Hi
I had my 25K miles service yesterday on my 2013 1.2S +AC GE.
It has steel wheels and wheel trims and is completely standard.
I have spent 25 years in the motor trade in cars and commercials as a mechanic but don't really get my hands too dirty anymore as that was a previous life.
At the main dealers yesterday (and don't read this as a complaint) the service technician attended to my car just outside where I was sitting with only a large window between the workshop and the waiting area.
Whilst the safety check and oil change, pollen filter was methodically done one thing that struck me being "Old School" is that whilst wheel bearing play, binding of brakes etc was all done quite thoroughly not one wheel was removed.
The checking of the brake pads on the outside were done with a torch and a squint through the holes in the trims and rims and I suppose visibility is also obtainable from withing the rim dish from under the car whilst on the ramp?
The report came back that all was ok apart from smearing wipers (two years old so I don't doubt it).
I suppose gone are the days of lubing seat runners and doors but to me not removing wheels to do a proper brake component check a little lacking. I do expect my pads to last 60 - 70K miles as I anticipate when driving but the dealer doesn't know that or.... do they they last that long even on the front with strong braking being the norm?
They are friendly enough there but now the weather is warming up I feel inclined at least to drop off one front wheel and have a quick check for peace of mind. With 12.5K servicing I would want a lot of pad to be left so later in the depths of South West France i don't get that horrible grating noise.