What do we need to know about the car service?

Car servicing is important for so many reasons. Not only does it save you time and money on any big issues your car may have, but it could also your life by identifying the issues early on. But the idea of leaving your car in the hands of a stranger can seem counterintuitive and without knowing what’s happening it can also free worrying.

What is a car service?

A regular car service checks the condition of your car. It can assess everything from general wear and tear to fluids, brakes, the engine, and more. Each service is different depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

Generally, car services can be broken into two types. there are minor services, every 10-15 thousand km depending on the manufacturer. Minor car services are generally needed 90minutes. and the major services, every 30-45 thousand kilometres depending on the manufacturer. The major services will need longer depending on the model.

What does a full car service include?

MINOR SERVICE

Which is including:

• Engine oil check and top-up
• Air and oil filter check
• Total car inspection (fluids, filters, belts, hoses and brakes)
• Tyre check and rotation
• Battery test

MAJOR SERVICE

Which is including:

• All minor service inspections
• Engine check
• Lights check
• Spark plug replacement
• Air-conditioning filters check
• Brake fluid and brakes check
• Coolant flush
• Transmission service
• Wheel alignment
• Windscreen wiper replacement
• Suspension check
• Repack wheel bearings
• Full-vehicle inspection and correction of any issues
• Tuning if necessary

Car maintenance item:

1. Fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. Most car will use the following fluids: engine oil, radiator coolant, automatic transmission fluid, windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, power steering fluid, battery electrolyte fluid (distilled water) and possibly more depending on the vehicle type. Check fluids regularly, and replace when needed.

2. Tyres

Having your tyres inflated to the correct pressure increases the life of your tyres and reduces fuel consumption. And a good way to extend the life of all your tyres is to have them rotated regularly to reduce uneven wear.

3. Engine air filter

Think of your air filter as your car’s lungs. If it’s clogged up with dust, it will be letting dirty air into your engine, reducing its performance. Generally, the more stop-start driving you do and the dustier the roads you drive on, the more often it’ll need a change.

4. Wipers

Wipers is very important when is raining day. It needs to change once a year. Spend that little bit of extra money on some quality blades, you will notice the difference.

5. Battery

Car batteries have a habit of conking out when you need them most, so it pays to keep track of how old they are and check the terminals for corrosion whenever you open the bonnet and top up the battery fluid when necessary. Use distilled water and don’t overfill.

6. Cleaning

Your car’s exterior should be washed regularly, especially if you park under sap-dropping trees or have fruit bats in your neighbourhood. Bat droppings and sap can ruin your paint job if not removed quickly.

If you look under your motor regularly, listen for unusual car noises, check underneath the car for new and mysterious leaks now and then, follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual and take care of small problems before they become major ones, you’ll be well ahead of the game as far as keeping your car running smoothly.