When it comes to car repairs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The model of your car and the year it’s made, along with how often you take your vehicle out will determine how often you will need to bring it for maintenance and repairs. However, most experts recommend that you service your car at least once a year. The repairs and maintenance allow mechanics to inspect the vehicle for potential problems and perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing the oil. If you frequently drive or if your car is in rough condition, you may need to have it serviced more often.
If you have an older car, it may require more frequent repairs and service due to the unavoidable nature of wear and tear. Ultimately, the best way to determine how often to get your vehicle repaired and serviced is to consult with a qualified mechanic. Maintaining and servicing your car can help extend its lifespan and improve performance. It can also help avoid potentially dangerous or costly breakdowns in the future.
What Are the Different Types of Car Repair Services?
Prevention is the best cure for your vehicle. We know that all cars can wear out if we use them often. However, with regular maintenance and service, we can prolong the life and optimal performance of your car. Service is essential for ensuring your vehicle’s smooth and safe operation. You can prevent any unnecessary mishaps down the road that could cost you your life and money, all it takes is just a quick trip to the mechanic.
Oil and Filter Change
Oil and filter changes are among the most basic yet crucial maintenance procedures for any vehicle. It includes a complete engine oil drain, refill, and the installation of a brand-new oil filter. Your automobile will last longer and run smoothly if you regularly change the oil and filter. There will be serious engine issues, including the fear-inducing red engine management light if the oil in your automobile is unclean or starting to run low. This component removes debris and dirt from the engine to prevent any blockage or damage to the moving parts. You can avoid spending money on costly car repairs by making a minor but worthwhile investment in oil and filter changes.
Basic/Interim Car Services
Every 10,000 kilometres or every six months, you should get a basic or interim car service. The basic/interim car service includes:
- Oil filter change
- Checking tyre pressure, windscreen wipers, lights, and exhaust
- Checking of hydraulic fluid and coolant level
- Checking on spark plugs
- Steering alignment
- Car battery condition
- Suspension check
- Operation of brakes and steering
- Engine oil and filter replacement
- Checking on the cooling system of the vehicle
These services are to ensure that your car continues to run efficiently and safely. In most cases, car warranties require full and interim services, so you should book one if your vehicle is still under warranty. In cases where it’s not, it is advisable to get it if your car exceeds 10,000 kilometres a year. By getting basic services, you can avoid spending a fortune on full services in the future since the mechanic can help you identify and fix small issues before they eventually turn into larger ones. In the case of a more serious problem with the car, it can be very expensive or potentially life-threatening.
Full Services
Also known as “silver or intermediate service”, You should get your car’s full-service maintenance every 12 months or every 20,000 kilometres. Full service aims to ensure that your vehicle is in optimum operating condition and that damaged components are replaced if necessary. Full benefits include everything under basic services, a more comprehensive check, and additional maintenance. It’s best suited for individuals who put in fewer distances on their cars each year and take them in for service frequently (at least once a year). A full car service includes:
- Brake checks
- Engine inspection
- Air filter replacement
- Spark plug change
- Inspection of electrical components of the vehicle
- Radiator check
- Coolant hose, and many more.
It may also be advisable to choose the full-service option if car owners feel their vehicle is not performing as well as it should.
Major Services
There are components in the car that do not need servicing as often as the other parts. The major car service is where your vehicle will have an overall check in addition to the items inspected during an interim and full service. For every 40,000 kilometres or every 24 months, you are required to have a major car service or a gold service. A major car service includes:
- Brake fluid exchange
- Spark plug replacement
- Transmission fluid inspection
- Timing belt replacement
- Battery testing
- Tyre replacement and many more
Because of the potential for regular wear and tear and unintentional damage after covering a large distance on the road, you must ensure your vehicle undergoes a thorough check to keep track of its condition.
What Type of Service Do I Need?
While some effort is required to keep your car in proper working order, you certainly don’t need to be a mechanical genius. The most difficult part of maintaining a vehicle is learning what has to be done and also knowing how often. The following signs and warnings indicate the type of service that your car needs.
Dripping car fluids
A transparent, odourless liquid could be condensation from your car’s air conditioner. Most water leaks occur in the car’s air-conditioning system but a more significant issue may be present if your vehicle begins to leak a coloured liquid. This means your car needs regular maintenance and routine oil changes.
Weird noises from your car
They can appear to arrive from nowhere. You could be driving along with no problems until suddenly, as you accelerate, you notice an odd noise emanating from your vehicle. Different types of noises can determine the issue with the vehicle. If your car creates a rattling sound, it means that the exhaust system has suffered some kind of damage. If you hear clunking noises while driving, you have a problem with the shock absorber. It is important to hear where these sounds are coming from, what they sound like, and when they occur. If you continually ignore your car’s warning signs and let these problems persist to get worse, you’ll be looking at spending a whole lot more on car repairs.
Having brake problems
The brakes are one of the most imperative safety features in your vehicle. Failure to get routine maintenance performed on your car can greatly reduce its efficiency. Your brakes might not work well due to the brake fluid leaking or worn-out brake pads. Should you find yourself in either scenario, immediately call your mechanic to get it fixed. Driving with a faulty brake endangers your life as well as others on the road.
Dashboard Warning Light
A dashboard light is the most obvious sign that your car requires maintenance. Most modern vehicles’ dashboards will display the word “SERVICE” or a wrench icon to remind you when it’s time for an oil change or maintenance. The distance travelled, or days left until you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic, is commonly displayed alongside the light. Some car models may alert you when maintenance is necessary.
You can keep your automobile in tip-top shape by learning the fundamentals of car care, such as when to perform routine maintenance.
How Often Should You Send Your Car for Maintenance?
If your car runs on semi-synthetic engine oil or mineral oil, you must service your vehicle and replace the oil every 5,000 kilometres. For fully synthetic motor oil, the change is only required once every 10,000 kilometres. That being said, thanks to modern scientific and technological developments, many engine oils today are designed to last up to 10,000 kilometres. Engine oils now vary in how often they need to be changed and how they protect engines from heat and degradation. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended oil kilometrage range before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs.
As time passes, engine oils deteriorate, so they no longer effectively lubricate the engine. This is applicable regardless of whether the automobile is driven or not, and it’s because these engines were not constructed with the mechanical tolerance to run efficiently with degraded engine oil. Therefore, a new fill of engine oil is required. If you drive long distances in a short amount of time, it’s best to stick to the manufacturer-recommended maintenance manual for your engine oil. If you’re not a frequent driver, then it is recommended that you service your car every six months or every year, according to your owner’s manual.
Following the recommended maintenance schedule is recommended by all automakers for optimal vehicle performance and to preserve resale value. If you’re like most people, you probably have questions about the frequency and duration of your car’s recommended maintenance schedule. If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, it is best to follow the dates given by the service centre. Annual maintenance isn’t limited only to newer vehicles; an old automobile that’s been well cared for and repaired can continue to run as well. When it comes to selling, having a well-maintained car with a complete service record is invaluable.
Benefits Of Regular Car Maintenance
Car maintenance is essential for car owners since it keeps their vehicles in good operating order and extends their lifespan. Unfortunately, most individuals neglect car maintenance only until they’ve encountered a severe issue. Performing regular checks enables you to detect problems at an affordable price or prevent them entirely. In addition to saving money, this will keep you safe while sparing the time and energy you would have lost in the event of a car breakdown. It’s important to note that keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance ensures that it operates as cleanly and effectively as possible. By contributing less to the amount of pollution we release on the road, we are doing a lot of good for the environment too.
Improves Car Safety
By managing your vehicle regularly, you can improve the safety of your car and make it more reliable. As with every other part of a car, a well-tuned and continually serviced engine is key to a vehicle’s ideal overall performance.
Fuel Savings
Lack of regular maintenance, especially oil changes, is the leading cause of poor gas range. Newer vehicles have dashboard lights to let you know when care is needed, preventing you from exceeding the recommended distance and accelerating the wear and tear on your engine. Alternatively, you can check your kilometrage to see if your vehicle needs an oil change.
Improves Lifespan of your Vehicle
If you’re looking at your car to be a dependable companion for a good few years, making sure it is kept in good condition is one way to preserve its lifespan. Regular maintenance ensures that the most important parts are in good working order, even in an emergency or other unforeseen incidents. In the long run, consistent maintenance will also save you a lot of money.
Invest in high-quality maintenance for your vehicle and you’ll enjoy its benefits for a long time and understand the value of such care. A truly exceptional service experience awaits you at Euroauto Garage.
Conclusion
Is your vehicle due for service and maintenance? Come and stop by EuroAuto Garage, where we offer you the best solutions for your car’s needs to guarantee you peace of mind. With over 40 years of combined expertise in the field of supercars, Euroauto Garage aims to deliver and provide trustworthy services to you. Our goal is to provide you with the same level of service you would expect from a main dealer. For us, we want it to be an exceptional service for an unforgettable journey.
