Importance of car servicing
It pays to have your car on a regular servicing schedule. This is so because your car will stay tip-top most of the time with lesser breakdowns, and therefore lesser repairs. More importantly, your safety when driving is better guaranteed. Upholding a regular service schedule recommended by the maker also boost a longer life. If you suddenly need to sell it off for some reasons, you will find that this good habit actually translates to a better resale price tag.
To sum it all, when you have a regularly serviced car, you can benefit from lesser engine wear, prolonged car engine life and better fuel economy performance.
When sending your car for servicing, here’s what to note. First, map out a detailed “to do list”. Very often, a typical servicing means:
Changing of engine oil is considered the most important part of a car service. Your schedule of changing the engine oil and filter is determined by the type of oil used. In general, fully synthetic oils last longer and provide stronger protection to the engine compared to mineral or semi-synthetic oils. If oil change is not regularly done, you run the risk of sludge built-ups which prevent the engine from getting proper lubrication. This in turn can lead to engine failure and a much costlier repair. Maintaining a regular service helps to avoid such problem and save you money in the long term.
It is good to also check and top up your brake, coolant and steering oils every time you’re in for your car servicing. You should initiate periodical checks too. Undetected engine coolant deficiency, could lead to very expensive damage, including the much dreaded engine replacement. You also wouldn’t want to risk jeopardizing your safety on the road due to power steering or brake fluid problems that caused you to lose control of your car. Checks are important!!
Highlight all safety issues concerned, or wear and tear on lightings, signals and braking systems.
Depending upon the environmental conditions, air filters usually last 25,000 to 50,000 kms. Air filters, when clogged, reduces air flow to the engine. This results in lesser power and higher fuel consumption.
Spark plug is vital in tuning the engine, although it is one the least expensive parts of the engine. While some makers claim that their plugs can last over 100,000 kms, it is still recommended that they be changed after every 45,000 kms. Long life spark plugs also have to be cleaned regularly and free from carbon deposits. This will ensure that your engine runs smooth without choking.