Should I bring my car in for it's 1 year service?

[jigen]

Car will be a year old next month so i was reminded about the free complimentary, 1 year service check up. I don't want them to change my oil and I rotate my tires myself. Any reason I should bring the car in?

I always feel like the dealership will cause more harm than good in these situations, but then again I'm crazy.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

The only reason for them to want you to bring your car in is so they can inspect it and try to make up sells. The only good that could come out of it for you is if they find something that can be replaced under warranty. The worst case would be they try to sell you a fuel injection flush or other money makers you do not need.

 

[TallPaul]

I would only take it in for that if it was essential to the warranty and you care about the warranty. The "free" checkup is their opportunity to sell you all kinds parts like fuel filter, air filter, etc. Oil change shops make their money on those extras because a certain percentage of people will buy whatever the shop says they need.

 

[SrDriver]

Yup, take it in so there is a record of your visit in their computer for warranty purposes.

 

[jigen]

Would they be okay with me requesting not to change the oil?

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: jigen
Would they be okay with me requesting not to change the oil?


Yes, if you told them it was just done. What make of car is this?

 

[Rand]

usually they try to do the 95$ cabin air filter thats 14$ etc...etc.

nothing wrong with inspection unless one of their guys decides to drum up business by telling you your brakes are terrible and will self destruct on the way home etc.. you cant leave without getting it done etc etc.

(van devere kia in akron did this to my stepmom)
they had a miscalibrated caliper that read wrong too.. to show "thin rotors"

it was amazing how the next service visit the rotors grew 3mm

 

[jigen]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: jigen
Would they be okay with me requesting not to change the oil?


Yes, if you told them it was just done. What make of car is this?


2011 VW Golf thats in my sig.

 

[simple_gifts]

Bought my B2300 in June 2007, I asked them to change the oil, they over tightened the filter and my ride never saw their service bay again.

I'd bring it in to get "credit" for any warranty repairs, but minimize the damage they can do. All depends on the dealer and your opinion of their opinions.

My Toyota dealer I trust much more as long as I severely box their expectations of additional sell up items.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Just say NO to any up-selling. Why don't you want they change the oil and filter ?

Not all dealers are bad, only few of them are and those bad apples tarnish the whole dealership.

 

[Mr Nice]

No, no and no !!!!!

 

[artificialist]

What kind of car is it.

When you have a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart or Evolution, they only non-synthetic oil in the engine, and the engine needs synthetic due to the turbocharger. That is why if you read those forums, nobody ever takes their "Get 1 free oil change per year" coupon.

That, and they will try to sell you stuff you really don't need, and prices that are usually higher than they need to be.

 

[jigen]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Just say NO to any up-selling. Why don't you want they change the oil and filter ?

Not all dealers are bad, only few of them are and those bad apples tarnish the whole dealership.


Just changed the oil with M1 0w-40 about 3 months ago, so I'd rather keep that than have them put Castrol 5w-40 in.

 

[HTSS_TR]

If you have free oil change once a year for several years then you may change the oil at 6 month interval and have dealer changes the oil 6 months later.

 

[fdcg27]

VW dealers are not known for having great service departments, but your's might be different.
If there's nothing wrong with the car, I wouldn't let them touch it.
If you've changed the oil and rotated the tires, what do you think they can do that you haven't?
I'd spend that time drinking coffee and reading the Wall Street Journal at home, rather than drinking bad coffee and listening to other people's noise in a dealer waiting room.
After some time, some service writer is bound to call your name to give you the "bad news" about all of the things your new car needs that aren't covered under warranty.
My advise would be to skip this whole charade.
I've never taken a car we bought new back to a dealer for anything other than recalls I thought were worth doing.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: SrDriver
Yup, take it in so there is a record of your visit in their computer for warranty purposes.



+1

 

[Artem]

Originally Posted By: SrDriver
Yup, take it in so there is a record of your visit in their computer for warranty purposes.



It's a FREE, COMPLEMENTARY check up. It's not a warranty requirement.

I personally avoid these check ups. They don't actually do any REAL checking of any components. They just LOOK.

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Just say NO to any up-selling. Why don't you want they change the oil and filter ?


Why would the OP want an oil change if he just spent money on changing the oil not too long ago?

I'd personally go in there and see about getting a rain check on that free checkup / oil change. Come back later when the car needs service and get that free oil change, even if it's not with your favorite oil flavor. I'm always down for some free lube.

 

[SteveSRT8]

The only thing you need to do to preserve the warranty is follow the owners manual. That's it. Keep the receipts. Even DIY is acceptable.

Stealerships are famous for recommending tons of services that are not in the manual's schedule of recommended procedures. Don't fall for their baloney.

 

[mechtech2]

For a couple of hours lost , it is worth it with your new car.
Remember, you don't have to buy anything if you choose not to,
but maybe they will find a problem , or there is a service bulletin that will be addressed. Tell them not to do any work at all unless you OK it.

 

[dparm]

At the very least you'll get a free inspection, free car wash, and a "stamp" in the warranty book when you go to sell it.