Hi all, I have a Suzuki Vitara under 5yrs warranty
Took it to the dealer today for capped service and they said it is extra $159 for spark plugs changes. I thought this would come under the 60k Kms service timing
On the booklet it states anything that is under car servicing should be covered but it states 'check spark plugs' Replace when required.
Does that mean it should technically come under the servicing or an extra charge?
Thanks!
Can you change yourself?
It's not that hard providing they're easy to access , and the right socket .
How old is the car? I'm doubtful the spark plugs would need changing at 60k Kms. Ask them to show you some photos
This is called “upselling”. They bung it on because they can and people don’t know any different. There is a good chance they don’t need replacing, but the stealership will say something like “we recommend…”
Do the job yourself. Might take you 15 mins and cost you about $8 a plug. If you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, then $159 is the tax you have to pay. Or just say to them, “note it on the invoice and I will look into it.”
On the booklet it states anything that is under car servicing should be covered but it states
'check spark plugs' Replace when required
The service covers 'checking' them, not replacing them.
There will be a later service that says replace them.
And I bet they will charge OP to replace them again when that happens
If the service says replace them, then its included in the service cost.
If it says check and replace if required, then they'll pay for it.
OP should be checking when they are up for replacement.
I had a car once, got told it needed new spark plugs at the 50k mark and it wasn't covered under warranty. Said nope, the service book says these don't get replaced till 160k normally, so if they have failed after 50k then that is a faulty product.
We had a bit of back and forth, but they covered it.
If it says replace them then does it mean they will cover…dang what I read was just an old booklet from different Suzuki not my current one..but they have it so I can't see
What is the wording on the service?
If the service line item says check and replace if required, then you'll pay for the part being replaced as an extra.
If the service line item says replace xyz, then the part costs are included in the service cost.
Oh ok…I don't have the booklet and they tear out the card…is there any online linked I tried looking but can't. It is a Suzuki vitari 2020
Ask them why they need replacing. I had a service department recommend aircon regas because the gas has worn out and is making the aircon not as cold. I pushed for it under warranty, then suddenly it didn't need doing.
This!
It’s weird that plugs would go so soon if the manual has ‘check plugs’. Not saying that they won’t, I’ve had plugs fail really early but that was fine (it was a modified car that was running very rich). Bob standard car it should be an issue
Just ask them why they need replacing (even better if you ask them for a written explanation on why it needs replacing)
Looking ahead, & if you're keeping the car,( and would consider learning to DIY) maybe get suitable iridium plugs from Rockauto & DIY. Even with postage you should come out in front.Just use the cheapest tracked shipping & have the plugs ready for the next eventual change out.If you bundle more service components in the same order, you could do other DIY do-able parts of the service regime as well.Fan belts,filters,brake pads etc.
What's the shipping costs from Rockauto like?
There' some hefty ones these days, but you can load your cart and see the actual choices/costs before jumping. I've imported a full timing belt kit of higher quality and well under local cost. Ditto for iridium plugs. It makes sense to bundle parts to justify any shipping cost, or share the order with your mates or family and share the $$ load. You also need to be aware of lining up (cross referencing) your local make model with whatever they call those cars in their supply areas.Wiki can help. Also keep in mind LHD Vs RHD when ordering components affected by that difference.They also have the occasional supplier run out where stuff is as cheap as chips.
I've never needed that much stuff so the shipping from the USA sites have always been expensive.
I've purchased from Europe/UK quite often for my Euro's, the shipping has always been more reasonable.
I'm currently looking for some Bosch wiper blades that they don't sell locally. I loathe to visit the dealer for wiper blades but I may have to.
Is this the 4 year/60k service?
4 year/60k service for conventional copper spark plugs seems ok to replace, if it's platinum or iridium, it seems a bit premature.
I don’t think any late model cars come with copper plugs.
Good point.
But the reason I ask is why else would you need to change spark plugs at 60k if they weren't copper?
And if they were platinum and were fouled, that should be a warranty item.
The last time I changed a car with copper plugs was for a car built in 2003.
Maybe it needs replacing?
https://www.suzuki.com.au/capped-price-service-terms/
You need to pay extra for the plugs.