On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 23:40:46 +0000, Alan
wrote:

In message , Niall
wrote

I have a similar problem trying to get my vehicle maintained. The
industry is geared to customers who won't accept that something needs
replaced until it physically falls off, not even then if the vehicle
can function in some manner without it.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

For safety reasons it may be prudent to replacing brake parts etc.at the
recommended service intervals but replacing components just for the sake
of it may not make your car more reliable.

Replacing things that are broken but can still be used, OTOH, will,
and usually makes the driving experience rather more pleasant.

I OTOH want anything which is not certain to last to the next service,
replaced.


Most people expect the engine in a modern car to last until it goes to
the scrap yard - but it may fail before the next service! Is it better
to change it, just in case?

It may, but if it's not smoking or displaying other symptoms it
probably won't. OTOH, if the brake pads are not down to the metal but
clearly don't have another 6000 miles in them, I suppose you'ld rather
the garage left them until you've had the use out of the very last bit
of friction material then go through the whole fandango of booking it
in, getting back from the garage, not having the vehicle, getting back
to the garage, running the risk that there wasn't as much left as you
thought and wrecking a disc...

--
Niall