The truth of the matter is that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices.

Looking forward to the end of year car sales in hopes of a bargain or getting your new car ready for the holidays with a service? Here is some sound advice from Torrisi Automotive in Matraville.

The buying of a new car is one of the most comprehensive investments many people make, so you would be wise to be sure to give it the care it deserves. 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.

The truth of the matter is that you get to choose who will service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee

Nobody can force you to have the car serviced by the dealership you aquired it from for service or repairs. Provided the work is undertaken to the manfufacturers specifications by an acceptably skilled person and uses suitable 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 Torrisi Automotive mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Torrisi Automotive 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. Torrisi Automotive will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original manufacturer.

Make sure you are aware of the disparity between statutory, manufacturer and express warranties to ensure you make the right choices 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 over-ridden 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 vigilant for new car dealers who may try to incorporate “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Many of these ‘add-on' warranties may include quite specialised restrictions or provisions, and are not aways very clear. Many times these special offers provide very few additional benefits beyond the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with the dealership selling the vehicle.

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 need to go 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