February 19, 2016
By Kristy Inus and Olivia Miwil
Pictures by Edmund Samunting
KOTA KINABALU: PRICING is always a factor the customer takes into consideration when it comes to servicing cars.
However, quality and mechanic reliability are also factors that they need to keep in mind, as road safety should not be compromised.
While it is a known fact that individually-run workshops offer lower labour charges compared with appointed agents of car companies, the latter argue that their services and genuine parts help clients save cost in the long run as their products have warranties and a longer lifespan.
A Proton Service Centre spokesperson said the use of genuine parts during servicing would extend the lifespan of a car while some spare parts, although costing more than other brands, could last up to three years.
“Our technicians are experienced, thus, they do a better job. However, it is still important for customers to be aware of their car’s condition and get checked immediately if they suspect something is wrong to prevent breakdowns.”
Appointed agents also urge customers to service their cars according to schedule to save costs.
A Perodua Service Centre spokesperson said by servicing their cars according to schedule, customers would be entitled to the warranty offered on the services and spare parts.
“Our service centre will fix and waive the additional fee incurred should there be any problems that occur after the initial service. This is to ensure customers maintain and prevent further damage to their vehicles.”
Both car companies charge between RM200 and RM300 for regular servicing, which includes engine oil, motor oil, fuel filters and the labour involved. Individually-run workshop owners, meanwhile, said regular customers use their services because they can negotiate the services or products they need.
Hillary Francis, 45, who has been running his own business since 2002 at Jalan Penampang, said customers even sought advice on how to maintain their cars just in case they experienced engine trouble while travelling.
Admitting that routine check-ups and maintenance only contributed between 10 per cent and 20 per cent to his business, Hillary said this was because some drivers learnt how to maintain their cars themselves.
Robert Majantim, 44, who operates a workshop at Kampung Kivatu in Penampang, has clientele seeking routine maintenance and check-ups.
Robert, who has been in the business for over a decade, said customers liked the idea of being attended to on the spot compared with having to make an appointment if they go to appointed agents.
“Normally, for labour, we charge 50 per cent less than appointed agents. Clients can also save money if they choose to bring their own motor oil.
“We also help clients cut costs. For example, while the normal maintenance for parts is once every three months, we usually recommend parts that are hardier, for instance, brake pads that can last for at least six months.
“And for those who are attentive, they actually observe us working and if they think it’s easy to pick up the maintenance process, they would learn to do it themselves at home,” he said.
By Kristy Inus and Olivia Miwil
Pictures by Edmund Samunting
KOTA KINABALU: PRICING is always a factor the customer takes into consideration when it comes to servicing cars.
However, quality and mechanic reliability are also factors that they need to keep in mind, as road safety should not be compromised.
While it is a known fact that individually-run workshops offer lower labour charges compared with appointed agents of car companies, the latter argue that their services and genuine parts help clients save cost in the long run as their products have warranties and a longer lifespan.
A Proton Service Centre spokesperson said the use of genuine parts during servicing would extend the lifespan of a car while some spare parts, although costing more than other brands, could last up to three years.
“Our technicians are experienced, thus, they do a better job. However, it is still important for customers to be aware of their car’s condition and get checked immediately if they suspect something is wrong to prevent breakdowns.”
Appointed agents also urge customers to service their cars according to schedule to save costs.
A Perodua Service Centre spokesperson said by servicing their cars according to schedule, customers would be entitled to the warranty offered on the services and spare parts.
“Our service centre will fix and waive the additional fee incurred should there be any problems that occur after the initial service. This is to ensure customers maintain and prevent further damage to their vehicles.”
Both car companies charge between RM200 and RM300 for regular servicing, which includes engine oil, motor oil, fuel filters and the labour involved. Individually-run workshop owners, meanwhile, said regular customers use their services because they can negotiate the services or products they need.
Hillary Francis, 45, who has been running his own business since 2002 at Jalan Penampang, said customers even sought advice on how to maintain their cars just in case they experienced engine trouble while travelling.
Admitting that routine check-ups and maintenance only contributed between 10 per cent and 20 per cent to his business, Hillary said this was because some drivers learnt how to maintain their cars themselves.
Robert Majantim, 44, who operates a workshop at Kampung Kivatu in Penampang, has clientele seeking routine maintenance and check-ups.
Robert, who has been in the business for over a decade, said customers liked the idea of being attended to on the spot compared with having to make an appointment if they go to appointed agents.
“Normally, for labour, we charge 50 per cent less than appointed agents. Clients can also save money if they choose to bring their own motor oil.
“We also help clients cut costs. For example, while the normal maintenance for parts is once every three months, we usually recommend parts that are hardier, for instance, brake pads that can last for at least six months.
“And for those who are attentive, they actually observe us working and if they think it’s easy to pick up the maintenance process, they would learn to do it themselves at home,” he said.
Comments
Post a Comment