Servicing at Dealer Vs Private Mechanic

• 

  nafe on 10/08/2017 - 11:30

  +7

  Those sound like warranty issues which only the dealer can fix for free. You could always just book in for the warranty fixes, and service elsewhere if you wished.

  • 

    ShortyX on 10/08/2017 - 11:35

    Thanks.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 10/08/2017 - 12:46

    That's what I would do. I may also service elsewhere first and do the warranty repairs at my own leisure.

    Just inform your mechanic of the warranty issues first so they do not fix it and bill you.

    Plus, a basic service for $330? You're still getting ripped. I pay $250 for a performance car that requires 6l of premium engine oil (included).

    Not sure about your vehicle but 30,000 is typically air filter cleanout, change oil and change oil filter. The rest are just eyeball inspection. 60 minute job with a Jack and stands, 30 minute job with a lift/hoist. $30 worth of oil, $10 for filter. $2 to soak air filter.

    • 

      ShortyX on 10/08/2017 - 13:23

      Quote has service as change oil, replace oil filter, replace/flush brake fluid, & replace cabin filter with 1.5 hours labour.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 10/08/2017 - 15:03

        I have taken this from the US site. I am not absolutely sure whether the Australian vehicles have the same timing (most of the time they are similar, very few exceptions).

        It is either this which is a 24m/30kmiles or the 18m/36kmiles (which has even fewer components)
        Rotate tire
        Inspect battery condition
        Inspect vacuum hose
        Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
        Inspect brake hoses and lines
        Inspect drive shafts and boots
        Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
        Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
        Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
        Inspect rear brake disc/pads
        Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
        Inspect suspension mounting bolts
        Inspect brake fluid
        Inspect fuel filter *2
        Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
        Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *2
        Inspect parking brake
        Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
        Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
        Replace air cleaner filter
        Replace engine oil and filter (30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 48 months)
        Add fuel additive *1 (30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 48 months)

        Neither one of those require replacement brake fluid. I know that many places advocate changing the brake fluid every 2-3 years but it is rubbish. The degradation of these fluids is very slow and degrades faster in humid conditions.

        The Australian manual may very well include replacing fluid at 2 year interval, in which case, it should be followed to minimise any issues with warranty claims on brake components. If the service schedule does not explicitly mention changing brake fluid, I'd look for a different mechanic as you're being taken for a ride.

      • 

        ShortyX on 11/08/2017 - 14:29

        @tshow:

        Australian schedule shows replacing the brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000km.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 11/08/2017 - 16:56

        @Stix:
        Ouch. Tough luck.

    • 

      whooah1979 on 10/08/2017 - 16:22

      requires 6l of premium engine oil

      we're also looking premium engine oil. what do you use?

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 10/08/2017 - 16:44

        Typically using Castrol edge cause i got it cheap $25/5L. Last batch was Nulon at double the price. No noticeable difference between both oils even after 3 consecutive hot laps on Philip Island. Using racecapture Pro, my temps are logged and cannot tell the diff between the two. My car typically runs at 98 celcius on both but after 2nd lap, the temps creep up quickly and I pit.

        Stock O/C though.

      • 

        whooah1979 on 10/08/2017 - 17:08

        @tshow:
        thanks.

• 

  spackbace on 10/08/2017 - 11:31

  +2

  Don't need to do it through the dealer to maintain warranty, but make sure you asked the mechanic for a "log book service" and not just a service. Also I believe Kia give you the roadside assist only if you service through them (but could be mistaken on that one)

  the light that illuminates the padlock for the 'lock all doors' on the driver's side door control panel is not working

  Warranty fix - will require dropping it into your Kia Dealer for a fix. Not necessarily for the service, but obviously the fix will take time.

  radio volume returns to preset amount when turning on car (disregards the volume level when vehicle was switched off) - this may be normal

  I'd be checking all of the settings, in particular specific driver related settings

  sometimes the revs are too low when at a constant speed (in eco and normal mode) and can cause the engine to stutter ever so slightly (doesn't happen in sport mode as the gear ratios are different)

  Maybe wait till after the service to see if it still does it?

  • 

    ShortyX on 10/08/2017 - 11:35

    +4

    Thanks Spackbace. I was hoping you'd reply. :)

• 

  altomic on 10/08/2017 - 11:39

  +3

  radio volume returns to preset amount when turning on car (disregards the volume level when vehicle was switched off) - this may be normal

  this is awesome. you're driving with the music turned up. you reach your destination. shut the car off. leave the car. later you get back in and start the car. the music turns on with the music blaring and surprises you.

  my tuscon did that. my outlander doesn't do that. I dislike it. especially in the mornings when I start the car

  • 

    ShortyX on 10/08/2017 - 11:49

    Thanks altomic - good point.

  • 

    djkelly69 on 10/08/2017 - 12:45

    +2

    Agree. Before-work-me is always surprised at how loud after-work-me was listening to music the night before.

• 

  nocure on 10/08/2017 - 12:32

  Volume control is a KIA standard, any probs with Bluetooth?, I have an annoying 5 sec delay on answering calls

• 

  CLoSeR on 10/08/2017 - 14:23

  For me the service from the Dealer has been significantly better for minimal extra dollars compared to my local garage.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 10/08/2017 - 14:45

  I get my service done by the dealer since I bought my car from them brand new and have warranty. Just saves the trouble if ever a problem occurs. However, once my warranty is over (including any extended warranty), I'll find a reputable private mechanic.

• 

  sd224 on 10/08/2017 - 14:50

  radio volume returns to preset amount when turning on car (disregards the volume level when vehicle was switched off) - this may be normal

  I have a 2015 Cerato but I believe the entertainment unit in the middle doesn't vary much in terms of baseline features. So with that assumption, what I find in my unit is that they have a preset sound level for each mode (for ex., radio, USB, phone calls etc.) that you can set it to your preference. When in 'Radio' mode, the menu will have a sound settings option in which you can set your desired sound level.

  Hope it helps !

• 

  kpyam2000 on 11/08/2017 - 09:41

  How do I go about finding a reliable and reputable private mechanic?

  • 

    Hellenikboy on 11/08/2017 - 10:00

    +1

    I work at an auto parts store and have plenty of people coming in asking us about reputable mechanics. We deliver parts to many of the local mechanics and have a good idea on the dodgy ones and the good ones. So go to your local Repco or Bursons and ask them. But try and avoid the big chains like Kmart Tyre and Auto, they love ripping people off.