My car is the second biggest purchase of my life.
I want it properly looked after.
One aspect of this is that it must have VAG oil 506.01.
Since the car and the oil and the resetting of the computer are so important to me why should I just hand my car over and hope everything is done correctly?
I plan to insist on watching as it is serviced.
Anyone see any problems with this?
Afterall we are no longer in the days of old when any old grease monkey could stick any old oil in and it had no consequences are we?
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I'd just like to watch out of interest.
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I was once politely asked to move some distance away from a mechanic while he was working on my car - the excuse being that it 'put him off'. I suppose it's not particularly pleasant having someone watch your every move, but considering it's your (expensive) property I don't think it's unreasonable, provided you don't interfere or breach health and safety by getting into dangerous areas.
Is this any different from watching someone who has come to your house to do a job (plumber eg)?
In my experience, truly skilled people quite like the chance to demonstrate their expertise. They are usually enthusiasts who want you to share in what they are doing and welcome intelligent questions.
I always try to avoid offering suggestions to garages (same with my GP!) I show respect for their (alleged)professionalism. Nevetheless, there are times when I know full well they don't know what they are talking about and that's when I start to grudge paying exorbitant fees.
In a previous post I recalled an argument with a brake fitter of the rapid variety. He swore blind my Xantia had ABS (It didn't) and he 'wasn't qualified to work on it. I would have settled for him being qualified to know the difference!
Then there have been the countless occasions when I've stood over tyre fitters and gently asked them to start the engine before letting down the trolley jack (Cits without retaining spheres sink and the sills come down on the jack to leave'interesting' indentations!)
Graeme
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>>Is this any different from watching someone who has come to your house to do a job (plumber eg)?
Yes it is.Garage insurance covers accidental damage to car fitter/Equipment..Not general public who insist on watching the job..At the end of the day.If you dont trust them. Take elsewhere..Also if a member of the public slips over/trips the garage is in danger of being sued..A plumber/sparky/builder has his own or company insurance.I forget the amount covered..but they are covered for accidents in your house.If not they should be
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Steve
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Health and safety regs may prevent this.You could ask.But dont be surprised if you are told "we are not insured" And H&S wont approve??
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Steve
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If you are having an MOT done you are allowed to watch that being performed and most workshops have a place for you to sit in and watch it through a window but you are not allowed actually in the workshop.
It is highly unlikely the dealer will let you into his workshop due to health & safety and insurance reasons so the nearest you may get is watching through the MOT window.
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If you are having an MOT done you are allowed to watch that being performed and most workshops have a place for you to sit in and watch it through a window but you are not allowed actually in the workshop.
The MoT place I go to will invite you, if you wish,into the pit to explain any problem or even potential problem they find.
I guess there is a insurance risk in doing this but I really appreciated the information. Now the family have newer cars I guess I will stay up top in future.
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My MOT place also lets you under the vehicle to have a look round if they're not too busy. They also allow you to sit in the car and turn the wheel, honk the horn, wash the windows etc.
Quite a number of dealers now have viewing windows from the waiting room where you can watch your car being serviced.
Martin
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i think this is another product of the englih company car culture
in the US, Auz, NZ its much more common for owners to sit and watch, mainly behind a big glass screen granted with a coffee
i think as company cars get taxed ever more and more people just take the cash things like this will suffer pressure from owners wanting to watch
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It is highly unlikely the dealer will let you into his workshop due to health & safety and insurance reasons so the nearest you may get is watching through the MOT window.
The other problem you may have is tying the dealer down to an actual time when the service will be carried out.
Garages often work on several cars at once; so you could be there all day waiting for yours to be fully completed.
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Hmmmm, let's see.
You are in flagrante with the significant other in your boudoir. One of the sprogs (or maybe even two or three) comes in and asks if he/she can watch to see how it was done and how they came to be on this good planet. Get the drift? Not sure how anyone would take to having themselves being watched at work, whether it be painter/decorator, mechanic, glazier, etc.
I just think....how would I feel?
Don't be too harsh on the mechanic, he may feel uncomfortable picking his nose, belching or even worse in your company.
:0)
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OK - the next BR outing is to Official Porsche Centre Reading.
There, they have a snazzy glass box in a corner of the showroom, fully fitted out with a lift etc. I haven't seen it happen, but I assume servicing work is therefore done in full view of the proud owner.
I'm sure NW will be the first to bid for a ticket ... after all, she does love the cars so... ;-)
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Just imagine if there really was a BR meet and only NW, Patently and me turned up....
That would be fun - think of the conversations we could have ;-)
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Adam
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Actually, now I think about it I'll be at OPC Swindon next month for much of the morning. If anyone fancies joining me for lunch, email me and I'll let you know dates/times etc if I get round to it. Address is in the profile.
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Just imagine if there really was a BR meet and only NW, Patently and me turned up....
Oh no! I'd have to choose between getting a lift in a Porch or in a Focus-with-a-lean-to-shed.
Actually, thinking about it ... Adam, did I ever mention that I think the Focus saloon is a masterpiece of design? ;-)
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Know what you meen about watching?If you go on any VAG forums you very often see people posting about the dealers putting in the wrong type of oil!! especially on the later cars that use 505.01,506.01.
VW say this type of oil should be used and the dealers dont seem to be getting it right?When its time for my first service im going to ask them if i can take in my own oil to be used and see what they say!!!
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