09/11/2019
A FULL SERVICE vs A FOOL'S SERVICE
After many years of having our service prices unfavourably compared to other "full service" prices advertised on buses and buildings and 'at my old garage' etc, we were finally presented with the receipt of a "full service" carried out by Atlas Auto on a 2010 Renault Fluence 1.5dci to compare to our quote which was €280 including VAT. You will notice from the photo that if you remove the cost of the tyre, Atlas only charged €158 incl VAT for the "full service"
You will also notice that the pollen filter and fuel filter were not replaced (as per Autodata, Renault service sheet stipulates that pollen filter is to be changed every year and fuel filter every 2yrs/40000km)
Both were due at this service. Any mechanic that carries out genuine full services will know that purchasing the fuel filter (large one in the RHS front wing) purchasing the pollen filter, replacing these filters, especially if the pollen filter replacement requires the removal of the clutch pedal to gain access, will easily make up the additional €120. The customer says he was not made aware of these items or offered the option to replace them even though they were both due a replacement. When contacted by phone, the manager on duty made it clear to me that "our full services don't include fuel filter or pollen filter replacement." What is a FULL SERVICE if it doesn't include 2 of the 4 main filter replacements on a car. It's a FOOL'S SERVICE. When querying the price of a service on your car, first state the age and mileage of your car then ask the garage representative what service is due and what parts are being replaced. This will give you an understanding of what you are getting for your money and what you are not getting for your money.
