Do you feel your car is less responsive than usual or making odd sounds? It’s easy to ignore these signs, but the bigger, costlier problems are waiting down the road if you skip regular servicing of your car that can address these issues proactively.
So, how frequently should you service your vehicle?
While the manufacturer’s logbook offers recommendations, most people are not sure what needs to be serviced and when.
To simplify things, this blog overviews essential maintenance tasks and how often they should be done to keep your car running smoothly in Winnipeg’s challenging weather conditions.
Why is Regular Car Servicing Important?
Regular maintenance and servicing of your car help address potential issues to keep your car in good running condition and avoid breakdowns. Here, we will discuss the primary benefits of regular car servicing.
Enhanced Safety
Regular servicing helps maintain the car components in good working condition to avoid any unexpected failures and the risk of accidents.
Optimised Performance
With regular servicing, your car’s engine and other mechanical parts operate at their best. It improves the vehicle’s performance in various driving conditions.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Regular servicing helps car components function smoothly and efficiently, eventually improving your car’s fuel economy.
Avoiding Costly Repairs
Routine maintenance can reduce the risk of sudden component failures so you can avoid spending money on emergency repairs.
Better Resale Value
If you are considering reselling your car, a well-maintained car with a regular service history gets a premium price from prospective buyers as it is less likely to have hidden issues.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
The best way to determine the frequency of servicing your car is to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. The car manual usually points out the maximum duration and distances between servicing intervals and considers factors such as your vehicle’s age, make, and model.
Typically, professional car servicing is required after every six months or 10,000 km, whichever comes first. However, this may vary. If your car is older or you regularly drive in difficult conditions, it can be worth having a service more frequently, such as every 5,000 km or three months.
General Guidelines for Car Service Frequency
Car service frequency may vary based on the car model and manufacturer’s recommendations. This can also depend on different factors, as mentioned below.
Newer vs. Older Cars
Due to advanced features and quality components, new cars typically have longer intervals between services. In contrast, older cars may require frequent servicing to keep them more fuel-efficient and trouble-free.
Driving Patterns
Frequent trips, even for short distances, can lead to quicker wear and tear, which calls for more regular servicing. If you cover long distances regularly, your car may need less frequent servicing, but special attention should be given to specific components like tires and brakes.
Standard Service Intervals Based on Distance Covered
Servicing your car regularly can reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs. At the same time, it helps avoid the risk of breakdowns, accidents, and other safety issues.
Service frequency often depends on what type of service you require. We will discuss the standard service intervals based on the distance traveled by your car and what typically needs to be done at each stage.
5,000-10,000 Kilometres: Oil Change
The function of engine oil is to lubricate the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear. Engine oil has a life; over time, oil quality deteriorates and becomes less effective. An oil change thus becomes one of your car’s most important maintenance tasks.
What’s Included in the Service:
- Changing the engine oil
- Replacing the oil filter
- Check and top up coolant, brake fluid, and other lubricants.
25,000-30,000 Kilometres: Air Filter Replacement, Tyre Rotation
Several additional maintenance tasks are recommended when your car covers a distance of around 25,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
What’s Included in the Service:
- Replacement of the air filter to maintain optimal airflow, improving engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Checking your tires and wheels to ensure proper balancing and safe movement, especially in adverse road conditions.
- Additional checks include inspecting brake pads, checking the battery condition, and examining the exhaust system for leaks or damage.
90,000-100,000 Kilometres: Comprehensive Service, Major Inspections
Your car will need extensive maintenance when it crosses 90,000 to 100,000 kilometers. This comprehensive service often includes significant inspections and part replacements if required.
What’s Included in the Service:
- Thorough inspection of the engine and transmission
- Checking the timing belt for damages and change if necessary
- Inspecting the cooling system, including the radiator and hoses
- Evaluating the steering system for any issues
- Checking and replacing the brake fluid
Types of Servicing
Servicing aims to maintain your car’s health for a longer, more reliable, and safer performance. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing major troubles by taking proactive actions.
There are different types of services that you can have for your car, depending on factors such as vehicle type, drive style, and kilometers covered. The expert mechanic will recommend the most appropriate one of the following:
- Minor (General) Service: These services are relatively quick and include simple yet essential tasks such as testing the car’s oil and filter, as well as testing the steering, suspension, tires, lights, air conditioning, brakes, and fluid.
- Interim Service: Interim services are conducted between general services if your vehicle regularly experiences challenging conditions such as high speeds, frequent stop-starts in city traffic, or traveling through harsh road conditions. It highlights any specific issues that need attention.
- Primary (Full) Service: These are the comprehensive services for your car. In addition to the areas checked during a general service, your mechanic will thoroughly and meticulously inspect and service all vital components to improve their functionalities and efficiency.
Conclusion
You may find that your car runs fine without causing any trouble, but ignoring the timely service of your vehicle could be a costly mistake. If left un-serviced, your car may accumulate hidden problems that can negatively affect your fuel economy and increase the risk of mechanical failures and accidents.
Cars can develop issues that can only be identified by an experienced mechanic during regular maintenance checks. At Cars 24×7, we focus on providing professional vehicle repair services in Winnipeg to handle the technical issues of your car effectively.
Our experienced mechanics efficiently inspect, diagnose, and service vehicles for reliable performance, keeping you safe and confident on the road.
Book your appointment online today to enjoy our automotive services. Once submitted, our team will review and confirm your appointment through email or phone.