spare parts

Posts Tagged ‘brakes’

Breaks the down car, the trouble often begins later – in the workshop. But customers are not defenseless against the professionals. Here is a littler advice… [ Mechanics in a garage: In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, customers should hold on car repairs in writing to all agreements.]

The engine brakes down, the tires burst, the glass shatters – sometimes every driver must bite the bullet and bring its rolling base to the workshop. Many repairs are now dependent on professionals, because of all the electronics in the vehicle even experienced Do-it-yourself-mechanics must rely on the help of automotive experts. But can you really trust what is done in workshop? Must it be the manufacturer’s authorized repair shop? And how can I tell too expensive spare part prices?

The guarantee of the manufacturer

For one and a half years, the car went without errors, then suddenly the engine and jumps on strike simply no longer: a typical case of warranty the manufacturer must pay for the spare parts and its repair. But take note: In order to obtain reimbursement of the repair costs, you have to visit a repair shop. Fixed by a free operation around the corner, your warranty will expire and you will be stuck with the cost.

For manufacturers, the scheme is also a tool for customer retention. What many do not know: accident repairs, maintenance and inspections can be carried out on a free service or a workshop without the manufacturer’s warranty expiring for the car. The oil change can for example be done in any workshop. Also, spare parts must not carry the same logo as the car itself. Background is a European Commission Regulation of 2002, which is in June once again been revised. The aim of the authorities in Brussels is to increase the competition for maintenance services.

Repair shop in the test better

Basically car owners have the choice between a repair shop and a free workshop. One is on the BMW or Renault, on the other ATU, Pit Stop or Autofit. In the ADAC test from last year were the result of the franchised front: Mercedes, Volkswagen, Ford, Opel and Toyota good to satisfactory grades received. The reason: Employees are trained on the vehicles from the manufacturer and supplied with appropriate specialist tools.

Free Business and workshop chains performed during the test in the majority of cases only a sufficiently. Often overlooked by the mechanics are damages to the vehicle’s underbody or a low fluid level in the coolant tank – defects that can have expensive consequences.

The new version of the so-called block exemption of the EU comes in force on the first of June. This could now improve the quality of services of free operators. The regulation stipulates that spare part manufacturers will be required to provide free workshops with significantly more product information than ever before. This gives the enterprises of technical knowledge that was previously only reserved to the brand’s own repairmen.

Another tip: Pay attention in the workshop on a round plate with the words “motor vehicle manufacturing”. This means that this company is a member of a motor vehicle guild. The advantage: If you have problems you can get help with the arbitration of the competent guild.