Non-skoda servicing

[courty]

So, hypothetically if I were to have my car (a 65 plate, going for its 18k service) serviced at a garage which is not a main dealer or those who claim to be a skoda specialist garage, would I be invalidating my warranty?

I am aware of the service register VAG keep and software updates, but to be fair I'm not really fussed on an online registry. Potentially if I get the car serviced each year to satisfy my needs of "it's had a service" and a print out that will trump the online database when it comes to resale in the 5-7yr time.

[Jimbo1]

I have just gone down this route with a new 1.9TDI VRS. I was told by the Skoda dealer who sold me the car (Hortons in Lincoln) that so long as the garage is VAT registered and they use genuine Skoda parts and processes then the warranty will be unaffected. I do, however, get the garage to sign a sheet of paper I prepare for them undertaking to adhere to Skoda's requirements. I agree with you that upon resale a file with bits of paper in will be of greater value than a digital record of servicing.

[courty]

I do, however, get the garage to sign a sheet of paper I prepare for them undertaking to adhere to Skoda's requirements.

Do you list everything you require them to do or just summarise in a statement?

[SkodaVRS1963]

I have just gone down this route with a new 1.9TDI VRS. I was told by the Skoda dealer who sold me the car (Hortons in Lincoln) that so long as the garage is VAT registered and they use genuine Skoda parts and processes then the warranty will be unaffected. I do, however, get the garage to sign a sheet of paper I prepare for them undertaking to adhere to Skoda's requirements. I agree with you that upon resale a file with bits of paper in will be of greater value than a digital record of servicing.

 

Ah.

 

There's your problem.

 

Right there.

 

Skoda's "process" might be to drain the oil first whilst listening to George Michael singing "Careless Whisper".

 

If your independent drains the oil last whilst listening to Sinead O'Connor singing "Nothing Compares 2 U" then your warranty is blown.

 

You get my point.

[courty]

Skoda's "process" might be to drain the oil first whilst listening to George Michael singing "Careless Whisper".

If your independent drains the oil last whilst listening to Sinead O'Connor singing "Nothing Compares 2 U" then your warranty is blown.

You get my point.

Rather do it myself if that's the style of music getting played ????

[kevberlin]

It may be useful to look at things from a different angle. For example:

Use of a non approved oil filter could not invalidate a warranty claim for malfunctioning electric windows.

Use of non approved engine oil could not invalidate a steering failure.

Use of non approved engine parts could not invalidate an alloy wheel failure

Hence, each warranty claim has to be considered on its own merits.

Good luck

[Ootohere]

Sorry OT but a little on.

You want your Manufacturers Warranty valid and you can do that easily and you get Independents with all the gear and licenses and know how to use it.

eg

http://autohausedinburgh.co.uk

there are similar more qualified Independents around the UK doing better work than the Master Techs left working in the Main Dealership 

 

The OT bit is.

I doubt in 2020-22 that a Skoda Maindealer service record will make any difference to the resale value of a Euro 5 or Euro 6 Emissions vehicle in the UK.

Actually it might knock a few Dollars off, or Ruble, Yen or whatever currency the UK is using.

Edited 13 January, 2017 by Offski

[courty]

Anyone had any experience with the Bosch service? Was looking at the silver/gold one?

[SkodaVRS1963]

To be fair to Skoda, and every other vehicle manufacturer out there, if I am Skoda and you have my vehicle serviced by your brother-in-law who claims to be VAT-registered and the vehicle then suffers a major malfunction then I'm going to say "tough - sue me".

 

Take your chances before a Court (and I have very expensive lawyers whose costs you'll have to fund if I'm found not guilty).

[Jimbo1]

Ah.

 

There's your problem.

 

Right there.

 

Skoda's "process" might be to drain the oil first whilst listening to George Michael singing "Careless Whisper".

 

If your independent drains the oil last whilst listening to Sinead O'Connor singing "Nothing Compares 2 U" then your warranty is blown.

 

You get my point.

I'm going to disagree with you, in the nicest possible way. Under consumer law I am entitled to rely on the garages' subject matter expertise. I have used reasonable skills as a layman to identify my requirements. I am quite content that this would stand up in a court of law. However, it's up to each individual to do what they feel is right for them.

[Jimbo1]

Do you list everything you require them to do or just summarise in a statement?

Simply use my own headed paper, identify the vehicle by its VIN and quote the mileage asking the garage to undertake an X,000 mile service using Skoda parts and approved processes to preserve the vehicle warranty. I get them to sign this and put their stamp which includes their VAT registered number on the form.