Michael Da Paixao | Merchandise and Marketing Executive | AutoZone | mail me |
Nothing can quite beat the smell of a brand new car, the big bow, the gift pack and the photos to always remember this occasion. A significant achievement indeed and one you spent many days and weeks contemplating – reviewing prices, vehicle safety, fuel efficiency and ultimately the upkeep of the vehicle.
While you have calculated your monthly repayments you have probably also considered the addition of a service, repair and extended warranty plan to avoid being out of pocket when anything goes wrong or when you require a service to maintain your warranty.
Right to Repair Campaign (R2RC)
Until earlier this year the only option in South Africa was to take out a service plan from your vehicle manufacturer while your vehicle is under warranty restricting your options when it comes to selecting an independent service provider.
The Right to Repair Campaign (R2RC) was introduced to lobby for the future of the multi-brand automotive aftermarket and ultimately to offer you the freedom of choice to have your vehicle serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in the workshop of your choice.
Independent Service Providers (ISP)
This is a great opportunity to level the playing field amongst vehicle manufacturers and Independent Service Providers (ISP) and to support the growth of the local economy (and ultimately soften the blow on your pocket).
It is completely natural for you to feel overwhelmed and not sure about the implications, if any, on your vehicle. The reality is that many parts in your vehicle such as filters and spark plugs are not made by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and independent workshops will fit the same part to your vehicle that the franchise dealer would have fitted.
A simple comparison would be generic medicine. The only difference will be the branding of the part and reputable organisations that are accredited and positioned to provide their products to ISPs servicing and repairing your vehicle.
Competition Commission
The Competition Commission introduced the Guidelines in the South African Automotive Aftermarket which includes car manufacturers to make available all important information relating to different vehicles to ISPs.
These include but aren’t limited to wiring diagrams, service schedules, technical drawings and parts replacement instructions. ISPs are further required to record the service history in the service book to allow traceability should there be a warranty issue at a later stage.
Your choice
While you have more choice now when it comes to having your vehicle serviced and maintained, it remains important to follow due diligence before appointing any workshop to service your vehicle.
The ISP should have all the requisite insurance in place for you to void parts of your warranty.
Learn more about Right to Repair here.