Vehicle Health Check

[Rustbucket]

Hello

I have read all the posts on the VHC on here about it being a bit of con and MB just trying to get work, but I think its a good idea and you don't have to have the work done.

However, looking on different dealers websites, the VHC seems to vary from about a 6 point 10 min check to a 45 minute 37 point check!

Does anyone know if there is a list of exactly what is checked? Does the print out list everything that is checked or is it just a list of faults?

Can anynone list what is checked?

 

[Justin1600]

It is a general visual check, including under bonnet levels where nothing is removed.

i.e. undertrays, wheels etc

 

[Rustbucket]

surely someone has the printout, of exactly what is checked?

 

[corned]

I'd be surprised if there were an official factory spec sheet for this check. I don't believe it is a manufacturer procedure.

As has been stated above, it's only a way for dealers to check if there is work they can get you to agree to. The thoroughness of the check will vary from dealer to dealer, and will probably depend heavily (if you're cynical) on how their turnover targets are doing.

 

[JohnDeere8530]

they dont do anything that a half competent person or mechanic couldnt do himself in the space of an hour.

Yes it is a tool to 'drum up' business and I imagine they will find stuff that doesnt really need doing !

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

We took our ML in for one, and I thought it was remarkably thorough. At the end they told me that we had a glow plug down, and if we'd like to have it seen to then just give them a call. Washed the car - did quite a good job - and we ate loads of really nice food whilst we were there.

I suspect the experience varies between dealerships though!!

 

[grober]

For owners that find lifting the bonnet to check fluid levels a chore its probably quite a good idea. If the check involves plugging it into STAR its a bargain! For dedicated DIY types it's unlikely to tell them anything they didn't know already. As has been said depends on what they do.

 

[andylinney]

What sort of prices are they charging for the health check? I remember getting something similar done to my wife's old Mini and it was a great way of getting the car valeted, checked over and eating / drinking the dealership out of house and home whilst there.

 

[Fizzer]

What sort of prices are they charging for the health check? I remember getting something similar done to my wife's old Mini and it was a great way of getting the car valeted, checked over and eating / drinking the dealership out of house and home whilst there.

My thoughts also. I have had a free winter health check (car washed and hoovered, litre of screen wash, ice scraper and anti freeze left in the boot) and a free spring health check (didnt get any "goodies" on that one other than car valet). Took about an hour each time and was an opportunity to have a look around some of the new cars, drink coffee and eat their biskwits . I'm definitely 1st in the queue for the next one. Oh, and nothing other than advising me that a rear tyre was getting a bit low.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Had one on Thursday, usual sheet with red, amber, green - all green ticks and tyre depths and pressures recorded - very efficient. The sheet is the same I have seen for over 6 years at MB and looks official or maybe inchcape official ?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Mine was free

 

[dannypro]

Hi
I had one done recently on a clk320.
They checked ...
Tyres
Suspension bushes
Suspension springs
Windscreen and headlamp washers
Seatbelts
Oil / ATF leaks
Fluid levels
Brake pad/disc condition

... and washed and waxed the car!

They didnt connect to the STAR system - but would have done for @£50.

I was please with the check as it was free and they found 2 perished tyres, 2 broken springs, some split bushes, an ATF leak, a missing gseat belt button, a blocked headlamp washer jet.

On the downside, the prices they quoted to fix thingss were astronomical ...

For example,
£264 to check wheel alignment
£35 to replace missing seat belt button (5 minutes and a £2.50 part)
££81 toi unblock washer nozzle
£420 to replace gear box seal

Luckily I had just bought the car and the dealer agreed to sort out all the issues (a bit of a long story).

I think teh tests is well worth done adn although their prices are high, you do have to be careful about having non specialists working on these cars.
I htought they had killed this one when the dealer's mechanic overfilled the transmission - it played havoc with it and was totally undriveable for a while (until a specialist sorted it out).

Good Luck

D