How well do we understand service plans?

We recently came across a survey by MotorHappy that deals with the average motorists understanding of vehicle service plans and maintenance/motor-plans, it got us thinking, why are we so oblivious to this information? We have all heard that our car comes with a service plan, with the option of upgrading to a maintenance plan. Some premium manufacturers provide maintenance or motor-plans/freeway plans, as they call it. But do we really understand this?

The survey found that 85% of South African motorists rate their overall detailed understanding of their motoring plans as a two out of 10 – where one is defined as no understanding and 10 as highly detailed understanding. While 38% do not even know which plan they have, 50% do not know or are unsure of what their plan includes. Around 900 South African motorists from across the country completed the survey. The sample audience included both men and women from 20 years old to over the age of 60.

An average of 85% rated their detailed understanding a two out of 10, add to this the 4% who rated their knowledge a one out of 10 – nearly 90% of respondents are aware that they are not informed when it comes to motor financial services products like service plans, maintenance plans and warranties. The survey also noted that 45% of female respondents and 36% of male respondents are unsure of which product they currently have. Some 62% of all respondents also either don’t know or are unsure of the start and end dates of their plan, those over 60 years old scored highest in this regard with 49% stating that they are aware of their plan timeframe.

So, what is the difference between a service/maintenance/Motorplan and what does that pesky period that states years and mileage mean?

• The most basic plan is a service plan, if your vehicle comes with that it means that it means that the manufacturer will service the car at scheduled intervals, usually a kilometre or time-based interval. With the service plan, the consumables such as engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid, coolant, filters (oil, pollen, air) spark plugs and cam belt are covered.
• A maintenance plan is more comprehensive and covers the same as above but adds wear and tear items such as brake pads/discs, clutches and fuses but excludes tyres.

Most manufacturers also include a warranty which covers many mechanical and electrical items in the vehicle should something go wrong. The warranty normally comes with terms and conditions to protect the manufacturer and the owner. Therefore driver abuse and vehicle modifications usually mean that a warranty claim could be rejected.