Do you know when it is time to bring your car in for service?
Is there a specific mileage or time frame that triggers when I need to get my oil changed, air filter checked, and my brakes inspected?
If you are like most people, you may have a vague idea that your vehicle requires some type of maintenance every once in a while, but it’s difficult to know whether it is time for an oil change or brake inspection.
We have created a list of things that warrant an appointment with the mechanic, as well as how often you should be getting them done.
This will help you avoid costly repairs down the road and ensure that your vehicle is running at peak performance!
Before we dive into the post, let’s have look at things below.
Some of the most important things to do during regular car servicing are:
- Examine the overall condition and performance of your car.
- Ensure the effective functioning of all the safety features.
- Monitoring the quality and quantity of fluids.
- Change the consumables such as air filters as well as the oil filter.
- Don’t forget topping up the engine’s oil as well as other fluids.
Why Should I Get the Car Servicing Done?
The safety of you and your co-passengers is paramount. Your car’s maintenance can provide you with peace of mind knowing that the vehicle you own is in a road-worthy state.
Maintaining your car assures you of knowing that everything is functioning correctly. It will help you identify any possible issues before they become actual problems.
Possibly you would save cash by avoiding regular car servicing; however, in the end, you will end up spending more.
Like everything else that’s important, if you spot problems earlier than later, it’s simpler and less expensive to fix.
Engine oil is a great illustration. It is significant to protect and lubricate the moving parts of the engine. The engine could end and cost thousands of dollars to fix or replace without it.
Car servicing not only helps make your car safer and more economical to operate, but it will also extend its longevity. So, if you maintain your car, it will remain healthier and will last longer.
Moreover, if you are considering selling your car, you should keep the fact that it can add value to the car if it has been regularly maintained or is fully serviced. It is more likely to draw many buyers and enable you to get a higher cost of your car.
What Is the Recommended Frequency for Getting Your Car Servicing Done?
Most car manufacturers recommend regular maintenance every six months for vehicles with moderate use.
<div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-117" data-inserter-version="2">The intervals for service are defined by the time of service and the mileage.
The following service will be due after the specified amount of miles has been traveled or when the time specified has passed, whichever comes first.
Both manufacturers and mechanics recommend getting the car servicing done at least every 10,000 miles or every 6 months, depending on what happens first.
Certain cars also come with an auto-diagnostic system that will notify you of the time your car is ready to be serviced.
Please do not ignore any warning signals even if the car has not driven 10,000 miles since the last time it was serviced.
If, after your last visit, you were informed that your car might require an “interim service”, that implies that you should think about having another service carried out within 3 to 4 months or about 5,000 miles later than your last one.
Something is likely wearing down the car, and the mechanic wants to ensure that everything is functioning in good order. This is a preventative step.
Finding the Ideal Car Servicing Interval
There is no single size that is best regarding maintenance and servicing intervals. It all depends on a range of variables, including the car’s age, quality of maintenance, the frequency of use, the type of roads you travel on, and your driving habits.
Most car manufacturers suggest car servicing and maintenance plans suitable for the majority of drivers.
To accommodate variations in the conditions of use, they also recommend a different schedule for driving in extreme conditions.
Regular small distance driving for prolonged periods, towing vehicles, off-road use, or frequent use on poor roads could place you in the extreme usage category.
Are Car Servicing Intervals Flexible?
If you only use your car often, you should have it serviced every six months. This is because a low use causes its own problems, such as inadequate lubrication, battery issues, and fluid degradation.
The likelihood of the problems like mold growth, rust, rodent infestation, and dry rot in rubber parts are also more significant when vehicles are used less frequently.
If your car use falls under extreme driving conditions, you must abide by the manufacturer’s servicing schedule, regardless of the miles.
If your car is being used often but does not have enough miles on the odometer to justify a 6-monthly service, decide after considering the advantages and disadvantages. We recommend getting your car checked every 6 months.
The Issue With Extended Car Servicing Intervals
When you take good care of your car and get it repaired at frequent intervals, some of these inspections and repairs will be delayed.
#1: The inside of your car is filled with essential parts that can be damaged if you encounter large speed potholes, bumps, and uneven roads. There is also the possibility of bent wheels or developing an alignment issue. Flying stones and road debris could also cause damages.
#2: The deterioration of components in the braking system can result in uneven wear of the brakes and, if not addressed, could lead to underperformance or brake failure.
#3: Your car’s tires remain in constant touch with the road, and they take in all kinds of pressure. It is not unusual to encounter foreign objects when you serve them, such as small nails and metal wires stuck inside the tires.
Delayed service permits these foreign materials to stay longer within your car’s tires and can cause punctures or increase the damage of the tire. Also, you are likely to be unable to notice it.
#4: It is possible not to see that your car’s tail lights and indicators are not working. This might seem minor, but most people do not notice these until someone points them out. You are also not likely to detect minor fluid leaks until they cause the occurrence of a fault or when an indicator turns on.
Getting Your Car Servicing Done Yearly
We recommend conducting the following checks at a minimum during the month. Perform it twice a month if the last inspection was at least six months prior.
- Verify the level of coolant.
- Make sure the battery’s terminals are checked.
- Check the oil quality and oil level in the engine.
- Verify the fluid level of the washer on the windscreen.
- Be sure to inspect the tires thoroughly for bulges, foreign objects, and uneven wear.
- Check for indications of oil leakage beneath the car to see if there is any evidence of leakage. You might be able to determine this after your car has been in a parked position for a while.
- Look out for signs of brake issues, such as burning or squealing sounds.
- If the ride gets rough or you hear strange sounds while your car is in motion, get it checked immediately.
How Often Do You Require Car Servicing?
As discussed earlier, most experts recommend having a professional car servicing and maintenance every 6 months or 10,000 km, whichever occurs first.
However, every car is unique, and the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding service schedules may differ and should be noted in your vehicle’s logbook or the owner’s manual.
You should also check the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding maintenance that you can perform yourself and when parts need to be replaced.
Modern cars have longer intervals between service, usually 15,000 km or 12 months.
Be aware that the latest engines are more complicated and are often more prone to carelessness. So do not get in a rush to squeeze an extra few months between visits to the service department.
Regular Car Servicing Prolongs the Longevity of Your Car
Regular car servicing is crucial to ensure longevity for your car. It can help keep your car in fine condition and free of any niggles. Although modern automobiles are more reliable than ever, they require some periodic inspections.
The best method to look out for signs of trouble or malfunctioning parts is to examine your car appropriately and regularly maintain your car.
The easiest way to determine how often you must check your car’s maintenance schedule is to look up the manual of your car’s manufacturer.
In general, car makers recommend an interval of 10,000 km or 6 months, depending on the earlier date.
However, according to your driving style, it is also possible to check your car at least every 5,000 miles to avoid any pitfalls.
If you are buying a brand new car, you must be aware of when servicing your vehicle every 5,000 km or 10,000 km or 15,000 km.
Car Servicing At 5,000 km
This is the initial service of your car since the run-in period is completed at a distance of 1,000 km.
After you have traveled 5,000 km, then it’s time to carry out general inspections of your car and refill fluids. A few of the most significant checks include checking engine oil and replacing parts if needed.
Newer models see lesser wear with this level and require an overall service as well as thorough cleaning to maintain the new look of the car.
This is also an ideal opportunity to replenish coolant levels, the windshield washer fluid, and clean the filter in order to make sure the engine is operating smoothly just as it does.
The interval of 5,000 miles can also be an excellent time to look for any minor niggles in the electronic components or creaking doors, which may require lubrication for smooth operation.
Also, be sure to inspect car tires to find any nail or debris that may be stuck, resulting in punctures in the future.
Car Servicing At 10,000 km
Although the initial service serves as a safety inspection, the primary service will be due at 10,000 miles, as advised by many carmakers. At this point, your car has experienced some wear and tear.
It has been exposed to dirt and dust, traveled diverse terrains, and received bumps and bruises while in traffic.
The service interval is when various major inspections occur, including an oil change using the recommended viscosity level as stated in the manual for owners.
Also, you must change the oil filter and clean the air filter. If you drive on dusty roads, you might need to change the air filter completely.
Ensure the car is thoroughly cleaned and all hinges and joints maintained for seamless operation.
If you’re looking to go further, you could also have your car cleaned and polished with wax in order to help protect the exterior and preserve the new appearance of the car. For more details on Removing Wax Haze From Car, click here.
Additionally, you will need to change the pollen filter every 10,000 km interval. It assures that the air you breathe is clean and free of pollutants.
It also aids in prolonging the cooling effect and the HVAC unit’s lifespan.
The tires also require maintenance at this point, and it is crucial to perform wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and tire rotation throughout the car servicing.
This can help prevent uneven wear and tear and extend the life of suspension and tires.
Car Servicing At 15,000 km
The 15,000-mile service is likely to bring additional issues which need to be dealt with and possibly replacement of certain parts as well.
In addition to changing the oil, it’s an ideal time to inspect the brake pads as well as wash your disc’s rotors.
While brake pads are meant to last for a more extended period than 15,000 miles, ad hoc driving may take a toll on them and prompt an earlier replacement than is needed.
The warning lights displayed on the console need to be checked, and any errors will have to be removed.
The battery in the car will have to be examined and tested to ensure proper voltage, aside from cleaning out the connections.
Also, you will likely find the HVAC unit requires an upgrade for the cooling gas, and the windshield washer fluid must be replenished.
Also, it’s time to examine other fluids present in the car, including transmission, brake, and steering.
The 15000 km interval for service will also trigger cleaning and inspection of the spark plugs of cars powered by petrol. Ask your mechanic to inspect the fuse, bulb, and clutch.
It’s also the perfect time to make any repairs needed to the body shell of the vehicle in order to avoid the risk of rust and then exposure.
Be sure to read the owner’s manual to determine whether the manufacturer has suggested replacing any part within the 15,000 km service interval. The service should be completed with a thorough wash of the interior and exterior of the car.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Servicing
How often do you legally have to service your car?
The answer to this question depends on the state you live in. In most states, it is required that you have your car serviced at least once a year. However, there are some states that have more stringent requirements, such as twice a year or every 6,000 miles. It is important to know the requirements in your state so that you can take the proper measures to ensure that your vehicle is safe for you and everyone else on the road.
The following list shows which states require car service more frequently than once a year:
Alaska – Servicing your car every 6 months (24,000 miles) is required by law.
Lyme Disease Carriers – Every 6 months (24,000 miles).
Washington – Servicing your car every 6 months or 24,000 miles is required by law.
Wyoming – Servicing your car every 3 months or 12,000 miles is required by law.
Oregon – It is recommended that you service your vehicle every six thousand miles or six months, but it is not required by law.
If you live in one of the states listed above, it is important to make sure that you are following the state guidelines for car service. Not only will this keep your car running safely, but it can also help you avoid costly fines.
What should you have done to your car every 6 months?
In most cases, it is recommended that you have your car serviced every 6 months or every 6,000 miles. This includes an oil change, a tune-up, and a general inspection of the vehicle. By having your car serviced regularly, you can help to avoid costly repairs down the road.
If you are not sure what your state requires for car servicing, you should look at your car’s manual. This information is usually listed in the owner’s section of the manual. If you do not have your manual with you, most auto parts stores will be able to assist you.
How long can you delay a car service?
However, if you cannot afford to have your car serviced regularly and you need more time to save up the money, there is no harm in delaying the service. Just be sure to keep track of how many miles you have driven since the last service and plan to have it serviced within a few months of reaching that mileage.
It is important to note that if you delay your car service for too long, you may end up needing more expensive repairs. Car parts may start to wear down and the car may not be running as safely as it should. So, while it is okay to delay a car service if you need to, try to do so for only a few months at a time.
Can you skip a car service?
Some people choose to skip their car service altogether. This can be a risky move, as it can lead to serious problems with the car down the road. However, if you are able to get all of the required services done at once, there is no harm in doing so. Just make sure that you are aware of any potential risks involved in skipping car services.
What will happen if we don’t service your vehicle regularly?
If you do not service your vehicle regularly, it can lead to serious problems with the car. The most common issues that occur as a result of this are:
A loss in fuel economy – If your engine is not tuned properly and there is too much debris in the fluid system, it will reduce the amount of gas mileage you get per gallon.
Poor performance – If the engine is not getting enough oil, it can start to misfire and perform poorly. This can also lead to a loss in fuel economy.
Damage to the engine – The most serious issue that can occur if you do not service your vehicle regularly is damage to the engine. Over time, the engine will start to wear down and will require costly repairs.
An increase in repair costs – Not only can you end up with costly engine damage, but if your car is not regularly serviced, the other parts of the car will wear out quicker. This means that when something does go wrong, you will have to pay for both the part and the labor involved in the repair.
How often should I get my oil changed?
The type of oil and the car model will determine how often you need to get your oil changed. If you do not service your vehicle regularly, the oil will become diluted and worn down. This will cause the engine to overheat and will lead to serious damage. The oil is what helps to cool the engine and if it is not changed regularly, it can cause the engine to warp or seize. This, in turn, can lead to a costly repair bill.
You May Also Like:
- Why Do My Windshield Skip?
- What to Do When Your Car Overheats
- How Long Do Hyundai Sonatas Last? [Detailed Overview]
Closing Words
It can be hard to know when your car needs an oil change or other type of service. We’ve provided some guidelines on how often you should get a car service in order to keep it running smoothly for years to come. Whether you’re looking for regular maintenance, new tires, or something else entirely, we have got you covered everything in this post.
