How often should I get my car serviced?
If I didn’t drive much I’d get the car serviced every six months. Every second service can be just a quick once-over and an engine oil change (plus the oil filter). This ‘intermediate’ service should cost very little but it’s quite important because short trips and low-kilometre running is hell on earth for engine oil.
Why is it important to know when car service is due?
One of the principal reasons for this is so that faults can be spotted and put right before they become terminal. Many of the minor niggles which can arise with a car don’t, in themselves, have any major consequences.
What kind of service should I get for my car?
Use a trusted independent mechanic who knows the kind of car you own. Dealership service is generally a rip-off, for two reasons: First up, and most obviously, it’s over-priced. Secondly, it’s often not very good, from a quality point of view.
Is it better to go independent for car servicing?
Going independent will save you hundreds of dollars per service, and the independent bloke will probably also do a better job (since it’s his core business). Dealerships are notorious rip-off merchants on service, and also not very good at it.
What’s the recommended maintenance schedule for a new car?
Follow the factory recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual or service booklet for your car. If you drive a newer car, it probably has an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules obsolete.
When does a car need a severe service?
Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer. If your vehicle use falls under the severe service definition in your owner’s manual, follow the more rigorous car maintenance schedule. However, if you drive your car under normal conditions, be wary of spending hard-earned money on services your car may not need or benefit from.
When do I need an in-car maintenance reminder?
In-vehicle maintenance reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component inspections and other car maintenance services.
How often does an older car need service?
Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are usually two different maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in “normal” service and another for those used in “severe” operating conditions.