When Should I Get My Car Serviced?

dimmak84 on 03/01/2017 - 10:45

Hi guys so I have a 2014 Mazda 3 automatic transmission model and my mileage is currently at 8579KM. I bought my car brand new and I've already had a free complimentary servicing done in 2015. I just wanna know when should I get it serviced annually and what to expect out of the servicing. If I get it serviced what are some of the things I should look out for and what is a reasonable price? I saw in this video the company also vacuums the vehicle which I seriously need is this a standard procedure? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uesEyqNaJaM Also some servicing centres recommendations would be nice.

Thanks guys and happy new year!

Automotive

Comments

  • Neilzy on 03/01/2017 - 11:03

    I'd stay well away from hi tech auto. they've got some pretty bad reviews on the google.

  • dasher86 on 03/01/2017 - 11:05
    +5

    Interesting to note you didn't follow the cars hand book for servicing. Any particular reason why?

    • insular on 03/01/2017 - 13:29

      because there are some things that need to be done according to the manual, whereas there are others that do not.

      eg. oil change, oil filter, air filter etc. are all critical

      windscreen wiper fluid is not. mine's been bone dry for ages.

      • Kenb0 on 03/01/2017 - 14:50

        windscreen wiper fluid is not. mine's been bone dry for ages.

        I think in some states that's actually defectable…of course you'll only get pulled up on it if you fail the attitude test, I'd imagine

  • dimmak84 on 03/01/2017 - 11:08
    -3

    cause I lost my handbook lol

    • doctordv8 on 05/01/2017 - 01:27

      First. Buy another book, and or at least download it or the service schedule component if available, and USE IT!
      It sounds as if you need all the help you can get about owning a vehicle, so that is my advise, as a car owner and mechanic. Shop around a few workshops convenient to you or via a personal recommendation, based on quotes for the next scheduled service by the book. Using the book will get you the records to increase your resale value as well.

  • pantsparty on 03/01/2017 - 11:10

    Sounds like you are overdue for a service based on time. If you plan on following an irregular schedule I would get it serviced by Mazda just for piece of mind and spend the extra $$

  • dimmak84 on 03/01/2017 - 11:13

    hmmm does it matter the time I do the service or do I have to follow a set schedule?

    • dasher86 on 03/01/2017 - 11:18
      +1

      based on the ks you are doing it should be at least once every 12 months.
      Even if you lost your hand book mazda will know the intervals of servicing.
      I'd speak to them you may still be covered by fixed price servicing (?)

  • Mrbean007 on 03/01/2017 - 11:21

    I normalley do service my self if you no what your doing dealerships are a rip off your local mechanic probably do a better job for half the price only reason to do it at Mazda would be for warranty but most mwchanics stamp the book had a bad experience with Mazda once never again

    • ChrisLevo on 03/01/2017 - 13:34
      +7

      Did they steal your punctuation marks?

      Sorry, but I just couldn't resist :-)

      • Mrbean007 on 03/01/2017 - 14:26
        -2

        Lol window wasn't going up properly and they told me it was the regulator gonna cost me $500 I told them nothing wrong with the regulator I told them did you check the channels they said yeah what did I do check them there was a crease in one I fixed it with a pair of pliers and what do you no it went up looks like they didn't even attempt to take the door trim off to check them and charged me for it

  • dimmak84 on 03/01/2017 - 11:27

    yea cause I'm thinking I don't really have it done by mazda and I just called Mazda and they said the servicing should be done every 10000km or 1 year which ever comes first

  • spackbace on 03/01/2017 - 11:32
    +10

    Get it serviced asap as you're likely affecting the warranty by not going by the book. Very easy to sludge the oil the longer you leave it. It's the reason why many manufacturers are doing away with 12 monthly servicing, because if you forget or put it off, suddenly it's 18 months between oil changes.

    Oh and if you haven't serviced the car properly but want to claim warranty on the engine if it stuffs up, don't expect the ACCC to help you out with any claims. By not going by logbook, you haven't held up your end of the deal.

    And how can you lose the logbook? Seriously? It just stays in the glovebox, don't take it out!

  • Youfah Mizzum on 03/01/2017 - 11:39

    Most cars follow a "every 10,000 kms or 12 months, which ever is sooner" principle.
    Then there is A, B, C service (or think of it as minor service, bit more service, major service).
    It often follows a
    A,B,A,B,A,C cycle.

    Don't think by not getting the vehicle serviced every 10,000 (you could stretch to 12,000 kms) you're saving money. When the car goes in for regular servicing, they're not just changing the oil & oil filter. They check brakes, hoses, other fluid levels, other filters, mounts, bushes, etc etc. An honest & reliable mechanic will tell you such & such needs replacing. They usually aren't trying to rip you off.
    It is money well spent.

  • dimmak84 on 03/01/2017 - 11:46

    Actually just to clarify i lost my user manual not the log book cause I still have that. Is it more advisable to get the servicing done by Mazda or can a third party servicing centre do the same job?

    • dasher86 on 03/01/2017 - 11:55
      +1

      this point is arguable.
      I would say go with the dealership if you have fixed price servicing, and for the warranty period of the vehicle (my opinion, some will say you're still covered for the warranty period anyway with a proper mechanic).

      After that find a good local.

  • dimmak84 on 03/01/2017 - 12:02

    Good to know. I'll go with the expensive mazda servicing and then when my warranty is up I'll just go with a local.

    • tinx on 03/01/2017 - 15:51

      did you actually check price difference between service at mazda or local mechanic????

      i think mazda is around $300 ish?

      • spackbace on 03/01/2017 - 16:13

        Yep $298, but only if it's within the 12 month schedule timeframe. If OP has gone majorly past the due date, expect the price to increase.

    • OzFrugie on 03/01/2017 - 22:02

      will your warranty void if you go with other mechanics (but qualified)?

      • Expie on 04/01/2017 - 08:47
        +1

        No, as long as the mechanic is qualified it should not affect warranty.

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