January 2020 - First Service
Started procuring part for service, though the previous FNG did oil change sometime back, wasn't sure of the grade or brand, so was uneasy for me.
Got Sofima aka UFI sub-brand from Govind, they are boosting this brand very much.
Oil Filter - UFI Sofima S5061PE2 - ₹ 446.22 (MRP ₹ 456.00)
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Shell Helix HX8 5W30 x 3.5 L - ₹ 2,100.00 (MRP ₹ 2,975.00)
Fully synthetic, compatible with both petrol and diesel engines. Meets ACEA A3/B4. Highly recommended by
@Auto_Psycho. Got it from S&A Lubricants at Kazhakuttom, who sells at Amazon-ish prices.
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Fuel Filter, unfortunately,
THE WRONG ONE. Fuel filter per the previous moron mechanic was changed less than 5k km back, but after seeing the air filter, no way taking the risk and decided to change the fuel filter. Spotted original GM fuel filter at Mahindra Automart locally, but priced at ₹ 1,200 range and really really old stock with no packing, which disintegrated over time. Checked at Manikantan and they had surprisingly Wix aka Mann and Hummel filters, which was the OE for Beat and price was even mouthwatering, at just 1/3rd of the OE filter, ₹ 370.00 (MRP ₹ 414.00). Made in Poland boosted the euphoria. The owner insisted the Beat (and Enjoy and maybe rest of the Chevy Smart Tech diesels) shares the filter with Swift and fits perfectly, but unfortunately, the guy at the counter gave the wrong one, 2nd generation Swift one instead of the third generation. The packing got damaged and couldn't replace the filter.
WIX WF8366 - ₹ 370.00 (MRP ₹ 414.00)
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Gave the car to newly found FNG, which my distant cousin insisted without giving me peace. It was a young chap by my same name with 9 years working at one of the finest garages in town (recommended to me by many, but didn't get a chance to visit). He just leased out an old defunct body shop and started his garage,
AM Motors. Within a short time period, the garage got more rush than any of the neighbouring ones and he even worked on mini trucks. He had good exposure with Chevy as well. The first thing he asked me was when was the PCV filter changed and I was totally impressed. USP for me was, he was just 10 mins walk away from home. Every other workshop is pretty distant and needed someone to pick me back. Actually, the car started developing suspension noise and as soon as the car was mine, it gave sleepless nights, so gave it there to get repaired.
Like I suspected, the suspension was not worked by the previous guy, the mount was gone and making thud sound when hitting potholes at an angle. Also, most of the bolt threads were gone due to overtightening. His work was so fast that the whole work took just 1 hour including suspension and oil change and an attempt for fuel filter change (he insisted it's not the right filter, I insisted it is compatible). Again, the old moron didn't change the fuel filter, it was old OE 2016 make filter in there.
The new guy insisted of using mineral or semi-synthetic and replacing every 5k km instead of FS and long intervals. You can stay there and watch your car getting worked on and he is open to our suggestions. He is open late evening, so that we can give and take the car after office hours.
Charged ₹ 2,500.00 for suspension overhaul and oil change including the suspension parts.
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