Service - Declare accident?

Overlag · 2 Jul 2007 at 12:18

Ive just booked my car into its 4 year service for this friday, however im wondering if i should declare a minor accident i had. I had a "arguement" with a kurb at 40mph, damaging both front wheels soon after i brought the car (first car, newbie mistake). While me and my dad checked for damage on suspension struts, steering, springs, dampers, bearings etc im not sure if i should tell them about it at fords...

... im unsure because im wondering if they will go "ooooooh look the whole front suspension needs replacing, that will be 1k" if i tell them. Am i right to think that??? If they find damage without me telling them, id at least know they telling the truth.

also, my airfilter has been replaced with a better aftermarket panel filter so is good as new, i got to tell them not to remove it, but can i trust them on that? or should i take it out and put old one back in to be on the safe side?

Confused · 2 Jul 2007 at 12:23

WRT the filter - mark it in a unique way, tell them not to change it, and ensure when you drop it off it's marked on the service sheet, check it as soon as they hand the keys back to you - if it's not yours, kick up a fuss.

Jez · 2 Jul 2007 at 12:27

Forget the accident, if anything is noticably wrong they will spot it anyway.

Air filter wise, id take it out, but then i dont trust garages to listen to anything they are told.

Overlag · 2 Jul 2007 at 12:28

ConfusedTA said:
WRT the filter - mark it in a unique way, tell them not to change it, and ensure when you drop it off it's marked on the service sheet, check it as soon as they hand the keys back to you - if it's not yours, kick up a fuss.

its inside a airbox that you need tools to get into, its not an induction kit type of filter. just a standard K&N. as you say, ill make SURE they know not to change it on the day, writing down stuff now that needs lookin at or not changing.

Jez said:
Forget the accident, if anything is noticably wrong they will spot it anyway.

Air filter wise, id take it out, but then i dont trust garages to listen to anything they are told.

yeah im leaning on the "forget the accident" way at the mo, I would have noticed anything for sure by now, only thing i got is a vibration from shoddy balancing... gotta take wheels to be rebalanced for sure.

[TW]Fox · 2 Jul 2007 at 13:07

Mate, its going in for a service not a strip down inspection. They'll change the oil, change the filters, try and stiff you for new disks and pads, charge you £200 and stamp your book. Thats it.

blueboy2001 · 2 Jul 2007 at 13:25

All Ford service schedules include a visual inspection for wear, play and damage to the suspension and steering components so if there is any significant damage they should spot it.

I'd swap the airfilter too - takes seconds and saves a headache. Problem with main dealers is you rarely speak to the person doing the work, so you're relying on the scatty bird on the service desk who takes your keys to pass the information on which is always a gamble. Most recent Fords only have an airfilter change every 37.5k/3 yrs, so it may not be done this time anyway.

They may offer a brake fluid change which should be done every 2yrs, particularly if you have ABS, but thats optional and up to you. Think I was charged about £30+VAT at the dealers last time I had one done on a Mondeo.

Overlag · 2 Jul 2007 at 13:30

[TW]Fox said:
Mate, its going in for a service not a strip down inspection. They'll change the oil, change the filters, try and stiff you for new disks and pads, charge you £200 and stamp your book. Thats it.

i need new pads

Meridian · 2 Jul 2007 at 16:02

BTW, if you kerbed it hard, I seriously suggest that you get the geometry checked - kerbing can send the tracking right out.

M

Nazbit · 2 Jul 2007 at 17:54

Dont tell them about the accident.

I did a similar thing and went over an island in a car park with 2 wheels at about 25mph the day before it was due in for a service, I didnt tell them and they found a cracked suspension bush which cost nothing, maybe related maybe not.

If there is a problem then they will find it, the last thing you want is for them to charge you for something you dont need - and some dealers will.

As for the filter, if you have the old one, then its probably best to just put it back in for the sake of the service. Even if its written down by the person on the desk there is no gaurantee that it will reach the mechanic or that he will read it.

Overlag · 2 Jul 2007 at 20:54

Meridian said:
BTW, if you kerbed it hard, I seriously suggest that you get the geometry checked - kerbing can send the tracking right out.

M

tracking was fine, and its been a year now since the accident and the tire wear is perfect on all corners so that rules out geometry?

Matt82 · 2 Jul 2007 at 23:02

[TW]Fox said:
Mate, its going in for a service not a strip down inspection. They'll change the oil, change the filters, try and stiff you for new disks and pads, charge you £200 and stamp your book. Thats it.

theyll do as much as that? lol

the number of times you hear "XYZ has gone wrong with my car, i dont know why because it only went in for a sevice X months ago"... they may as well do it blind folded for the amount of care theyll take

BigglesPiP · 3 Jul 2007 at 02:37

Overlag said:
tracking was fine, and its been a year now since the accident and the tire wear is perfect on all corners so that rules out geometry?

Generally, yes.

It might be worth mentioning that you "think the steering is a bit odd" when you take it in, then they will possibly take a proper look at the joints and tracking.