New tariffs jack up cost of servicing new cars

There are indications that other car owners pay more than Adetayo, who said he is considering patronizing a local mechanic,” because this cost is affecting my take home pay seriously’’. According to John Fatade, a Lagos-based businessman, he used over N40,000 to service his brand new BMW car quarterly. The high cost of servicing BMW […]

There are indications that other car owners pay more than Adetayo, who said he is considering patronizing a local mechanic,” because this cost is affecting my take home pay seriously’’.

According to John Fatade, a Lagos-based businessman, he used over N40,000 to service his brand new BMW car quarterly.

The high cost of servicing BMW cars may have strong link with why  their parts are so expensive, which is premised on the fact that BMW’s  business model is based upon making few cars with excellent attention to detail as opposed to American car manufactures whose business model is based upon quantity over quality.

The parts are so expensive because BMW’s business model is what it is: the parts that go into these cars are made to very exacting tolerances, it takes time to  be exact and quality materials are used.

An auto dealer in Apapa, Seyi Smith, told our correspondent that the high cost of servicing cars is linked to the tariff on auto-parts and equipment used in servicing cars for his customers.

“The tariffs are on the high side. We have complained bitterly against this practice but we didn’t succeed. We have no choice than to stay in business and explain things to our customers. In spite of the cost we charge for servicing, our customers are sure of best service and the durability of their cars”.

Another dealer in Alaba, Lagos told our correspondent that in addition to the tariffs on instruments used for servicing cars, there are mounting operational costs occasioned by inflation and other economic down turn in the country.

“Power is not very constant here. If I tell you how much we spend on powering our generators monthly, you will be shocked. We also need to pay our staff monthly. The cost of what we bought last year has gone up astronomically.

“In spite of the cost, our services remain the best when it comes to treating your cars very well. We are aware road side mechanics services cars less than N10,000 but the danger involved in their patronage is unimaginable. They could damage the engine or other parts of the car in a way that would cause the owner heavy cost to put back”.

Seyi said the patronage of his company has not dwindled due to the cost. As such, he said his company services cars for corporate organizations and other business concerns in Lagos.

Some car owners have, however, taken an exit route from the astronomical charges of these dealers.

Mrs Joseph Omobola told our correspondent that she patronized a local mechanic around her residence due to the high cost of servicing her car at dealers workshops.

She said in the last two years, she has not had any regret of changing her loyalty, adding that she normally monitored the mechanic anytime he was servicing her car.

But one of the mechanics, who identified himself as Wasiu, told our correspondent that it is not true that local mechanics use inferior materials to service the cars of their customers.

“We are equally qualified to do this job. We are alleviating the suffering of car owners who cannot afford to go to dealers for expensive service of their cars. With N10,000, you are sure of excellent service here. None of my customers has ever complained of damage to their engine or malfunctioning in other parts of their cars. The records are there.

Cars, like the human body, require regular maintenance in order to keep it fit always and durable. This maintenance comes in form of regular servicing of the components of the car,

Experts suggest that by spending a small amount of time and money on regular servicing plus a little care and attention, one will avoid costly repairs and hopefully one’s car will last longer, or certainly hold more value.

A car maintenance website,lister.co.uk says by servicing  car regularly one will save time and money, by less cost for major repairs over the life of the car, less chance of unforeseen and possible breakdown risks, less time off the road and less inconvenience and less unforeseen expense

It also said the exercise will ensure greater fuel economy, less wear and tear on parts (e.g. tyres last longer, brake discs do not become scored and require replacement) and an enhanced part-exchange value when one come to sell your car.

Another car maintenance site,   www.nsn.co.uk said a routine car service will keep one’s vehicle in optimum condition.

It said safety is of prime importance which is another good reason why you need to service your car. However it is advised that car servicing should be done by specialists or accredited dealers of the auto product in order to avoid damage to the car.

The site advised car owners to use the services of a qualified garage that would make a thorough check from a mechanical aspect, including the engine, fluids, and brakes.

It said a trained mechanic will be able to spot any faults, which could save you in an emergency. It is important to keep a logbook of every servicing done, which is normally provided by the car manufacturer.

“This will enable you to maintain the details of every car service performed. It will also fetch a better price when you decide to sell it since a buyer is always more confident of a serviced car. A well maintained car will run efficiently and lower the running costs’’.

The site said earlier, cars were normally serviced by the main dealer in order to comply with the terms and conditions of warranty. However, it said car servicing can be done at non-franchised garages without any danger of invalidating the warranty and usually at a greater reduced cost

Another site, uk.answers.yahoo.com said the full service on a car include but not limited to oil filter air filter (clean or replace), spark plugs, oil and wiper fluid.

Others include, brake pads, clutch, timing belt and transmission fluid. Experts also recommend that it is necessary one services its car quarterly.

But the cost of servicing a car in many countries varies and most auto companies are not always in control over the cost their dealers would charge for auto servicing.