Article
Nationwide Warranty
Enjoy peace of mind with the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Quality parts and labour covered at over 500 locations across Australia.
Read moreNew Car Service in Mildura
When it comes to protecting your new vehicle warranty, you have more choice than many drivers realise.
Phil Smith Automotive provides professional new car servicing in Mildura, helping vehicle owners maintain their manufacturer’s warranty while receiving quality workmanship, personalised service and competitive pricing.
Under Australian Consumer Law, you are not required to return your vehicle to the dealership for servicing simply to keep your statutory warranty intact. Your vehicle can be serviced by a qualified independent workshop like Phil Smith Automotive, provided the work is completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications using quality parts, approved fluids and correct service procedures. This gives new car owners the flexibility to choose a trusted local mechanic without compromising warranty protection.
At Phil Smith Automotive, every vehicle is serviced by qualified technicians with access to up-to-date technical information, diagnostic equipment and ongoing industry training.
As a Repco Authorised Service workshop, the team follows manufacturer servicing schedules carefully and uses quality Repco parts and lubricants that meet or exceed original equipment specifications. This ensures your vehicle receives the care it needs while maintaining warranty compliance and long-term reliability.
Choosing a local independent workshop can also provide advantages that many dealerships cannot always offer. Customers often enjoy more personalised service, faster booking availability, clearer communication and the convenience of dealing with a trusted workshop close to home. Whether you drive a passenger car, SUV, 4WD, Ute or hybrid vehicle, Phil Smith Automotive can provide logbook servicing tailored to your vehicle’s requirements.
If you are buying a new car, it is also important to understand the differences between statutory warranties, manufacturer warranties and extended warranties. Your statutory rights under Australian Consumer Law apply automatically and cannot be removed or replaced by dealership agreements or optional warranty packages. Some extended or express warranties may include servicing restrictions, exclusions or conditions that offer limited additional value beyond your existing consumer protections.
Many new vehicle buyers are encouraged to purchase extended warranties or dealership servicing packages without fully understanding the long-term conditions involved. In some cases, these agreements may lock customers into dealership servicing arrangements, potentially resulting in higher costs, reduced flexibility or inconvenience due to limited booking availability or travel distances.
Before committing to any servicing agreement, it is worth reviewing the terms carefully and understanding your rights as a consumer. A trusted independent workshop like Phil Smith Automotive can help explain your servicing options and ensure your vehicle continues to receive professional care that protects both performance and warranty coverage.
Whether you already own a new vehicle or are considering purchasing one soon, Phil Smith Automotive offers reliable new car servicing in Mildura backed by qualified technicians, quality parts and honest advice. Booking regular servicing early helps maintain vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, resale value and manufacturer compliance throughout the life of your vehicle.
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 Phil Smith 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 Phil Smith Automotive take to protect my warranty?
Phil Smith 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 Phil Smith Automotive is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.
Can Phil Smith Automotive stamp my logbook?
Phil Smith 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 Phil Smith 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, Phil Smith 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. Phil Smith Automotive will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.
Related articles
Article
European and Luxury car service
Phil Smith Automotive have the knowledge and expertise to perform service, repairs and diagnostics on all European and Luxury vehicles...
Read more
Article
Car service in Mildura
As your local Mechanic in Mildura, Phil Smith Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.
Read more