(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Public opinion on the streets of Muscat.
Do you get your car serviced every 3/6 months or do you wait till you cross the 5,000/10,000km mark?
Jayashree P, Homemaker
I usually get my car serviced as and when it is due, though I don't feel it is necessary. I have taken this up with my car dealer many times. Yes I drive, but not so much that the car has to be serviced every three or six months. At times I drive for six months and then just cover 2,000km or so. So where is the need? Servicing time should undoubtedly be made flexible.
Ranadeep Roy, Private sector employee
I am quite regular when it comes to car servicing. At times I skip too. I have realised that it does not matter much as long as the vital indicators of the car are okay. But yes, even when I do not get my car serviced, I ensure that the tyre pressure is maintained at all times, especially during summer months.
Vijaylakshmi Raj, Teacher
I have been driving my car for almost 15 years now. Initially I was not regular with getting it serviced and was told by the dealer that warranty on certain parts and repairing depends on the regularity of servicing. Once the warranty period got over, I hardly bother now and get it done as and when the need arises. If my car is parked at home for two months (which happened once as I had a surgery), then why would I take it for servicing even if the date is due?
Judy Ruth, Private sector employee
I do not take any chances as I do not know much about the technical aspects of a car. Just to be on the safe side, I do get it serviced every three months (I do not drive 5,000km in that time span). But logically, I don't think there is any need.
Jossy George, Businessman
I drive a car that my company has provided. So the servicing part is being taken care by them and I do not have to worry. It is serviced roughly when it's due. At times it is serviced after a month of due date, which I guess is fine. If a car doesn't run much, then why spend extra bucks to get it serviced?
Is it alright to get car servicing done at roadside garages instead of the authorised centres just to save some money? Have you ever done that?
Amaal al Lawati, Private sector employee
I prefer to get my car serviced at an authorised service centre. It's my car and I will not leave it in the hands of any unqualified person.
Anees al Maimani, Private sector employee
No, it's better to get the service done at the company service centre. Roadside garages cut corners by usingduplicate parts and low-grade lubricants. Most of the workers there are not qualified either. It's a risk not worth taking.
Jamal Chowdhury, Manager
I have never ever taken my car for servicing at a roadside garage. However, I have some friends who have done so to save money. Authorised service centres are any day better as your car will always be in good hands.
Shakir Jamal, Student
I know people who visit these service centres. Some of them have really good mechanics and charge far less than the authorised centres. Personally speaking I will not risk my expensive car at any such service centre.
Abhishek Raj, Sales executive
At times the authorised service centres charge too much and take days to fix a small problem. My car is my lifeline. I am always on the move. In such a situation I visit any roadside garage to fix a problem. But, if it's a major one I prefer visiting an authorised service centre.
Do you know how to use the fire extinguisher in cars? Have you ever been in a situation when it had to be used and what did you do?
Nishan Nonda, Project engineer
When I bought a new car a few years ago, the auto dealer briefed me on how to use it in case of fire. I hope I never have to use it.
Bharath Rai, Proposal engineer
We have these fire drill sessions in our office from time to time. We have been taught how to use a fire extinguisher. We have been even told to call 9999 in case of fire. This applies to car fires too.
Haresh Kumar Pattanayak, Senior sales executive
If ever my car catches fire, the first task will be to evacuate my family members. After that I will call the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) helpline. I will try to extinguish if it's a small fire. If I see that it's beyond control, I will stand at a safe distance and wait for PACDA personnel to arrive.
Swarupa P, Homemaker
Yes, I know how to use it. The key to prevent car fire is regular servicing of your vehicle. You must also ensure that only genuine parts are used during repairs.
Praveen Phillip George, Senior planning engineer
Most car fires take place during summers. The key is maintenance at regular intervals. Fire extinguishers can put out only small fires. If you find that it's becoming uncontrollable, it's better to call PACDA for help.
How often do you change your car tyres?
Ridhi Asher, Sales and marketing executive
As I regularly service my car, I let the service consultant rotate the tyres or change them as needed. I am constantly reminded of the importance of good tyres, so I don't cut corners when it comes to that.
Mohana Shah, Student
I don't drive much, so my tyres look new. But I have been told that in such cases, we should go by the date on the tyre and change them after a couple of years, as they might look new on the inside but may have structural damages.
Bilal Othman, Training manager
I go according to the manufacturer's recommendations. I do visual checks, and I rely on the tyre pressure monitors to notify me of any changes in pressure.
Hussain al Yasiri, Consultant
I mainly drive in the city at slow speeds. I don't change my tyres as often as I should, because I believe manufacturers err on the side of caution when they recommend a mileage or date for changing them.
Dr Thashli Thankachen, Physician
Since I don't drive a lot and don't drive recklessly, the treads on my tyres are intact. But because of the extreme heat, I change all tyres just before summer every year. I also check pressures every fortnight.
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