Every car is unique, the same as its manufacturer. Carmakers always stipulate maintenance frequencies to ensure you get the best from your vehicle. Adhering to this is crucial if you ever need to use your warranty claims.
However, there are some burning questions that must be answered, such as “When should a new car have its first service?” and “How often should you service a car?” Our factory-trained technicians at MagicTouchMiami provide the answers below. This short guide will give the definition of car servicing, its benefits, and how often you should service your car for optimal performance. Let’s hop in!
What Is Car Servicing?
Car servicing refers to maintaining and inspecting a car to ensure it is in good condition and operating efficiently. It typically involves a series of checks, tests, and replacement or repair of worn-out or damaged parts.
The process includes but is not limited to the following:
- Oil changes
- Fluid top-ups
- Brake inspections
- Tire rotations
- Replacing timing belts
- Replacing spark plugs and other components.
Regular servicing can also help identify potential issues before they become serious, saving money on repairs in the long run.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
Now, here comes the moment we’ve been waiting for. There’s no straightforward answer to how often you should service your vehicle. Servicing depends on several factors, including the model of the vehicle, age, and usage.
Generally, car manufacturers recommend a regular service interval for their vehicles. This ranges from every 6,000 to 12,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. This helps keep your car in good condition as well as prevent potentially costly problems.
That’s not all, by the way. You may need to service your car more frequently if you notice any problems. These can include unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights on the dashboard. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. You’d want to get your car checked out by a professional if you suspect anything.
The Benefits of Servicing a Car
There are several benefits to servicing a car regularly, including:
- Improved Safety: Regular servicing helps ensure your car is safe to drive. A mechanic will check and replace worn or damaged parts, including brakes, tires, and steering components, to reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
- Increased Reliability: A well-serviced car is less likely to break down unexpectedly, which means you can avoid costly repairs and minimize downtime.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Servicing can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency, saving you money on fuel costs over time. A mechanic will ensure that the engine is running efficiently, the tires are inflated to the correct pressure, and the air filter is clean, all of which can affect fuel consumption.
- Prolonged Lifespan: Regular servicing can extend the lifespan of your car by identifying and addressing potential problems before they become serious issues that could cause irreparable damage.
- Higher Resale Value: You’ll fetch a higher resale value if you give your car the proper maintenance it deserves. This implies you can recoup more of your investment when it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle.
MOT vs. Service: What’s the Difference?
MOT (Ministry of Transport) and service are two different things, but they are both important for maintaining a car’s roadworthiness and reliability. In the US, however, the requirement for vehicle safety varies from state to state.
An MOT is a legal requirement for cars over three years old in the UK and New Zealand. It’s a yearly test that checks the car’s safety, emissions, and roadworthiness. During an MOT test, an authorized mechanic will check various car components, including brakes, tires, lights, and exhaust emissions. If the car fails the test, the owner must have the necessary repairs done and retested.
On the other hand, a car service is not a legal requirement but an essential part of car maintenance. It involves thoroughly checking the car’s components and systems to ensure they work correctly. During a service, a mechanic will typically change the oil and filters and check the brakes, suspension, steering, and other parts of the car to ensure they are in good condition. A service can also help identify potential problems before they become more significant issues that could lead to costly repairs.
How to Find Your Service Schedule?
To find your car’s service schedule, you can do the following:
- Check the owner’s manual: Your car’s owner manual will contain a detailed service schedule recommended by the manufacturer. It also provides information on the type of oil, filters, and other parts that should be used during servicing.
- Contact the dealership: You can contact the dealership where you purchased the car or any authorized dealership for your brand. They can advise on the recommended service schedule and other additional checks your model needs.
- Check the manufacturer’s website: Many car manufacturers provide service schedules and other maintenance information on their websites. You can search for your car model on the manufacturer’s website and find the recommended service schedule.
Conclusion
Generally, taking care of your car is key to being a responsible vehicle owner. Routine maintenance can keep it running reliably and efficiently. Plus, if you take regular preventive steps, you can avoid emergency repairs. The takeaway is that you should always abide by your car manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for oil changes and other necessary services.
This will ensure that your car runs optimally and that problems are caught early on in their development before they require costly repairs later on. It may seem like a hassle now, but following this schedule will save you from headaches and high costs later on!
Looking for auto body shop in Miami? Look no further than MagicTouchMiami! Our skilled technicians are looking forward to hearing from you.