After how many kilometres should I service my car

If you own a car, regular servicing is crucial to keeping it running smoothly and safely. But how often should you be taking your vehicle in for maintenance? Various factors can affect how often your car needs to be serviced, including the make and model of your vehicle, your driving habits, and the conditions in which you typically drive.

Regular car servicing is essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. It not only helps to maintain the vehicle's performance but also prolongs its lifespan. In this article, we'll look at how to understand your car's service schedule and signs that your vehicle needs servicing - ASAP. Read on for more info!

Understanding Your Car's Service Schedule

The first step in determining how often to service your car is to check the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. Every vehicle has a maintenance schedule, including recommended services and intervals specific to your car. The schedule outlines regular services such as oil changes, brake inspections, tyre rotations, and more comprehensive services such as transmission flushes and engine tune-ups.

Following the manufacturer's recommended schedule is crucial to maintain your car's optimal performance. The recommended schedule considers your vehicle's design, age, and model.

Factors Affecting the Service Interval

While the manufacturer's recommended schedule is a good starting point, several factors can affect how often your car needs servicing. Here are some key factors to consider:

Driving habits

Your driving habits significantly determine your car's service interval. If you regularly drive in heavy traffic or engage in stop-and-go driving, your vehicle may require more frequent servicing than if you primarily drive on the highway.

Environment

The environment in which you drive can also affect your car's service interval. For example, if you frequently drive on dirt roads or in dusty conditions, your car's air filters may need replacement more often.

Age and mileage

The age and mileage of your car are crucial factors to consider when determining the service interval. As your car ages, it requires more frequent servicing, and as it racks up more miles, it may require servicing more often.

Type of oil

The oil you use in your car can also affect the service interval. If you use synthetic oil, you may go longer between oil changes than conventional oil.

Owner's manual

Your owner's manual is a valuable resource that provides detailed information about your car's specific service needs and intervals. Be sure to read it thoroughly and follow the recommended schedule.

Manufacturer Recommendations for Car Servicing

Most manufacturers recommend servicing your car every 12,000 to 16,093 kilometres or every six months to a year, whichever comes first. However, it's essential to note that these recommendations are based on average driving conditions and may not apply to all situations. Therefore, it's crucial to consider other factors, such as driving habits, age, and mileage, when determining the service interval.

Car Servicing Prior to Recommended Mileage: Signs

In some cases, your car may require servicing before the manufacturer's recommended interval. Here are the signs that your vehicle may need servicing before the recommended mileage:

Unusual noises

If you hear any strange or unusual noises while driving your car, such as grinding, squeaking, or rattling, it may be a sign that your vehicle needs servicing.

Dashboard warning lights

If any warning lights on your dashboard turn on, such as the check engine light, it's essential to get your car serviced immediately.

Poor performance

If your car is not performing as well as it used to, such as decreased fuel efficiency, reduced acceleration, or difficulty starting, it may be a sign that it needs servicing.

Strange smells

If you notice strange smells coming from your car, such as burning oil or a strong gasoline odour, it may be a sign that your vehicle needs servicing.

Servicing Your Car

Following your car's recommended service schedule is essential to maintain optimal performance and prolong its lifespan. Here are some vital services that should be performed regularly:

Oil change

Your car's oil should be changed every 8,000 to 11,100 kilometres or every six months to a year, depending on your car's make and model.

Brake inspection

Brakes should be inspected regularly to guarantee they function correctly and prevent potential safety issues.

Fluid check

It's essential to regularly check and top off your car's fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.

Air filter replacement

Air filters should be replaced every 24,000 to 48,280 kilometres, especially if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions.

Consequences of Ignoring Car Servicing

Ignoring car servicing can seriously affect your car's performance, safety, and longevity. Here are the potential consequences of neglecting car servicing:

Reduced fuel efficiency

Regular car servicing helps ensure your car is running at its optimal efficiency. If you ignore car servicing, your car's fuel efficiency may decrease, leading to frequent trips to the gas station and higher fuel costs.

Decreased performance

Neglecting car servicing can also lead to a decrease in your car's performance. Your vehicle may not accelerate as quickly, may have reduced power, or may not handle as well as it used to.

Safety issues

Regular car servicing includes essential safety checks, such as brake inspections and tyre rotations. Ignoring these services can lead to serious safety issues, such as tyre blowouts or brake failure, which can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.

Costly repairs

Ignoring car servicing can also lead to more costly repairs down the line. Minor problems that could have been fixed with regular servicing can become significant issues requiring expensive servicing and repairs or replacements.

Decreased resale value

Neglecting car servicing can decrease your car's resale value. Prospective buyers are more likely to be interested in a car with a documented service history and may be wary of purchasing a vehicle with unknown or neglected service records.

Shorter lifespan

Regular car servicing helps to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. Neglecting car servicing can cause premature wear and tear on your car's parts and components, leading to a shorter lifespan overall.

Ignoring car servicing can severely affect your car's performance, safety, and longevity. It's important to follow your car's recommended service schedule and perform regular servicing to ensure it runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Doing so can avoid costly repairs, maintain your car's value, and prolong its lifespan.

Tips to Maintain Your Car's Health Between Services

Check tyre pressure regularly

Proper tyre pressure is vital for maintaining fuel efficiency and preventing tyre wear. Check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure it's at the recommended level.

Change the oil on time

Regular oil changes help keep your engine running smoothly and can help prolong its lifespan. Follow your car's recommended oil change interval and use the recommended type of oil.

Keep your car clean

Keeping your car clean can help prevent rust and other damage. Wash your car regularly and clean the inside to keep it looking and smelling fresh.

Pay attention to warning signs

If you notice any warning signs, such as strange noises, dashboard warning lights, or reduced performance, take your car in for servicing right away.

Follow the recommended service schedule

Following the recommended service schedule is essential for maintaining your car's health. Schedule regular car maintenance appointments and follow your car's recommended service schedule.

Don't Neglect Your Car's Health - Get Regular Servicing

Regular car servicing is crucial for maintaining your car's health, performance, and safety. By following these tips and staying on top of your car's recommended service schedule; you can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle lasts for many years to come.

Pay attention to your car's health; schedule regular servicing appointments and keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you plan to sell your car soon, keeping it well-serviced will help you get a higher resale value. You can sell privately or via a dealer to get the best value for your well-serviced car.