Consumer Advice Archives

Are your brakes up to scratch?

February 1, 2019January 31, 2023

This month, we’re all about brakes at SVS Autocare.

They are often something drivers take for granted… until they don’t function correctly.

Many a rear-end collision has occurred due to faulty brakes and it is a component of the car that can be difficult to inspect for yourself. This is why SVS Autocare ensure that every vehicle we service has their brakes thoroughly inspected so we can monitor how thick your brake pads are and recommend replacements as needed.

Of course, things like driving style and the make-up of the compounds in different makes and models of cars means the length of time brake pads last is very subjective, which is why it is also important for you to pay attention whenever you experience

Sponginess in the brake pedal
Vibration in the brake pedal
Squealing, grinding or scraping noises when the brakes are applied.

These are all signs that your brakes need attention and the sooner this is addressed, the safer you and your loved ones will be when travelling in your vehicle.

WIN this February with SVS Autocare

Book your car in for a service with us during the month of February and you will go into a draw for us to cover the costs of the labour for your next service to the value of $194.92.

Visit https://svsautocare.com.au/booking/ to book online, or contact our professional team on the Sunshine Coast on 5456 4859 or in Brisbane on 3891 3300 for a fast and efficient booking over the phone.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Worried about Genuine Parts?

February 11, 2015

We use OEM Parts…they are just as good!

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a term used when one company makes a part that is used in another company’s end product.

The term is used in several ways and sometimes refers to a part or subassembly maker, sometimes to a final assembly maker, and sometimes to a mental category comprising those two in contrast to all other third party makers of parts or subassemblies from the aftermarket.

In the first usage, the OEM is the company that makes a part that is marketed by another company, typically as a component of the second company’s own product. For example, if Acme Manufacturing Co. makes power cords that are used on IBM computers, Acme is regarded as the OEM of the power cords.
In the second usage, OEM refers to companies like value-added resellers, which are the second manufacturer in the definition above. If, for example, Hewlett-Packard sells circuit boards to Acme Systems for use in Acme’s security systems, H-P refers to Acme as an OEM.
In the third usage, OEM is a mental category for all of the makers involved when a final assembly was first built (originally equipped)—in contrast to whoever made aftermarket parts that were installed later. For example, if Ford used Autolite spark plugs, Exide batteries, Bosch fuel injectors, and Ford’s own engine blocks and heads when building a car, then car restorers and collectors consider all of those brands as OEM brands, in contrast to aftermarket brands (such as Champion plugs, DieHard batteries, Kinsler fuel injectors, and BMP engine blocks and heads). This can mean that Bosch injectors are considered OEM parts on one car model and aftermarket parts on another model.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer

Confusing huh? Well, let’s put it into SVS Autocare perspective and talk about Automotive parts:

When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part. As most cars are originally assembled with parts made by companies other than the one whose badge appears on the vehicle, it may happen that a car company sells OEM spare parts without claiming to have manufactured the part itself.

An automobile part may carry the designation OEM if it is made by the same manufacturer that made the original part used when building and selling the vehicle.

The term aftermarket is often used for non-OEM spare parts.

Unless your car is in new car warranty and or you ask for genuine parts, SVS Autocare will source parts that have OEM prominently displayed but followed by a qualifier such as “meets OEM standards”. Such auto parts are not OEM; they are simply claiming to have been manufactured to the same specifications as the OEM parts—specifications that may well be unpublished and unknowable. We only use trusted and known parts that are of extremely high quality.

Do I have to get my new car serviced from the place I bought it?

January 27, 2015

Buying a new car is a major decision and purchase. In order to maintain your new car in top condition and ensure it’s longevity, it is important to keep your car in good condition for as long as possible. New cars are covered for some items by the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, and when you purchase your new car, you will receive a booklet detailing major services required as part of the warranty conditions.

The question is…Are you obliged to return the vehicle to the dealer from which we purchased it for these services?

The answer is NO

Trade Practices Act

Under the Trade Practices Act, a vehicle manufacturer or car dealership cannot insist you have your car serviced by a particular mechanic. You are free to choose where you have your vehicle serviced. Your warranty is not voided by taking your car elsewhere. However, a vehicle manufacturer can refuse a warranty claim if you have not kept up the recommended maintenance (or not kept your receipts or logbook as proof), or where inappropriate work has been carried out, or when a non-genuine replacement parts and or oils have caused damage to the vehicle.

SVS Autocare use genuine parts and oils for vehicle’s in new car warranty to ensure that the new car warranty remains intact. Should a warranty claim arise, all records are kept by SVS Autocare and they will happily liaise with the relevant dealership to organise warranty repairs if required.

Dealer servicing

Engines in modern vehicles are computerised and require electronic test equipment specific to that vehicle to find faults and to add software upgrades to overcome known issues. Test equipment is very expensive. SVS Autocare have the latest computerised equipment to complete new car servicing.

If you have a warranty claim, your vehicle must be taken to a dealer for warranty work, however, SVS Autocare can liaise with the dealership and if desired, present your vehicle for required work on your behalf.

Non-dealer servicing

Non-dealers such as SVS Autocare can service your vehicle, but cannot do work that is part of a warranty claim. While it is true that many original parts are more expensive, it is not in your interests to use non-genuine parts if your car in still in warranty as it may void your new car warranty. If your vehicle is still covered by warranty, the failure of a non-genuine part can leave you stuck with the vehicle manufacturer willing to accept responsibility for any resulting damage.

SVS Autocare would be happy to discuss any questions you may have in relation to servicing your new car. It’s an exciting time buying a new car, SVS Autocare aim to make your maintainence needs as enjoyable as possible.

Volkswagen Genuine Timing Belts – Staying safely on track

January 9, 2015

In 2013, Volkswagen (VW) reduced the interval (both kilometres and time) recommended to replace the timing belt on VW vehicles.

On certain engines with overhead camshafts, the timing belt has a limited lifespan. The timing belt is an essential component of the engine. It turns the camshaft(s) at exactly ½ the speed of the crankshaft whilst maintaining precise engine alignment and it’s responsible for adjusting the engine’s valve operation. The timing belt effects the fuel consumption and emissions.

During timing belt replacement, the water pump is also changed therefore the cost of labour involved on replacing these parts are incurred only once.

If you have purchased a VW that does not have a recorded or known history of the timing belt being replaced, we strongly advise that you undertake this important maintenance item. Failure of the timing belt (if it breaks) can cause catastrophic engine damage and lead to a very costly repair.

The above information is an overview only and intended for awareness purposes.

Source: Volkswagen Australia website

Are your brakes up to scratch?

Worried about Genuine Parts?

We use OEM Parts…they are just as good!

Confusing huh? Well, let’s put it into SVS Autocare perspective and talk about Automotive parts:

Do I have to get my new car serviced from the place I bought it?

Trade Practices Act

Dealer servicing

Non-dealer servicing

Volkswagen Genuine Timing Belts – Staying safely on track

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