Self Service
The recent legislative change which now allows vehicles owners to have their vehicles serviced wherever they choose and not have it impact their warranties has set the cat amongst the pigeons, with some parties hailing the move and others claiming doom and gloom for the industry.
Related: Cambelt maintenance: Why it could save your car's engine
What the change actually means is that you can have your vehicle's service done at any garage you choose and the manufacturer will still hold your warranty as long as the services are done by a qualified technician or approved facility.
What this means is that you as a weekend DIY mechanic cannot/ should not service your own car while it is under warranty unless you have the relevant expertise and a rubber stamp to put in the vehicle's warranty book.
There is however nothing stopping you from swinging wrenches on your own car if you so choose but just be advised that should you do this, you will most likely void your warranty and if there is some catastrophic failure the motor manufacturer will not honour the warranty agreement.
You do have the option of finding your own mechanic and avoiding the manufacturer's workshop but just make sure that they are RMI, SAMBRA, and MIWA approved.
