Ask the mechanic: What should be included in your car servicing?
For those who aren't that mechanically sound, understanding car servicing becomes challenging.
However, you should know the basics when you take your car to the mechanic. You want to make sure you get it back in top condition from a safety and functionality point of view and also understand what happens to your car while it is there.
Most cars have a minor and major maintenance scheduling cycle. The minor services usually take place every 10,000 - 15,000 km while the major servicing process is done around every 30,000 - 45,000 km depending on the model and make of the car, on how it has been driven, and the mechanic's recommendations.
Basic Service:
Basic services usually include a visual inspection and oil and filter change, the critical fluids in the engine such as coolant, washer fluid, and steering fluid), are topped up. Also, to ensure the car is in the best condition possible, a check of up to 35 key components is carried out.
The brakes are also checked according to manufacturer guidelines. Additional service is also recommended in case the car needs; however, not all garages do this.
Full Service:
A full service usually comprises extra 15-30 additional checks on the car's components in comparison to the basic servicing. Also, along with the basic service, if the car requires any additional maintenance work, there's an additional cost.
Major Service:
A major service consists of everything covered in a full service; however, it also includes a change of fuel filters, a change of spark plugs, and some other wear items/services that are suggested in the manufacturer's guidelines.
This does not comprise any maintenance work or additional repair.
Manufacturer's Service:
A manufacturer service consists of all wear, maintenance, and service the car needs and is considered to be the most comprehensive and expensive service available.
There is an extensive range of checks provided in the manufacturer's service, such as:
- Oil and oil filter check and replacement
- Brake fluid check and top-up
- Coolant check and top-up
- Windscreen wash check and top-up
- Full brake check
- Power steering fluid check and top-up
- Steering check
- Shock absorbers check
- The other services include:
- light check
- suspension check
- wheel alignment check
- windscreen wipers check
- exhaust check
- charging systems check
- charging system check
- battery, pressure, and tyre tread check
Why should I have my car serviced?
Drivers need to have their car serviced, to repair or replace worn vehicle components. A full service ensures tear and wear is taken care of.
1. Saves Money
Dealing and taking care of the smaller issues at an initial stage helps saving money in the long run. Even though if the money is paid in the present, it could be much more expensive if the issue gets worse and become a bigger problem to replace or repair. For instance, if the oil is left unchanged, it breaks down the engine, which results in a high cost compared to a simple oil check-up.
2. Saves Money on Fuel
A well-serviced car is more affordable to run. With its components and engine running at their most effective level, the car is more fuel-efficient, saving the driver's cash at the full station.
3. Lifespan of the Car
A car that's well maintained has a longer life expectancy, saving the driver from spending on a new automobile any time soon.
4. Selling the Car
If you plan to sell your car, having a thorough and full-service history helps the seller to ask for a better price.
Conclusion
At the end of a service, the customers can request a log of all works completed to understand the details of the maintenance. The service varies depending on the type of car, so the customer should be familiar with the owner's manual. It is also essential to request a list of all works required before the service is carried out, letting the customer compare it to work completed and see what all issues were in the car.
The author is Team Leader
Germax Auto Spares & Garage
Lukade Road, Naalya
0779250886/0752088734
