Can anyone tell me if this winter check is any good please?

mianjakesmummy

Hiya everyone,

As title says, Groupon have got an offer on at the moment for a winter car health check (i know groupon has a very bad reputation at present but i personally have not had any problems with them)54 Point Car Winter Health Check With Complete Anti-Freeze Change, Wiper Replacement and Engine Diagnostics Plus Mini Valet for £36 at Trannings Automotive Specialists (Up to 67% off)


http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/plymouth/trannings-automotive-specialists/2308197

it says you save £73 and it is £36. i am trying to get some money together to get a full service done at some point in the next few months so didn't know if this would be a good thing in the mean time? (also says you save 10% on next order)
I know i can pick up wiper blades cheap enough but i wouldn't have the foggiest on how to change the Anti-freeze, and i think i may have an engine issue somewhere as sometimes changing gears into third is a bit odd - it will go in a certain amount of revs then drop a few then come back up again (~or could this just be my awful driving? pretty sure it has only started doing this)

any thoughts on if this offer is good value?

thanks

jaydeeuk1

Unless you struggle to unlock a car door or turn right, then all of that can be done by yourself in 20 minutes. Even the anti freeze (I'm assuming they mean engine coolant here!) is usually a straight forward job.
I'm guessing 'parts' are going to cost a lot extra, ie don't expect discounts, really your paying some bald bloke £36 + expensive parts to lift your bonnet.

mutley74

mianjakesmummy wrote: »

Hiya everyone,

As title says, Groupon have got an offer on at the moment for a winter car health check (i know groupon has a very bad reputation at present but i personally have not had any problems with them)54 Point Car Winter Health Check With Complete Anti-Freeze Change, Wiper Replacement and Engine Diagnostics Plus Mini Valet for £36 at Trannings Automotive Specialists (Up to 67% off)


http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/plymouth/trannings-automotive-specialists/2308197

it says you save £73 and it is £36. i am trying to get some money together to get a full service done at some point in the next few months so didn't know if this would be a good thing in the mean time? (also says you save 10% on next order)
I know i can pick up wiper blades cheap enough but i wouldn't have the foggiest on how to change the Anti-freeze, and i think i may have an engine issue somewhere as sometimes changing gears into third is a bit odd - it will go in a certain amount of revs then drop a few then come back up again (~or could this just be my awful driving? pretty sure it has only started doing this)

any thoughts on if this offer is good value?

thanks

most main dealers offer free or discounted winter checks. to be honest all they will check is your tyres, wipers, lights and fluids. Or even some independant garage will do all that even if you offer a few pounds for there time if you really need the assistance.

Notmyrealname

THIS IS NOT A SERVICE. It is merely checking basic things that should be part of a weekly check and topping up the antifreeze. There is no oil and oil/air filters being changed, no brakes being stripped to be inspected.

They merely hook up a computer and read any codes, take a look over the car and go "yes thats working" and tick a box on a bit of paper and top your antifreeze up then give the car a wash and hoover.

mikey72

I wouldn't go for it myself, but a complete antifreeze change and two new wipers doesn't sound like a check.
Ok if you need them, not good if you don't.
Not a bargain price, but not un-reasonable.

jase1

I suppose if your wipers are the newer Aero type and they use good quality replacements it's not too bad.

But if it's an older car and they're using wipers from the pound shop, not so good.

The gearbox fault, if it is that, wouldn't be fixed even with a full service. It's a specialist job that will cost £££ to put right if there is a fault.

Overall, there is probably £35 worth of work in this package. Certainly not £100.

centaurandrew

Aren't these winter checks just a precursor for "spotting" other work which needs doing to the car and then attempting to get the unsuspecting to pay for it?

forgotmyname

Your paying them £36 to find as many faults as they can. Dont be shocked when you get a phone call saying
you need new brakes, tyres, shocks etc...

Lots of garages will offer this winter safety check for free. Because they will usually find work that needs doing.

mianjakesmummy

thanks everyone - i guess i just saw the saving and thought it would be a good deal, i don't need new wipers although i could have done with a valet but thats just me being lazy

I didn't go for it in the end, im in the process of saving 6 to700 pounds so i can put it through a big service allowing for any works that need doing (i would get the service done at one place and any repairs that need doing will be taking to a family friend garage, unfortunately he doesn't do services)

hubby seems to think the clutch is going as when you accelerate hard in 3rd (i have never noticed this as i don't tend to accelerate hard) the revs will go up but the speed of the car stays the same.

i want to make sure that everything that needs doing is done with this car - it's the newest one i have ever owned (an 05 plate) and i have to use my car for work purposes, i get a monthly car allowance which is what i am saving up to get the service and works done.

Thanks for all your advice

Notmyrealname

mianjakesmummy wrote: »

hubby seems to think the clutch is going as when you accelerate hard in 3rd (i have never noticed this as i don't tend to accelerate hard) the revs will go up but the speed of the car stays the same.

Yes that sounds like a clutch and the cost can be anywhere from £250-£750 or more depending on the car.

The blip in revs when you're changing gear is because the clutch is absolutely knackered and is slipping so despite what you say, yes you have noticed it you've just not worked out that the blip is actually the clutch.

If it is doing it you need to get it done NOW. As in as soon as possible. It will get rapidly worse and most likely will leave you stranded on a gradient and it is already going to be causing damage to the flywheel as well as the metal rivets on the clutch will now be exposed and gouging chunks out of the flywheel and pressure plate every single time you change gear regardless of how little you accelerate. That could add another couple of hundred quid onto the bill if the flywheel needs changing.