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A check-up for maintenance of the car that is carried out at regular intervals of time that may range from 6 months to a year, after a vehicle has covered a certain distance of number of miles is known as a car service. Service interval is recommended and usually a schedule is provided by the car manufacturer. Auto service includes replacement of old and ageing parts and fluids change as well as complete inspection of key components to check if they are in sound working condition. This is different from a Ministry of Transport test which ensures vehicle on road safety required by the state laws.
Primarily, three types or levels of auto services, namely, interim, full, and major services are commonly offered by the service centres and workshops. The type of service required is determined by the number of miles covered by the vehicle in a year and also on the level of service availed during the previous service session.
#1. Interim car service
Interim or the basic service is specifically designed for vehicles that cover over more than 20,000 miles per year. These vehicles may require one service every six months. This basis service includes oil and oil filter change as well as general inspection of auto components such as lights, brakes, tyres and wipers. Interim service also includes lubrication of all the moving parts and checking for leakage of fluids for high mileage vehicles.
#2. Full service
Also known an as intermediate service are recommended once every year or at twelve thousand miles, whichever is earlier, is specially for vehicles with lower yearly mileages. Full service will essentially include a wide range of inspections and replacements such as air and fuel filters, spark plugs, brake systems inspection, shock absorbers and wheel bearing inspections, air conditioning, radiator and coolant as well as electrical components inspections.
#3. Master service
Commonly referred to as a ‘major’ car service, is advisable every twenty-four thousand miles or every two years, whichever is earlier. Suppose a car has a full service in the current year, it is recommended to get a master service the following year. Known to be a comprehensive package, it includes replacement of the cabin filters and brake fluids. Prolonged usage contaminates the brake fluids, making the brake system less efficient, thereby making it difficult to bring the car to sudden halt if necessary. Inability to brake effectively can have very serious consequences while driving at high speed. Regular changing of the cabin filters is necessary as these filters are responsible for maintaining the quality of the air through the air conditioning system.
Besides the different types of car servicing packages, there are certain advantages of regular vehicle servicing that are worth mentioning, such as:
Enhances safety on road by ensuring proper engine function.
Effectively reduces the running costs of the vehicle.
Ensures better fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Car servicing reduces pollution helping the environment.
Helps in retaining the value of the vehicle for a longer period of time.
Vehicles run on mechanic and electrical components that need servicing. Just like any other mechanical or electrical devices, on a regular basis, to ensure the proper or optimum level of working efficiency. The benefit of having a car servicing done at a well-known workshop or service centre is that they have experienced mechanics or technicians who are trained to handle almost all types of vehicles.
Also, the service centres can help the vehicle owner estimate a return service for the vehicle. It is advisable for every responsible vehicle owner to maintain these scheduled services on a priority basis as this will ensure long term performance of the vehicle.