- What are your hours?
- Our hours are
- Monday – Thursday 6am – 430pm
- Friday 6am – 4pm
- Will I void my new car warranty if I don’t go back to my Dealer?
- No definitely Not. At Sportivo Automotive we will sign and stamp your logbook as evidence that you have completed the scheduled maintenance. We will only use parts that will meet or exceed the manufacturers standards.
- Do I have to take my new car to the dealer for service?
- Absolutely not! There are many laws specifically prohibiting automobile dealers from suggesting or implying that you must return to them for service in order keep your manufacturer warranty. Any qualified independent repair facility like Sportivo Automotives can maintain your new vehicle, and your warranty will remain valid. If we spot any problems that should be covered under your manufacturer warranty, then we will let you know so you can return to your dealer for warranty repairs.
- Please have realistic expectations…
- Diagnosing a car’s faults is not always straightforward. Sometimes there are other problems needing repair that weren’t included in the initial estimate. General service may not be enough to keep an older vehicle in good condition. Expect your repair costs to increase with the age of your vehicle. Difficulty in obtaining parts may cause delays.
- What does the ‘Check Engine’ light mean?
- The check engine light or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) means that the vehicle computer detects a system not functioning within it’s pre-programmed parameters. Many things can trigger the check engine light: A loose fuel cap (computer sees a pressure loss in the fuel system), a vacuum leak, a bad fuel pump, a bad spark plug, a plugged fuel filter, a broken, pinched or disconnected wire, a lazy oxygen sensor, or a malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor.Don’t worry! What were the driving conditions and circumstances when the light first came on? Did it come on shortly after you filled the fuel tank? Did it come on after an extended drive in summer heat? These clues can help the technician find the problem quicker saving you some money. If the MIL is flashing, you need to get to your repair facility ASAP! This indicates that your vehicle’s emission control system could soon be damaged.When the check engine light comes on, call us and we will make an appointment to have your vehicle tested. We will scan the computer for codes that help him find the malfunctioning system and begin the repair process.
- What should I know about the parts to be repaired or replaced?
- New Parts – These parts are made to the original specifications, either by the manufacturer or an independent company. Prices and quality of these parts vary.
- Re-manufactured, Rebuilt and Reconditioned Parts – These terms generally mean the same thing: parts have been restored to a sound working condition. Many manufacturers offer a warranty covering replacement parts, but not the labor to install them or the towing costs.
- Used Parts – These are used parts taken from another vehicle without alteration. Used parts may be the only source for certain items, though their reliability is seldom guaranteed.
- What are the consequences of postponing maintenance?
- Most parts on your vehicle are interrelated. Ignoring or neglecting even simple routine maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, or costly breakdowns. It also may invalidate your warranty.
- What maintenance guidelines should I follow to avoid costly repairs?
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual for your type of driving.
- How do I know if I need a wheel alignment?
- You should have the alignment checked if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Excessive or uneven tyre wear (provided the tyres have been inflated at the proper air pressure)
- Steering wheel pulls to the left or right (again, first check air pressure in each tyre)
- Steering feels loose or the car wanders on the road
- If the steering wheel is not centered
- If you feel any shaking, vibration, or shimmy when driving
- How often should the engine antifreeze/coolant be flushed?
- Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations as outlined in the owner’s manual. Typically, the cooling system should be flushed out at least once every two years or 60,000 kilometres. A flush should never be done as a repair for an overheating problem. A coolant flush after the repair is recommended to clean the entire system and replace it with the correct original coolant.
Please call us at Sportivo Automotive your Mechanic at Virginia today on 07 3216 2319.
