Bowater Isuzu COVID-19 Full Update

Good news, it might seem like it’s few and far between lately, but we wanted to bring you something a little more positive!

Now that New Zealand has moved to Alert Level 3 on 28th April, we can confirm that we are able to safely fulfil your vehicle requirements at Alert Level 3.  

While our dealerships will not be open for customers to visit,we will be offering contactless servicing and test drive options, with the ability to pick-up and drop-off at your convenience. 

While at Alert Level 3, the safety and wellbeing of our customers, staff and community remains our highest priority. We are following the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and have implemented stringent measures to ensure everyone stays safe. 

Due to the impacts of Covid-19 Isuzu Utes NZ will be extending warranties and service intervals:

Isuzu New Vehicle Warranty:

The Isuzu new vehicle warranty period for Isuzu D-Max and MU-X vehicles still within their warranty period, will be extended by an additional month.

IUNZ will provide you with an extended warranty period of 1 Month (mileage limitations will still apply) on your D-max or MU-X first registered new in New Zealand on or after 1st March 2017. This extended warranty will take effect on the expiry of your Isuzu New vehicle warranty and covers repairs to correct any malfunction occurring during the extended warranty period resulting from defects in material or workmanship of the vehicle. This is in addition to the standard three year warranty period for the whole vehicle and all warranty terms and conditions as detailed in your service and warranty booklet, still apply. Including exclusions such as the use of wrong or contaminated fuels or unauthorised modifications.

Service Intervals:

Isuzu vehicles due for a service during the lock down period will have an extension on the service interval for an extra month after the lock down period ends, this means that a delayed service during the lock down period will not affect your warranty.

The Isuzu recommended service schedule is mileage or time based, whichever occurs first. For the recommended service schedule for your vehicle, please refer to the Service and Warranty Booklet/Owner's and Drivers Manual supplied with the vehicle. Servicing should be performed on your initiative by an Authorised Isuzu Dealership or an Authorised Isuzu Parts and Service Agent within ± 2,000Kms or 2 months of the scheduled service (normally ± 1,000Kms or 1 month). This extension will expire 31 May 2020.

TIPS ON STORING YOUR ISUZU DURING COVID-19 LOCK DOWN:

As a result of the current COVID-19 restrictions, your Isuzu vehicle may have seen a reduction in use.

Here are a few handy pointers to ensure when the restrictions are lifted, your vehicle performs as normal and maintains its appearance:

Storing the vehicle:
  • Before storing a vehicle a thorough clean is recommended. Removing any bird droppings, tree sap or dead bugs from the paint work will prevent paint damage while stored.

  • Consideration needs to be given to its storage location. The ideal storage location is a garage. If this is not practicable, select a location where the vehicle will not be exposed to bird droppings, bugs, tree sap and away from coastal areas.
Weekly checks will ensure the vehicle is ready to perform when required:
  • Check the engine oil, coolant level, power steering fluid and brake/clutch fluid are at the required level.

  • Check the engine bay is free from foreign material such as birds’ nests etc.

  • Check the tyre pressures are correct.

  • With the vehicle engine off and in “P” (automatic transmission) or "1st/Reverse gear" (manual transmission) release the Parking Brake and re-apply.

  • Start the engine and allow it to idle for at least 5 minutes to run a "warm-up" - ensure this is done outside in a well ventilated area.

  • After warm-up operation, check under the vehicle to make sure there is no oil or fluid leakage.

  • After warm-up operation, drive the vehicle for more than "1-tire-rotation" both forward and backward.

  • Confirm the engine response and brake feel are normal. (If the Vehicle has not been driven for a long period, caution needs to be taken as a reduction of braking action may be experienced on the first few brake pedal applications).

  • Check the power steering by turning the steering wheel completely to one side and then the other.

For more information on storing your vehicle and pre-operation checks please refer to your Owners and Drivers Manual, Chapter 2; Important Information and Chapter 6; Service and Maintenance.