How Often Should I Get My Car Serviced?

Servicing a car on time to keep it in the optimum running condition is crucial to enjoy a trouble-free and reliable motoring experience. Reliability and safety go hand in hand and sticking to the maintenance schedule given in the owner’s manual and getting a check up of the car done periodically is a wise way to ensure longevity, efficiency and safety. 
 

It is important to ensure that servicing of second hand cars is done in time. Just because you purchase a used car does not mean it is immune to problems. If it has aged gracefully it is because the previous owner had adhered to the car service schedule. Regular maintenance is crucial for older vehicles because there may be many areas where the service life of components may be reaching its end due to regular wear and tear.
 

Understanding Your Used Car’s Service Needs

Each car is unique and even identical models may have been used differently. What works for one car component-wise may work for another, but only you know what sort of an experience you’ve had with your car, what punishment the routine drives brings, and which areas you need to keep an eye out for.
 

Check the Vehicle’s Service History

When you buy a used car, be sure to check its service history and look for any unusual gaps beyond reason. Check that the previous owner’s usage aligned with the service intervals recommended for that car.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations for Car Service

The car’s owner’s manual is a treasure trove of information about the car and includes everything from basic knowledge to advanced information and, of course, the service intervals. Sticking to the manufacturer’s guidelines based on the car’s age and condition is a sure-shot way of making the most of what the car has to offer and increasing the car’s efficiency, life and resale value.

Consider the Car’s Usage

How and where the car has been driven matters a lot in establishing particular areas of wear and tear and possible failures. If the car is high mileage with occasional use or regular use, it will need a deeper scrutiny.

Key Service Intervals

• Engine Oil and Filter – The engine oil is replaced every 10,000 km or one year regardless whether the car is petrol or diesel-powered.
   
• Air Filter – A choked filter drastically reduces efficiency and driveability. Petrol cars need an air filter replacement every 30,000 km or three years. For diesel cars, it should be replaced every 20,000 km or two years.
   
• Fuel Filter – Like the air filter, petrol cars should have their fuel filters inspected at 30,000 km and diesel cars replaced every 20,000 km.
   
• Brakes and Tyres – Brake shoes for drum brakes or brake pads for disc brakes should be inspected every 10,000 km. Tyres should be rotated (switched left-right and/or front-rear) every 5,000 km and replaced every 15,000-20,000 km depending on condition.
   
• Brake and Clutch Fluid – These should be inspected and topped up every 10,000 km or yearly at the very least, even if the car is stationary for a long period of time.
   
• Coolant – Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals.
   
• Spark Plugs – Only used in petrol engines, spark plugs should have the plug electrode gap checked every 10,000 km, and be replaced every 60,000 km.
   
• Functional checks – should be performed for all components every 10,000 km to ensure proper operation. This is important for the drive belt, battery charge level and terminals.
   

Warning Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Servicing

There are always signs when something is seriously wrong with the car and is in dire need of attention. Avoiding these warnings for a car service check over a long period of time can lead to safety hazards with little or no further warning. Here are some warning signs and how to handle them.
 

• Dashboard Warning Lights – The ‘Check Engine’ light is the most obvious (and concerning) light to look out for. Each major function nowadays has a dedicated light in most cars.
   
• Unusual Noise or Vibration – Check for thuds, squeaks, rattles and grinding noises when going over bumps or potholes.
   
• Steering Direction – The car should maintain its line when the steering wheel is left free, and not pull to one side.
   
• Difficulty Starting – Starting troubles or prolonged starting noise could mean a low battery, imminent starter or relay failure, or a problem with the sensors.
   
• Irregular Stalling – Sudden stalling could be due to overheating, choked filters or even issues with the transmission.
   
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency – Low mileage could indicate a problem with the fuel supply, ignition, hoses, or simply under-inflated tyres.
   
• Smoke in Exhaust Stream – Smoke could mean engine trouble or failure of the emission control system or other sensors.
   

Benefits of Regular Servicing for Used Cars

Performing the right maintenance checks at the right time can lead to several benefits which go a long way in keeping you and your car in the best health.
 

• Fuel efficiency is better and you save on fuel bills
   
• Maximum safety for you and all occupants with less chances of critical failure
   
• Enhances car’s lifespan when everything is running optimally with minimal friction and impact
   
• Increases reliability and peace of mind when all components and checks are in order
   
• Increases resale value for well-maintained cars is a given
   
• Prevent costly repairs by taking care of minor issues as soon as possible
   

DIY Maintenance between Services

Performing seemingly simple tasks can make a world of a difference in reducing running cost and increasing the life of the vehicle and its components.
 

• Check tyre pressure every 1-2 weeks
   
• Top up fluids – fill up washer fluid and check oil level using the dipstick
   
• Check and clean the air filter
   
• Pay attention to signs of wear and tear
   

Conclusion

Taking care of your car and getting your car serviced in time helps keep the car running in its best condition. It also maximises reliability, safety and resale value while reducing fuel bills and maintenance costs. Sticking to the car service schedule in the owner’s manual is an easy way to have a trouble free driving and ownership experience..