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My car is just on 12 mths old and it has travelled 6500 km. Now due for first service check. As this check just involves an oil/filter change and a check on various levels, am I obliged to go to the local dealer for the check or can I take it to another reputable company? The correct grade of oil and the recommended filter would be fitted so would this in any way affect any warranty?

You need to have a look at the terms and conditions of your new vehicle warranty. Most manufacturers will stipulate that the vehicle needs to go to one of their franchise service agents to retain the warranty.

Another thing to consider is if something major fails when the vehicle is just out of the warranty period - some importers assist towards the repair as a gesture of goodwill but if you have been servicing elsewhere I doubt that you will get any assistance.