Vehicle Service Question

[Doom5003]

When getting something replaced or serviced, is it cheaper to buy let's say the brake pads and have them fit it or have the centre supply them as well?

I take it that the service book will be stamped either way?

 

[Heinrich_ZA]

Brakes is very easy to do yourself. Can't really mess it up. Even the regular oil change service isn't that difficult. I try to not buy the cheap knock off stuff and rather go with quality. But overall doing stuff yourself is much more cost effective and you get a nice feeling of accomplishment.

Have your car oil changed and book stamped, but try and do the brakes yourself.

 

[Heinrich_ZA]

The more technical stuff, I always want to believe is better to have it done by a reputable establishment, this enables you to makes things difficult for them if something goes wrong... And get your own quotes on parts just to compare.

 

[Doom5003]

@Heinrich_ZA doing the services or replacing brakes isnt the problem, it having the service book stamped.
But wont the labour be at a discount when the supply their own brakes or shocks etc?

 

[Spectaitor]

Depends who is doing the service.
Some places charge a simple labour fee + parts cost (Ask them for invoices for any parts bought)
Others will take a part that cost them R200, the cheapest, possibly worse part, and then ad a percentage to the part. They get away with it because so many people just don't ask for individual part receipts.

 

[Doom5003]

Depends who is doing the service.
Some places charge a simple labour fee + parts cost (Ask them for invoices for any parts bought)
Others will take a part that cost them R200, the cheapest, possibly worse part, and then ad a percentage to the part. They get away with it because so many people just don't ask for individual part receipts.

I have thought about asking for a quote for replacing the front brakes and what brand they use and go from there.
But isnt there a chance that by using their parts they apply some discount on labour and if going with my supplied pads might not be the best idea, like warranty agreements?

 

[Spectaitor]

No, they will only discount the labor if they add markup to the parts themselves, at the end of the day still making money.
Ask them to get good parts and then just supply the invoices for warranty purposes and service history.

They won't run around for you getting parts and still charge you less to do the job. They all buy their parts from places like Midas, KR motor spares etc unless it's dealer specific, it's not like they have their own run store (which they would be selling parts at a markup anyways)

 

[DannyBoyOPC]

Taking your own parts to the mechanic to fit is the same as going to your favourite restaurant and bringing in your own steak and chips and asking them to cook it for you while you sit there.

 

[Doom5003]

Taking your own parts to the mechanic to fit if the same as going to your favourite restaurant and bringing in your own steak and chips and asking them to cook it for you while you sit there.

Hahaha. i get you.

 

[SJK]

If the vehicle is still newish and still under warranty, rather get them to supply and fit the brakes. out of warranty, get non-franchise workshop to fit them, brakes are a safety item. there is a little more than just slapping them on, adjusting, bleeding and getting the whole system right.

 

[Spectaitor]

Just want to add that I'm very weary of using indies or dealerships to service my car.
They (in my experience) will always do the absolute minimum possible, I had to take my car back 2 more times to get small things that a once over could've easily prevented, especially since I asked that they go over the engine bay from head to toe.
Another place made a mess when changing my oil and didn't even bother to wipe the steering wheel after driving with dirty hands.

This is if you are willing to blindly trust that they are actually putting new oil, the one you want, changing the fluids etc. You just can't trust anyone else nowadays