Preparing a car for a service

Crashtogether

My car is having its very first service done tomorrow (done approx 7,000 miles). Never had one before so wondering whether I should do anything so that the garage doesn't charge me lots of "extras" for things that I could and should have done prior to taking it in.

Thanks.

*Vikki*

Check oil, washer jets, washer fluid, power steering fluid, check tyre tread for uneven wear, pump up if needed. Clean car inside/out. Check wiper blades are smear free and working order.

Inactive

*Vikki* wrote: »

Check oil, washer jets, washer fluid, power steering fluid, check tyre tread for uneven wear, pump up if needed. Clean car inside/out. Check wiper blades are smear free and working order.

Surely most items on that list are part of a service, so will be charged anyway.

Not sure why a car needs to be cleaned inside and out for a service?

Care to explain ...

Crashtogether

I always keep it clean inside but unfortunately due to the weather I havent been able to clean the outside. Everything removed from the inside just incase!

Crashtogether

if the items that Vikki lists needed to be topped up / tyres pumped up would I be charged for these or would it be included in the price of the service?

*Vikki*

Its just what I do to my car before it goes in for a service. Just polite I think to have a clean car inside and out for them to work on. Plus I check all what I have said so I have no surprises like 'victoria, your nearside tyre has a bulge in it, that would be £500 please' If I know then I can get it done cheaper before taking it to BMW.

Apples2

I thought *vikki* was listing the things they are going to check during the service!!

I wouldn't do anything, just ensure you tell them not to proceed with any "additionals" without contacting you FIRST. It is then up to you to decide to pay them a fortune for a couple of quids work.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Fill the washer bottle. Nice little earner for garages, that.

jeannieblue

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Fill the washer bottle. Nice little earner for garages, that.

We don;t charge for screenwash..

If it is its very 'first ever service' then it shouldn't need alot and I have no idea why you should have to leave it clean for some grease monkey, as mentiond earlier... :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

molerat

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Fill the washer bottle. Nice little earner for garages, that.

A few years ago when i took my car in for service I filled the screenwash up to the brim in their car park. They still tried to charge for a top up. Cheeky gits.

jeannieblue

computershack wrote: »

Do your mechanics know how much you despise them, Jeannieblue?

I love them ..

They'll get a bit !!!!!! if the boot is full up - but they won't lose any sleep over whether it is clean or not. Life is too short and they need the car to be mechanically sound - bit of dirt on the outside and belongings left on the inside is not a problem. And they wouldn't even consider going thru anyone's stuff. We've had customers leaving handbags and all sorts in their cars - but it is all safe with us. But I don't recommend others leaving valuables in their cars.