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Car Service and Repair in Benalla
As your local Mechanic, Saunders Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and car repairs.
Read moreSaunders Automotive are the right choice for new car servicing
When it comes to protecting your new vehicle warranty, choosing the right workshop matters.
Saunders Automotive provides professional new car servicing in Benalla for private vehicle owners, business fleets and drivers considering the purchase of a new vehicle. Our qualified technicians follow manufacturer servicing requirements, use quality parts and approved lubricants, and help keep your vehicle performing reliably while maintaining your statutory warranty rights.
Many motorists still believe they must return their vehicle to the dealership for servicing to keep the warranty valid. Under Australian Consumer Law, you have the freedom to choose a qualified independent workshop for servicing and repairs without voiding your manufacturer’s warranty. As long as your vehicle is serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications using suitable parts, fluids and service procedures, your warranty remains protected.
At Saunders Automotive, our experienced technicians stay up to date with modern vehicle technology, diagnostic systems and servicing procedures. From passenger vehicles and SUVs to commercial utes and fleet vehicles, we provide reliable servicing tailored to the needs of today’s drivers. We use quality components and lubricants that meet or exceed manufacturer standards, giving you confidence that your vehicle is being maintained correctly from day one.
For fleet owners, regular servicing plays an important role in reducing downtime, improving fuel efficiency and helping avoid unexpected repair costs. Keeping service records up to date can also support resale value and demonstrate that vehicles have been professionally maintained throughout their working life. Our team works with businesses across Benalla to help keep fleets safe, reliable and road-ready.
If you are thinking about purchasing a new car, it is important to understand the difference between statutory warranties, manufacturer warranties and extended warranty offers.
Every new vehicle sold in Australia is automatically covered by consumer protections under Australian Consumer Law. These rights exist regardless of any additional warranty packages offered at the dealership.
Some dealership warranty or servicing packages may include conditions, restrictions or long-term servicing agreements that are not always clearly explained at the point of sale. In some cases, these offers may provide little additional benefit beyond the protections you already receive under your statutory rights. They can also limit flexibility when choosing where your vehicle is serviced in the future.
Before agreeing to any extended servicing arrangement, it is worth considering practical factors such as convenience, servicing costs, workshop availability and waiting times. Choosing a trusted independent workshop like Saunders Automotive in Benalla can provide greater flexibility, personalised service and competitive pricing, while still ensuring your vehicle is maintained to the correct standards.
Whether you already own a new vehicle, manage a business fleet or are researching your options before buying a car, the team at Saunders Automotive can help you make informed servicing decisions. We are committed to transparent advice, quality workmanship and helping customers protect the long-term reliability and value of their vehicles.
New Car Service Frequently asked questions
The simple truth is that you are able to choose who should service your new car without voiding either the manufacturer's warranty or your rights under the consumer guarantee.
What is a consumer guarantee?
Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you are protected by a Consumer Guarantee which takes into account purchase price, realistic expectations of when a failure might occur, advertising claims and the conditions under which a vehicle should operate. Previously known as a Statutory Warranty, the Consumer Guarantee does not have a specific time limit associated with it nor can it ever be replaced by a manufacturers warranty, which is in addition to the Consumer Guarantee.
What is a manufacturers warranty?
Manufacturers warranties are essentially a promise to the buyer that the new vehicle will be free from defects for a specific time and that any such defects will entitle buyers to a repair or other compensation. According to the Competition and Consumer Act (2010), such warranties cannot state that a vehicle must be returned to an authorised dealer for service.
What is an express or extended warranty?
Often new car dealers will try to include "express" or "extended" warranties, sometimes for free, in the purchase of your new vehicle. These ‘extra' warranties are in addition to the manufacturers warranty and may include quite specific restrictions or provisions, usually in unclear or confusing language. Many of these contracts actually provide little or no additional benefits over and above the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealership. Extended warranties can (and often do) restrict you to a specific dealership, which can have its drawbacks.
Can Saunders Automotive service my new car without voiding the warranty?
There is no requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve;
- Any manufacturer’s warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).
- Any state or territory based statutory warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).
- Your rights to Consumer Guarantees (formerly known as implied statutory warranties).
What steps will Saunders Automotive take to protect my warranty?
Saunders Automotive are fully qualified to carry out log book servicing, and we ensure all work is performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids and lubricants where required - meaning the manufacturer's warranty remains intact. In addition, all work carried out by Saunders Automotive is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.
Can Saunders Automotive stamp my logbook?
Saunders Automotive can and will stamp your log book to verify the work has been conducted by fully qualified staff according to manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids & lubricants.
Will having my car serviced with Saunders Automotive help maintain the value?
It goes without saying that a vehicle that has been well taken care of will maintain its value better than a poorly maintained one. Proof of a regular, properly adhered to service schedule will add further supporting evidence the car is in good condition. In addition to maintaining your warranty with correct service procedures, Saunders Automotive will stamp your logbook, which can prove invaluable should you ever decide to sell the car.
What about extended warranty or service plans?
Motor vehicle dealers sometimes offer their own extended (or express) warranties on vehicles. These extra warranties often begin after the manufacturer’s warranty and may stipulate that the vehicle must be serviced by the actual dealer offering the warranty. They are generally within their right to impose this condition, but the buyer should beware, such warranties are not always what they seem. Saunders Automotive will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.
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