Car servicing is essential for many reasons. Aside from saving you time and expensive repair costs, spotting problems early can save your life. Keeping your car in top shape can also boost performance and fuel economy for a thrilling driving experience. Car serving is necessary, but what does it mean? Why is it important to service your car? Read on to learn everything you should know about car serving.
What does it mean to service a car?
What is included in your car servicing routine is determined by your choice. However, a complete car servicing is nearly certain to include engine oil and filter change, a check of all fluids, a comprehensive brake check, and tests on over 50 other critical components, including safety-related features. A more complete and expensive service would examine and replace a larger range of components. It may include changing your spark plugs and several critical filters and assessing other components, such as wheel alignment and suspension.
Types of car service
Car servicing comes in three basic forms: interim, full, and major. Your mechanic or auto repair shop may call the packages something else to put their own spin on it. However, it shouldn’t be confusing since a tiered pricing system always has three tiers.
Regular car maintenance
A regular auto service involves examining your vehicle’s health. It will include an evaluation of anything from normal wear and tear to brakes, fluids, and the engine, among other things. Each service is unique to your vehicle’s make and model and focuses on maximising its life span and performance. Some components require regular assessment, while others should be checked only when necessary. Keeping track of your car’s maintenance plan and service intervals is vital.
Interim service
An interim automobile service is an entry-level package, also known as a “Basic” or “Bronze” service. It’s intended for drivers who travel 20,000 miles or more years and may require more than one yearly servicing. An intermediate automobile service will often involve changing the oil or oil filter and assessing your vehicle’s critical elements, such as the lights, tyres, and windshield wipers. It may also cover lubricating your car’s moving components, engine, brake, and top-up of other fluids, and a complete check for any fluid leaks.
Full Service
A full service, also known as an ‘Intermediate’ or ‘Silver’ service, is typically recommended once a year or every 12,000 miles. It’s great for drivers who travel fewer miles each year and only get their vehicle serviced once yearly. It includes additional inspections and service repair parts in addition to the maintenance performed during interim service. The following are examples of typical jobs; however, they are not exhaustive:
- Air filter change
- Wheel bearings and shock absorbers inspection
- Fuel filters or Spark plugs change in diesel and petrol cars, respectively.
- Testing electrical components
- Inspecting brake extensively
- Air conditioning system inspection
Why Do Cars Need To Be Serviced?
Regular servicing will mean your car runs as efficiently and safely as possible, and regular scheduled servicing could save you money in the long run. By getting a regular service, you’re likely to experience better handling, a smoother running engine, enhanced fuel efficiency, and peace of mind from knowing your car is functioning at its best. It also decreases the likelihood of your car breaking down at home or by the roadside. It can also help you avoid severe repair bills since you would proactively prevent any issues that may lead to a problem over time. A full-service history will also help your car maintain its market value should you sell. Regular vehicle servicing will extend the life of your vehicle as well.
How Long Does It Take To Service A Car?
When you book your service, it’s wise to ask your mechanic how long it will take. An interim service is less comprehensive and involves fewer vehicle inspections. It shouldn’t take more than two hours, unlike a full service, which may take more time since it involves a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Some garages may require you to drop off your vehicle and come later in the day. Many modern automobiles are computerised and sophisticated, and most vehicle owners lack the tools and capacities to conduct a service correctly and safely. It is advisable to rely on a skilled mechanic to guarantee the task is done correctly.
A complete service history on your automobile can help you get a good price when you put it on the market. It demonstrates that the car has been in good hands to command a good price. A lack of service history might suggest an issue with the vehicle.
