There are fewer things in life filled with as much anxiety and mystery as a car service. Any number of questions can come up when something is wrong with your vehicle or even when you just take it to the dealer for scheduled servicing.
Yet, like with anything else in life, the more you know and understand, the better you off you are. A little research, in fact, can go a long way toward saving you from unsavory practices at dealerships. While not all dealerships are out to cheat you, we’re aware the reputations don’t just pop out of thin air. Can you fully trust the service team at the dealership when you take in your Land Rover? Maybe, but it wouldn’t hurt to arm yourself with a little knowledge to guard yourself against being ripped off.
Dealerships Pad the Bill
Ever wondered how dealers bump up the bill? It’s got a lot to do with shop supplies. It’s nothing new. Think of it a lot like going to a restaurant, getting the check, only to discover you’ve been billed for the silverware and not necessarily the cost of food and service.
In this case, shop supplies include items like lubricants, transmission fluid, rags, steering, and brake fluid, and the like. These are just some of the costs associated with services. Most Land Rover dealerships will charge you for these, whereas your local service center provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing and no nasty surprises.
Unnecessary Tasks
Too often, dealership service departments recommend fluid flushes and a list of other replacements that aren’t necessary. Sometimes they’re not even called for by the owner’s manual. The dealer will tell you that your 4×4 requires a sever use service, and that’s not often applicable to most drivers.
The key is to veto a fluid replacement or service that is not recommended in your owner’s manual, and also under light-duty or normal service requirements.
It’s common enough for drivers and dealers to follow what the owner’s manual recommends for normal servicing, yes, but sadly, dealerships suggesting unnecessary tasks during a service is common practice. It’s as though the dealerships try to bate you into buying unnecessary services.
Keep in mind that there aren’t that many drivers that operate their vehicles under conditions we would deem “severe.” Those that do, are usually using their Land Rover for business purposes, or frequently taking the vehicle off-road.
Selling Larger than Necessary Services
Unless you use your 4X4 for extreme driving, stick to the standard service. Heavy-duty service schedules are overkill if you use your Land Rover for day to day driving. If your vehicle is still under warranty, make sure you keep the service records. Without proof that you’ve properly maintained the vehicle, there’s a chance the manufacturer will reject any major warranty claims, like those for burnt-out engines.
Drawing You In with Pamphlets
It really pays to read your owner’s manual. Dealerships try to draw you in with pamphlets on the service desk. It may well look official, but they’re not to be trusted. Take your owner’s manual with you when you take your Land Rover for a service to ensure the right maintenance is carried out at the right mileage or time and avoid unnecessary costs.
Experienced, Local, and Professional
Dealerships can charge you as much as 30 percent more for a part you’d find at your local service center. In fact, you can often find parts a lot cheaper than at the dealership parts counter. Dealers are well aware of this, but they still do it.
Here at AAA Service Center in Dubai, you can rely on us for honest, flexible, and professional service every time. Our team is experienced in servicing Land Rovers, no matter the mileage or the condition.
Book your Land Rover in for a service at AAA Service Center in Dubai today.
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