THE National Franchise Dealers Association has questioned the safety implications of fleets taking advantage of the extended service intervals announced this week by Peugeot and Citroen. Alan Pulham, director of the NFDA, said new semi-synthetic oils may facilitate longer service intervals, but that there was more to a service than an oil change.

'There's wear and tear on other parts, and impact damage when people kerb their cars and they need to recognise the effect that has on a car's tracking and steering,' he said. Dealers would rectify such problems at a service, but their opportunity to do so is eroded if cars only visit a dealership every two years, according to Pulham.

Peugeot and Citroen's extended service interval initiative increases the pressure on dealers to achieve revenue and profit from the sale and servicing of older cars, and will heighten anticipation that the two manufacturers will lengthen their new car warranties. 'If manufacturers extend their service intervals they must extend their warranties to go with it,' said Pulham.