Checking your service...

Generally, people take it for granted that if your car goes into a smart dealership, or even independents that your car is serviced fully to the schedule listed with the car.
Typically it is expected to use smart OEM or approved replacement products during any service, e.g. air filter, oil filter, spark plugs etc, but this is not always the case.

We worked on a 599cc car that only 5 months previous had had a 'c' service from a reputable independent, where it has been serviced all of its life.

The air filter from the left is from this serviced car, the one on the right is from a roadster which had covered over 4000 miles when it was removed.



If you look closely at the filter, you will also notice that the replacement filter is not the usual Mann filter, it is made by a company called FRAM who generally supply cheaper more mainstream brands.
The OEM filter is made by 'MANN' and should be part number Q0009997V001.

One of the main points of a 'c' service is for general replacement of the spark plugs.
We only checked these out of curiosity but were physically shocked at what we saw:



The car experienced problems of intermittent power loss, particularly from low revs or when calling for power.
We changed these for some new plugs, NGK BKR6EKE and the difference was immediately notable.

We also found the oil level low, and screenwash empty (we were told this wasn't used!).

By no means are we suggesting to stop taking your car to these places, but just a note to be a bit vigilant when getting your car serviced.