You are not obliged (since October 2003) to get the car serviced by a franchise dealer during the warranty period.

You must though get it serviced according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule and criteria using only manufacturer approved parts.

The legislation only applies to the part of the warranty offered by the manufacturer, i.e. insurance-backed extended warranties offered by dealers are not covered and may stipulate different conditions.

If you do get the car serviced outside the dealer network, you must make sure it's done to the maker's recommended schedule and criteria using approved parts. You must also keep records so you can demonstrate to the manufacturer that servicing was undertaken to their requirements.

 

There's not a standard change interval for cambelts.

• Depending on the model and the manufacturer, the recommended interval can be anywhere between 30,000 miles and 100,000 miles. There will often be a time-based interval specified too e.g. 60,000 miles or five years, whichever is the sooner.

• Sometimes the manufacturer will revise the recommended interval during the life of the vehicle so it's best to check with a franchise dealer as they will have the most up-to-date information. They will need to know the make, model, engine number and model year.

• In most cases cambelt failure results in serious damage to many other components in the engine - a major rebuild or even replacement engine will be required!

It does no harm to renew the belt early. If you buy a used car it's wise to get the belt renewed if you are in any doubt that it has been renewed at the appropriate time.

Vehicles are complex with multiple sensors and electronic control units to keep exhaust emissions to a minimum, improve stability/braking and to operate safety systems.

• Technicians at franchised garages need to be highly trained and must attend many manufacturers' training courses. Not only are the courses expensive, but the technicians demand salaries to match their skills.

• Garage hourly rates vary by location, the nature of the facilities and whether or not they hold a manufacturer franchise.

• Independent garages are not under the same pressure from vehicle manufacturers to maintain prestigious premises with lots of customer facilities and may be able to charge less than half the labour rate of their franchised counterparts.

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