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Frequently Asked Questions about Log Book servicing

To help you understand Log Book servicing and learn more about G-Spot Engineering & Mechanical in Collinsville, please read the questions and answers below:

At G-Spot Engineering & Mechanical we get asked many questions about Log Book Servicing and general automotive servicing. Learn more by reading these questions and answers. If your question doesn't appear, then please contact us.

What is a Log Book Service?

A log book service is a service that strictly follows the manufacturers guidelines at set intervals either by time eg. 6 months or kilometres eg. 10 000 km. Most manufacturers log book services, always start with a engine oil and filter change plus a standard set of checks to carry out. Then at different intervals, extra checks and tasks will be added. Examples are: diff oil replacement, brake fluid replacement, in-tank fuel pump replacement

Why do I need a log book service?

Where possible, it it is always recommended to follow the Manufacturers guide lines to servicing and maintenance of your vehicle. All vehicles differ to some degree and some vehicles require higher levels of maintenance in different areas. Engineers have spent a great deal of time and expense at working out, what is needed, and how often. If a vehicle is receiving quality services regularly from a reputable repairer, repairs and maintenance required will mostly be picked up ahead of time, so that the work can be scheduled to do at the next service interval.

What happens if I miss a Service?

With modern day vehicles, it is becoming much more detrimental to a vehicle by just missing one service. All vehicles now would be classed as relatively high performance as manufacturers strive for fuel economy, the engine capacities are being decreased and the power levels increased. In addition, they are also trying to make engines very low friction, this is being achieved by making piston rings with very little tension on them. Missing one oil change can see some engines losing compression and failing to run from piston rings being bound up with oil sludge. Engine oil starts turning to sludge at a certain point, which also starts clogging critical oil galleries, which soon leads to major failures. If a vehicle is overdue for servicing, we would always recommend doing it as soon as possible and adding a quality flushing agent to the old engine oil before dropping it. Correct servicing is much more economical than an engine rebuild.

Do you have Loan cars and how much do they cost?

We do not have any dedicated loan cars unfortunately, but can drop customers home and pick them up ( in the town area ) if this can be of assistance.

Will I lose my New Car Warranty if I don't go back to the dealer?

No.  We are part of the Repco Authorised Service Group and are fully approved to carry out new car servicing. Losing New Car Warranty is a myth spread by dealerships. The team at G-Spot Engineering & Mechanical are fully qualified to service new vehicles. We have more information on this for you in our article. Please click here.

I have lost my Log Book, do I need it?

Having the vehicle's log book is definitely always a good thing, especially when selling the vehicle so a buyer can see the service history at a glance. But this is not the end of the world. We subscribe to 2 programs where we can seek the required information for a given service interval for basically all makes and models. Also our invoicing is very comprehensive, where we list all jobs separately with parts attached to each job. Our invoices will satisfy the most fussiest buyer when wanting service history. Our operating program also offers easy retrieval of information if a customer ever needs an invoice copy or a history report etc.

Do you provide Digital reports for the work you have done? or a digital report of what's wrong with my car?

We will happily email our invoice to the customer at their request. Our invoices are very detailed in showing all work done and parts used. Also we do list any relevant information in the "Vehicle Report" section of any repairs coming up or needed immediately.

How long will the service take?

Services can range anywhere from 1.5 hours to 5-6 hours depending on the vehicle and kilometre interval. We will always notify a customer prior to the service, of what time the vehicle will be required for as a minimum and will normally have supplied the customer an estimate of all work agreed upon to do. We normally arrange the customer to drop the vehicle at 8.00am of the agreed day and call them either when work is complete or if defects have been found and direction is needed from the customer.

How much will my service cost?

We prefer to find out as much information from the customer as possible to identify what they would like done to their vehicle and then provide an estimate. When the work is agreed upon, they are then booked in. If extra defects / repairs are found during the service, the customer is always contacted to see if they would like any of the extra's done ( if parts and time allow). If the customer does want some of the extra's done, we would update the estimate and either give a verbal price or email an updated estimate to them for approval. No extra work is done without approval. If a customer cannot be contacted, only the agreed upon work is done and the vehicle would have to be rebooked.

How can I pay for my Service?

We accept, cash, bank transfer, credit card and eftpos. Also, we can run monthly accounts to approved customers who fulfil our application criteria.

When are you Open?

Our Collinsville workshop is open from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 2.00pm Friday. We do work back when the need arises. We are closed on weekends.

What is the earliest time I can bring my car in?

Vehicles can be dropped off in front of our office at anytime and locked up and the keys dropped in the key box in front wall to the right of our entrance door. Also you can arrange to bring in your vehicle the day or days before if required and we will keep vehicle in our fenced premises.

Can I drop off my car after hours?

Vehicles can be dropped off in front of our office at anytime and locked up and the keys dropped in the key box in front wall to the right of our entrance door.

Is there a secure key drop off box after hours?

We have a drop box in front wall of our building to the right of our entrance door.

Can I collect my car after hours?

If the Service/Repair Invoice is paid prior to Close of Business or you are an approved account holder, with consultation we try to meet most customers needs in this area.

Can you pick up my car from home?

We do this if required, within the town limits.

Can you drop me home when I deliver my car for servicing or repair?

We do this if required, within the town limits.

What happens if something is not right after my car service?

We would hope that our customers notify us immediately, so that in this unlikely event, we can arrange to check the customers concern without delay. If any repair or rework was deemed necessary, it would be attempted to be carried out as soon as humanly possible, while also trying to fit in with the customers needs. If problem was deemed to be from faulty workmanship, it would be rectified at our expense. We take great pride in our work. And you have the added assurance of our REPCO Nationwide Warranty if you find yourself out of town.

Will you give me reminders when my next sercive is due?

This can be done at the customers request but could only be done on a time basis and not a kilometre base.

Can my car be serviced at the same time it is repaired?

Yes, we do carry out servicing at the same time as many major repairs. In this case, we would have provided an estimate for all work requested and allotted the correct amount of technicians time to the job. We do on many occasions, have 2 technicians allocated to one vehicle, if the customer can only leave the vehicle with us for a specified time. When necessary we will plan and request to have the vehicle overnight or longer for some jobs that may require this. This is always done with prior consultation with the customer.

How do I book in a Service?

Bookings can be completed Online 24/7 on our Repco website and one of our friendly staff will call to discus your needs further. Then we can supply an estimate first to ensure the customer is happy to proceed with pricing and then a booking is made.

Alternatively, a customer can come into the workshop in person and discuss their needs. This is our preferred option, as quite often more information is revealed to us about particular concerns that you may have with your vehicle. Or call us during office hours on our landline 07 47856800.

How often should I really service my car?

We believe the most reliable scheduling option for servicing that many manufactures use, is the 10,000 kms or 6 months ( whichever comes first ). If it is a vehicle that does not do many kilometres, upon discussion with the owner, we may suggest to service the vehicle on a yearly basis regardless of how few kilometres it may have done.

The specified ingredients in engine oil begin to break down from the first time it travels around inside the engine picking up carbon deposits etc. This is why there is a 'time' basis on services. We are always happy to discus a customers requirements and the elements their vehicle or vehicles work in to help work out a servicing regime that can be tailored specifically to suit their needs.

I don't drive much, do I still need a service?

Yes. We would still recommend having at minimum a yearly service regardless of how few a kilometres the vehicle has done. The ingredients in engine oil specified by manufacturers, begin to break down from the first instance it travels around inside the engine, picking up carbon deposits etc. This is why there is a timeframe on services.

Can you fix other things while my car is being serviced?

Yes, G-Spot Engineering & Mechanical can carry out other repairs when a vehicle is being serviced. This can only be done if parts and technicians time is available and most importantly that the customer is available by phone or email to grant permission for any extra's. Or sometimes if a customer knows they will not be contactable during the service, they may chose to give a dollar amount of any minor repairs that may be done on the day.

Can you wash my car?

Yes, we can wash vehicles. We do advise all customers that any vehicle's undercarriage must be at a certain state of cleanliness before we will put it on a hoist to service it. A vehicle can not be properly checked over if area's are hidden by mud, dirt or coal etc. If a vehicle is presented too dirty to work on, we seek permission for cleaning before starting work on the vehicle. If a customer requests any sort of additional cleaning or detailing, we will discuss their needs and provide an estimate.

What type of oils and parts do you use?

We mostly use Penrite oils, sometimes genuine is the only option. With parts we discuss this with each customer as to what they prefer ie genuine or non genuine. If Non genuine, where possible we use Repco as a first preference and then other reputable suppliers. We only use parts that we would be happy to use in our own vehicles.

Do you check my brakes during a service?

Yes we check brakes during a service plus all major and minor components of the vehicle. We actually push calliper pistons back in to confirm that callipers don't have any pistons starting to seize. After every service we perform, we list any potential problems in the vehicle report section of the invoice.

Why are some service items charged as an extra eg. hand brake adjustment, drive belt adjustment?

In many log book services there are numerous checks asked for. The service time given is for carrying out the check only. If adjustment or repair is required, permission is sought and then if granted the work is carried out and charged for accordingly.

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