Dealers ‘don’t know what they’re doing’ when it comes to diesel

Motorists are being urged to go to a specialist to resolve diesel problems

Dealers ‘don’t know what they’re doing’ when it comes to diesel
The cost of diesel maintenance has rocketed in recent years and owners are being encourage to save time and money by using independent specialists.

Halifax-based, Feather Diesel Services has won plaudits from customers for both service and price, and experts are encouraging diesel owners to get a quote from such specialists rather than going to the main dealer.

Diesel engines of past traditionally have a reputation for dependability, compromised only by a lack of speed.

However, with modern high pressure engine systems, dual mass flywheels and DPFs, the cost of maintenance, diagnostics and repair have made they much more expensive to fix.

The real problems tend to begin if servicing is not carried out exactly as specified, with the correct grade of oil, for example.

The general advice is to buy a diesel that has been well serviced, as VMs rarely help once the vehicle is outside of the warranty period.

Writing in the Guardian, consumer journalist Mile Brignall said: “One of the problems is that diesel cars are now so sophisticated that many dealer mechanics don’t know what they are doing.

“If you have been quoted an astronomical figure by the dealer to resolve a problem, try a specialist instead.”

Correct diagnosis

Feather Diesel managing director, Steve Smith told GW that it makes business sense to get the vehicle correctly diagnosed as soon as possible.

He said: “We tend to find that those who haven’t got the right equipment and try to do the job, often do so incorrectly or create other issues with the vehicle,” Smith explains.

“It could be that we see vehicles that have been to two or three other workshops before they come to us and often they have fairly simple problems.

“The perception with any diesel specialist is that we’re expensive but we’ve got a lot of test gear, equipment and software here.

“The key issue is arriving at the right diagnosis on the vehicle before repairing the pumps and injectors.”

Click ‘more details’ below for more information about Feather Diesel Services and leave your thoughts on diesel maintenance in the comments below.

2 Comments

  1. I fully agree with Steve Smith of Feather diesel and his thoughts of people’s perceptions of diesel specialists being expensive. Having served an apprenticeship as a Fuel Injection engineer, been in the trade over 52 years and been Trading as Diplock Fuel Injection Services in Hailshan East Sussex Since 1985 now over 31 Years, have seen the full progression of the Diesel engine and its fuel system. We find a high percentage of our work comes from other garages and main dealers with items replaced due to incorrect diagnosis and faults introduced complicating the situation. If only people would leave things alone and leave it to the specialist.

    Reply
  2. I fully agree with Steve Smith of Feather diesel and his thoughts of people’s perceptions of diesel specialists being expensive. Having served an apprenticeship as a Fuel Injection engineer, been in the trade over 52 years and been Trading as Diplock Fuel Injection Services in Hailshan East Sussex Since 1985 now over 31 Years, have seen the full progression of the Diesel engine and its fuel system. We find a high percentage of our work comes from other garages and main dealers with items replaced due to incorrect diagnosis and faults introduced complicating the situation. If only people would leave things alone and leave it to the specialist.

    Reply

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