Yes, you can
One thing that has really worried me recently is the build-up of ‘out of service’ cars in Victoria’s vehicle fleet.
VACC research reveals that, when factoring in motorcycles and trucks, half a million vehicles could have missed their regular service ‘window’ by December – if Melbourne restrictions had not been eased.
One of the hidden problems here is that many vehicle defects are not easily seen by their owners – even by enthusiastic DIY types. Worn brake pads, inoperable handbrakes, and non-functioning taillights are defects usually only discovered when a vehicle is inspected on a hoist at a professional service centre. Other issues require a scan tool to be inserted into a vehicle’s OBD port and analysed.
Whether manufacturers would void new-car warranties is uncertain and is another concern at a time when people don’t need extra problems.
The good news, however, is that all Victorians – including those in Stage 4 lockdown postcodes in metropolitan Melbourne – can now have scheduled (logbook) servicing conducted on their vehicles.
Of course, motorists still need to adhere to the government mandated 5km radius rule, unless there are no appropriate service centres within that area, or if they require a branded or specialist service.
Automotive businesses need to adhere to all government safety advice pertaining to social distancing and face coverings, and should offer contactless interactions, click and collect, and tap and go payment methods where possible.
This is certainly good news for motorists and for industry. But please be safe at all times.
Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun 25 September 2020.
Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au