Car First Service. Know Costs and Tips for 1st Servicing of your Car
Date: April 25, 2014
Bought a car recently and going ahead for First Service of same. Important Tips for taking Extra Additionals during First Service of your car
First Service Cost
First Service is performed within 1 month or 1000 Kms - common with most of the manufacturers, except couple of few (Volkswagen recommend first service at 15,000 Kms or 12 month)
Generally, its the cleaning and vehicle inspection with screws tightened up during first Service. There are no Labor costs and no Parts cost - unless you tend to replace something.
Important Points / Tips
» Carry a Small Bag to carry Car Papers, docs
» If have Perfume - do take it out of your car and keep it at your home
» You may put a identification mark on spare tyre, if you wish so - only going to help for all future services
» Ensure - you check speed o meter reading, fuel reading, let service advisor know that your car is scratch free, seats are dust free and let him mention that in Job Sheet.
» If any complaints or Problem related to drive, noise - do not miss to mention it to Service Advisor
» Last and Important - do not miss to read Service Manual - its like the ideal service standard as recommended by Manufacturer.
Extra Product or Service
Despite no charges - in all likelihood, your workshop Service Advisor will try to upsell certain products. Know Costs:
» Cabin Air Filter:- There is no Cabin Air Filter in Maruti Suzuki Range of Cars and some of the models of other manufacturers too. Though, they have left a provision of installing Air Filter. Its a recommended fitment to be done during the 1st Service itself. has general life of 1 year (wherein cleaning to be done in 6 month). Price : Rs. 350
Benefits : Filter Cabin Air from Bacteria, Dust and hold the dust in it so that only clean Air comes to the cabin. Also - helps in enhancing AC Effectiveness and long lasting life
» Anti Rust Coating:- Though a partial Anti Rust Coating is done in Engine Compartment by most of the Manufacturers, but for underbody - its left and not done by most of the car manufacturers. Its advisable to get Anti Rust Coating during 1st service itself. It saves underbody from Rust and Corrosion. Especially useful for people, who stay in humid areas or closer to seas or are prone to higher than normal monsoon (Mumbai, Goa, Kerala etc). Cost Rs. 1900 with 5 yr warranty. Know - 3M Rust Coating
However - for those who stay in hot environment like Delhi - may be of lesser use as car underbody will be much lesser probability to catch rusting. Ideal for people who stay in Mumbai or Goa.
» Teflon Coating:- If someone advises you Teflon Coating in India - then avoid as it actually is not Teflon - been its a branded products by Dupont, do verify its actual original Dupont Teflon, else if cant do that then avoid Teflon. Dealer charge anything between Rs. 5000 - 7000 for 1+2 Coats of Teflon Coating
» Car Wax :- Waxing enhances the paint to shine and clear exterior body surface by saving the body paint from dust. A wax coating adds on a protective layer and is generally advisable, if you care to save your car exterior from dust or park your car under open sun during summers. Cost Vary basis brand, product used.
» Accessories :- If you dont have Gear Lock, Parking Sensor, CD Player Music System it makes wise to get fitment done of Parking Sensor or Music System - it atleast saves you in keeping your warranty Intact, which may otherwise be void, in event of any wire cutting done.