photos and videos of the car from all angles
Take video and photos of all around the outside, inside the seats, dashboard, body, wheels, trunk and any special places. This will provide immediate evidence of any new scratches, dents, defects or missing items during service. Women can easily do this alone in 2-3 minutes. In many cases this photo acts as evidence and prevents fraud.
4. Check the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels yourself
Open the bonnet and take out the oil dipstick, wipe it, then dip it and check the level. Also check the coolant tank and brake fluid reservoir. If the level is absolutely correct then later you will not be able to incur unnecessary bill of Rs 4-5 thousand by saying ‘oil is low, will have to be changed’. This checking is very easy to learn. If you don’t know, you can learn by watching a 1 minute video on YouTube.
5. Check tire pressure, condition and spare tire
Measure the pressure of all four tires with a gauge (if gauge is not available then ask for one from the service centre), check the tread depth and take a photo. Also check the spare tyre. Many times mechanics declare a puncture by removing air or add balancing charge by increasing the pressure. This checking is not only the easiest but also important.
Bonus Tip: Before service, get a written estimate and get it signed. Ask for the old parts back and check whether they have indeed been replaced or not. Always choose authorized service center only. On receiving the bill, read every item carefully, if you find something wrong then ask immediately. The car was bought with your hard-earned money. This check of just 10-15 minutes before handing it over to strangers can save you Rs 10-15 thousand.