Having your car serviced is an essential part of keeping it on the road. Of course, you can choose not to have it serviced. But, if you decide to skip the servicing your vehicle is not getting the attention it needs. This is likely to lead to an accumulation of issues and the eventual breakdown of the car.
Should you be unconcerned because you buy a new vehicle every two or three years then you may wish to reconsider. Not having the servicing done means your warranty will no longer be valid. It will also decrease the value of your car.
What Is In The Service?
A general service involves changing your oil and oil filter. Oil is the lifeblood of your car. It circulates around the engine keeping all the moving parts lubricated. If there was no oil the moving parts would grind against each other. They would quickly seize and the engine would stop working.
But, having oil isn’t enough. It picks up contaminants from inside the engine. This means fragments of metal and other pieces from the inside of the pipes and the engine block. The longer you leave it between oil changes the greater the number of shards and the more likely it is that your engine will be damaged. That is why the oil and the filter need to be changed regularly.
Alongside this the air filter will be replaced, the coolant will be drained, flushed, and refilled, and all other liquids will be checked. The lights, brakes, and even steering will also be checked. In short, it will ensure your car is in the best possible condition.
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How Often Should The Service Be Done?
The general guideline is that a service is done every year. However, this is dependent on the manufacturer and the number of miles you do. Again, most manufacturers will recommend a service between 10,000 and 12,000 miles. This means you may be doing it more than once a year if you cover a lot of miles.
But, you should also check your owner’s handbook. Some vehicles have more sensitive engines and may need mini-services at set intervals.
Don’t forget, the service is designed to ensure your car is working properly. Having it done regularly will help to ensure it stays that way.
There Are Different Types Of Service
You should note that you can get a basic oil change or a full service that checks everything on your vehicle. Regardless of the number of miles you do every year, it is a good idea to have a full service completed annually. This will help to keep your vehicle in the best possible condition and can avoid breakdowns happening.
Your dealer will also spot anything that could be an issue in the future and will be able to prepare you financially and mentally for the cost of repairing your car. That makes it easier to keep it on the road, where it belongs.