Hello and welcome to the February edition of the MotorMouth Newsletter.

This month's editorial is focusing on the dos and don'ts of getting your car serviced. To assist us, we've enlisted the help of Damien Reid, our guest editor and independent motoring expert. We hope you find it interesting and helpful.

We are also introducing a new competition for MotorMouth Newsletter subscribers only called "Open Your MotorMouth" where each month one lucky contributor will win a book (or series of books) to the value of $50 from QBD The Bookshop. The "Open Your MotorMouth" competition replaces the long running "Fuel Saving Tip Competition". To read more about our new comp, click here.

Zac from Abbotsbury in NSW is the final winner in our “Fuel Saving Tip Competition” with the following great tips.

"You can buy a car sun shade for only $3 in the supermarket, and it only takes 5 seconds to put up underneath the sun visors. This keeps your car and your steering wheel cool.

If going to a mechanic for a basic oil check, bring the oil in a can to them. It will be cheaper and you can drive further kilometers before returning for another oil check."

Zac, your $25 free fuel voucher is on the way! To read other fuel saving tips sent in by MotorMouth users over the years, go to the Fuel Saving Tips page on the MotorMouth website.

Damien Reid on Car Servicing

Why is it important to have my car serviced?

A car is made up of hundreds of moving parts which wear out over time and need to be replaced. Regular servicing allows your mechanic to spot worn parts and replace them before they break. With modern technology, the intervals between servicing are extending meaning services are fewer, but it also means those services are becoming more important as major items need to be replaced. Servicing a car at regular intervals not only reduces the chance of your car breaking down, it will also reward you with better fuel economy and a cleaner running engine as engine tolerances are re-set to factory specs. You will notice your car performs better, runs smoother and uses less fuel.

How often should I have my car serviced?

Depending on the age and condition of your car, you should follow the handbook recommendations and have it serviced at the kilometre interval or date, whichever comes first. Service intervals are usually between 10,000 to 30,000kms or to be sure, every 12 months.

How much does a car service normally cost?

There are two main types of service, minor and major. Minor services are for incidentals like replacing engine fluids, brake fluids and coolants as well as checking rubber hoses and belts while a major service involves routine mechanical work such as replacing tyres, brake pads or discs and engine timing belts which are vital and should never be ignored. Prices for a minor service range from $100 to $400 depending on the style of car you have while a major service can cost up to $1000 or even more depending on the number of parts it requires.

Motorists have the option of having their car serviced by their vehicle manufacturer or an independent operator. Is one option better that the other?

Manufacturers provide the security knowing that you have genuine parts fitted and any work will be guaranteed and warranted, however some of the larger independent servicing chains also warrant their work and fit the same brand components. The corner garage is probably a safer bet for those with older cars out of warranty which don't rely so much on electronic diagnostic equipment.

If I choose an independent operator, will it affect my warranty?

Choose carefully and research thoroughly as some manufacturers will not honour warranty claims if a car has been serviced by an unauthorised outlet. This includes backyard mechanics who cannot guarantee that they've fitted genuine parts. Large independent, franchised operators are fairly safe as mostly they use genuine parts and may even have a relationship with some of the larger manufacturers.

How closely do I need to follow my manufacturers handbook?

Very closely. Never let a service slip by and always book your car in as close to the date as possible. If you can't get your car serviced on time, play it safe and book it in early. You won't be wasting money if you do this as the next service period will be based on this date but it's always better to check it in early than miss a service.

What other factors should motorists consider before choosing where to have their car serviced?

Always make sure they use genuine parts. If they can't guarantee this, walk away. Check that they provide the manufacturer's warranty or if not, that they provide their own warranty and have the financial muscle to back it up. Make sure that they stamp your log book and if it hasn't been stamped, make the effort to go back and insist as this is effectively the "medical record" for your car's life. If they perform a major service and you receive a large bill for new parts, ask to see the old parts for proof. This is an accepted practice and all ethical mechanics will keep any old parts set aside in case you ask.

Does a full service history increase my resale value?

Yes. It's not only proof that your car's healthy and has been regularly maintained, it's also a paper record showing where the car has lived which a potential buyer can verify with you, that it hasn't been stolen and re-birthed and that the kilometres recorded over time match with the odometer. This makes "winding" clocks back harder to forge.

Until next month Happy Motoring... and remember to send through any suggestions you have for future editorial topics to ......

Bernadette Murray
Marketing Manager - MotorMouth
bmurraymotormouth.com.au 

Do you have an opinion or comment about a motoring or fuel related issue or story you’d like to share with your MotorMouth users from around the country? So write it down in 200 words or less and send it to openyourmotormouthmotormouth.com.au. It can be positive or negative (but of course not rude). The person whose comment is deemed most interesting each month will be awarded a book (or series of books) to the value of $50 from QBD The Bookshop.

All entries will be posted on the soon to be launched Open Your MotorMouth section of the website so everyone can see what’s on the minds of Australian motorists. So what are you waiting for? Click here to email through your contribution. Remember to add your name, address and phone number to your email entry so we can notify you if you are chosen as our winner.

Please note, only users who are signed up to receive the MotorMouth Newsletter can win the competition. If you are not yet signed up to receive the newsletter you will need to either:
1. Register with MotorMouth and opt in to receive the newsletter, or
2. If you are already registered with MotorMouth, login to the website and go to My Profile to opt in to receive the newsletter.

Damien Reid, our guest editor, with more fascinating news on the Fuel and Auto front.
Odyssey Puts Fun Back Into People Movers
It seems that when you carry more than four people, you lose your right to enjoy driving by being forced into either a large four-wheel drive or an egg-shaped mini-van.
[Read more]

“Smarties” Enjoy Discount Parking – In Brisbane Only
It seems that when it comes to city councils, Brisbane wins out over Sydney for encouraging people to drive economical, environmentally-friendly cars. While Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore refused to grant parking concessions for the Smart Fortwo which was recently voted Australia’s greenest car by the Federal Government, Brisbane City Council has stepped in and welcomed it with open arms.
[Read more]

New Car Reviews proudly supplied by News Limited.
Linear Thinking
It's do or die time for Saab which has just launched its first new model since the "integration" with Holden. Few people are aware but the famous Swedish aircraft and car manufacturer is wholly owned by Holden's parent company General Motors.
[Read more]

Kia to stretch the gap
A POWERFUL new Kia Carnival is to sell alongside the current model. Kia unveiled the V6-powered next-generation people-mover at the Chicago Motor Show.
[Read more]

The average, lowest and the highest ULP prices for last month in each city were:

The ULP price leading service stations for each city last month were:

Brisbane	Service Station Caltex/Woolworths Address Beaudesert Road Suburb Acacia Ridge Average Price for month 82.8
Sydney	Service Station Speedway Address corner Smithfield Road and Victoria Street Suburb Smithfield Average Price for month 91.1
Melbourne	Service Station Caltex/Safeway Address corner Doncaster Road and Churchill Street Suburb Doncaster East Average Price for month 90.9
Adelaide	Service Station Southern Cross Address corner O.G. Road and Yaralin Avenue Suburb Klemzig Average Price for month 94.1
Perth	Service Station Coles Express Address corner Wanneroo Road and Vallanova Street Suburb Wanneroo Average Price for month 90.1

The average, lowest and the highest Diesel prices for last month in each city were:

The Diesel price leading service stations for each city last month were:

Brisbane	Service Station Caltex Woolworths Address Blunder Road Suburb Oxley Average Price for month 91.8
Sydney	Service Station Speedway Address corner Smithfield Road and Victoria Street Suburb Smithfield Average Price for month 100.3
Melbourne	Service Station Independent Address corner Middleborough Road and Fulton Road Suburb Blackburn South Average Price for month 101.6
Adelaide	Service Station Caltex Address corner Main North Road and Montague Road Suburb The Levels Average Price for month 101.2
Perth	Service Station Mobil Address corner Patterson Road and Ocean Street Suburb Kwinana Average Price for month 100.8

MotorMouth is committed to helping Australian motorists get a better deal on fuel by providing them with free and easily accessible information on fuel prices.

Reproduction of the whole or part of this email constitutes an infringement of copyright. All information published in this email is intended to be used for your personal use only and can not be used for commercial use without the prior written consent of MotorMouth Pty Ltd. For data sales enquiries please contact salesmotormouth.com.au