My car was overdue for its scheduled service. I was supposed to send it for a pit stop every 5,000km but since I just got myself a new mileage meter replacing the broken one, I think I’ve clocked almost 10,000km already. Anyway, being a loyal customer to a particular service shop, I sent my car for a service job at my usual car service workshop, Fasfik Kepong branch.

Unlike my previous two visits to the same branch before, there was only one guy attending me for my car’s service job. Then I saw this:

Taking a closer look at the screen:

Ashrufzz Reality Adventure Snapshot at Fasfik Kepong Branch

It’s my picture featured on the main computer inside the workshop. I was overjoyed, at least my blog name is visible. One of the Fasfik owners commented on one of my Fasfik review recently. I guess I must have made a good impression to them..hehe..

My Car Third Service Pit Stop @ Fasfik Kepong

I had a chat with the one and only mechanic at that time, he revealed some surprising and appalling information. All the other Fasfik crew of Kepong branch had left. He himself was from another neighbor Fasfik branch being assigned there to bring the service shop branch back to life. From a management point of view, I can understand why they only give basic salary to the crew. I can also understand how a life of mechanic is since I was a car mechanic trainee during my years of studying automotive engineering. I guess you need to love your job in order to stay long in your career. Even I myself has job hopped so many times before landing to something I really love doing.

During my last visit, the branch ran out of Fasfik engine oil so I had to resort to the expensive Shell Helix engine oil. This time, I guess there was an oversupply of Fasfik engine oil. Basically, it’s just a basic engine oil being labeled.

Fasfik Engine Oil Product

I don’t know why, but I just love packaged product. It makes me feel as I’m buying a bargain deal rather than the expensive customized service.

Fasfik Line of Packaged Products

This visit cost me RM50 for an engine oil change job along with a free engine oil filter and regular check of my car.

It has been a crazy week for me. Blame it on this morning’s presentation and my latest obsession of playing Mayor in Simcity 4 game. I’ve overworked my poor old Acer Aspire 3683’s Intel Celeron M processor to the max. Hopefully my CPU processor wouldn’t give up on me yet.

Last week, I sent my car to the workshop. I have this thing whenever I’ve chosen a workshop, I’ll stick to it. Since Fasfik doesn’t cover air-cond and accessories repair, I went to my regular workshop located at Batu 4, Jalan Ipoh, KL. It has been over a month my car’s air conditioner couldn’t provide cool air especially when driving through the city traffic of KL. Car air-conditioning has been a regular issue I’ve been facing since I got my first car 8 years ago. My current Proton Iswara just got it air-conditioning back working after more than a year being without air-conditioning. Upon arriving at the workshop and popping the hood, the mechanic immediately pin-pointed the main problem my car is having. The cooling fan doesn’t work.

This had happened to me on my previous Daihatsu Charade car where I bypass the electrical wiring to save money on repairs. I don’t encourage you to do so because it will affect your car’s morning start. Anyway, back to my story, the mechanic then remove the fan and replace the motor with a new one. Apart from that, I’ve also replaced my broken odometer ever since it got changed after my car’s seat theft 2 years ago. Enjoy the picture below:

My Air-Conditioning and Accessories Repair Shop

My broken Air-Conditioning Fan Cooler

The repair workfloor

My dashboard being removed

My Broken Odometer

My total bill came in at RM305 altogether. RM185 for the new odometer, while RM110 for the motor fan repair. Hopefully this time, my car’s air-conditioner will last long.

My lack of blog posting is the result of having too much stuff with loads of excuses. Simply saying, I haven’t been spending quality time with my blog. I have a few lined up drafts on my blog but haven’t been published yet. So much information that can be shared is now stucked in my brain…Mmm..

This morning, on my way to my workplace, there was a massive traffic jam at Jalan Kuching heading towards Jalan Duta ramp. KL traffic is unpredictable and one of the main cause is always traffic accidents. Check this one out which I took a snapshot this morning:

Overturned Toyota Vios at Jln Duta Ramp

I have no idea how on earth this car could have overturned in a traffic jam crawl. Well, stranger accidents have happened when you are on the road.

Last October 2007, I sent my car for a service at Fasfik Kepong. After 4 months of excessive car usage fighting the KL traffic jam plus the extra money from Google Adsense payout earlier, it’s time to get my car for a service treat. I drive my Proton Iswara car every single day. So it is crucial to get my car well maintained to avoid any complication in case if I my car broke down along my way to work.

One of the disadvantage of owning a second hand car is most of the important working parts of the car is used and requires replacement. This time, it was my car’s front shock absorber. I’ve heard of stories where people normally gets ripped off when they send their car to the workshop. I never encountered any of that problem simply because I know what parts are needed to be replaced (putting my diploma in automotive engineering practice of course). Apart from that, since I only use a stock standard car and the location of where I live, there will always be replacement parts available for me to shop around.

Here’s one tip if you want to slash your car maintenance’s cost, buy your car replacement parts at a local shop. Avoid asking your car’s workshop to buy it for unless it is really necessary. Also avoid buying parts at a well known accessories shop, their price are 10 to 25 percent higher than the local shop. I’ve been practicing this for years. One area famous of automotive replacement parts which apparently where I live is Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. In my area alone, there are 4 - 6 shops selling automotive replacement parts.

Rows of Shop at Batu 5 Jln Ipoh

Because of the good experience at Fasfik Kepong last time, I went there again today for their excellent services.

Fasfik Kepong Branch

Before handing over my car keys to Fasfik personnel, an agreement is first made between the car owner and Fasfik about the price quoted. Once that is established, then the time of job is estimated and then executed:

My Proton Iswara being scrutinized

Replacing my old shock absorber

Installing my new car’s shock absorber

Job’s Done

Replacing the car’s shock absorber involves the removal of the wheel. Because of that, a re-alignment is needed:

My Proton Iswara on the Alignment Job

While doing the alignment, the mechanic noticed that my wheel camber alignment on my left side of the wheel is out of tune. He then suggested for me to install a camber nut for RM25 a piece. A new quotation was made and I agreed to it. The best part of Fasfik is they have a central online management system built using open source architecture called Fasfik Intelligent Management System. Check out their portal here.

Fasfik Intelligent Management System

Here’s the summary cost of my entire car service this time:

Tell me what do you think of the price above. Find out if Fasfik is available in your area here.