Car service is an important part of keeping your vehicle in good working order. It can help prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your car. However, many people don’t get their cars serviced until they have a problem. This can be a costly mistake as it may cost more to fix the damage than it would to simply maintain the vehicle in the first place.
While it is possible to take your car out on a regular basis to check fluid levels, this won’t catch everything that needs to be done. A proper, full car service will include a visual inspection of the vehicle, checking the engine oil and filter, along with other critical fluids (brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid, and power steering fluid). All external belts, hoses, the battery, air conditioning, and exhaust will be checked as well.
A basic car service will generally only take around an hour and a half, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. This will include the basics mentioned above plus the following:
Full car servicing is usually referred to by various names at different garages and dealerships to try and make them sound unique, but the basic package should always be the same. Typically this should be completed every twelve months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If your car is approaching the end of its warranty period you should be taking it to the dealer or manufacturer for a service. This will be more expensive but will also give you peace of mind that the work carried out will be of a higher standard and only use official manufacturer parts.
Many people have a hard time deciding what type of car wash or wax treatment to use to maintain the appearance of their vehicles. While this is something that is entirely personal, it is worth remembering that the condition of your vehicle can affect its value when it comes to selling or trading in.
Even the best maintained vehicles can experience problems that require unexpected service. There are several signs that you should look out for to see if it is time to book in your vehicle for a check-up:
Braking issues such as a soft brake pedal, or squeaking and scraping noises.
Engine rattling or vibration when driving, especially when turning, stopping, or going uphill.
If you don’t have a set routine for maintaining your car, it is important to start one as soon as you can. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – simply choose a day each month to check all of your fluids and write them down on a calendar. This will also remind you when it is time to book a full car service.
By following a simple routine of maintenance, you can ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly for as long as you own it. It is also likely to retain its value, which can be a major benefit if you plan on selling it on in the future.
