Car Service

Why Service Your Vehicle?

A car service is essential to the performance, longevity and everyday safety aspects of your vehicle. Although most people realise they have to service their car, sometimes it can be confusing to know who can properly service your car and how often it needs to be serviced.

Car servicing does not have to be a mystery, and you will find having the correct knowledge can save you both time and money. There are many good mechanics out there, so use our directory services to find the right mechanic for you.

Car Service

Firstly, you need to consider who you should approach to service your car. This will depend on the type of car you own and how you plan to use it. For example, servicing a 4WD before taking it on a trip through the outback is a lot different than servicing a family sedan that never leaves a suburban area.

The same goes for a new car. Often, new cars are supplied with warranties, so you must use a mechanic with authorised servicing and parts to maintain your car. Failing to do so may void your new car warranty and cost you in the case of a breakdown that is not your fault. In many cases, mechanics will advertise if they are authorised to perform new-car servicing without voiding the warrant, and many chain stores fit this description and will save you money on dealer servicing.

European-built cars often require specialist servicing, and often this comes at a premium price. Shop around to find the best deal, and ask your local mechanic if they can complete Euro car servicing. In many cases, it can save you money.

As mentioned, 4WD car service requires special individuals that are experienced and skills with the specific conditions that affect these vehicles. If you are driving a 4WD, or any other type of specialised vehicle, consider using a specialised mechanic to suit the vehicle.

Servicing

Most mechanics recommend a minor service every six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), and you can expect an oil and filter change and safety inspection as the bare basics of a minor service. Oil is your car's lifeblood and one of the most crucial factors to the long-term health of your car, so don't neglect minor servicing.

In some cases, people will choose to perform minor servicing themselves. If this is the case, make sure you are certain you are using the correct products and equipment or a minor service may cost you more than you save on not using a professional. It is a good way to save money, but always seek professional advice if you are unsure.

It's a good idea to leave major servicing to the professionals. Unless you are a qualified or competent car mechanic yourself, you may miss some vital key to your car's operating and jeopardise the performance and safety of your car - not to mention money.

Major servicing should be performed every 40,000km/24 months (whichever comes first), and possibly even sooner under heavy operating conditions or if you notice anything strange about your vehicle. This could be as small as strange noises from under the bottom to more serious signs like incorrect operation, poor performance or vehicle warning lights (usually located on the dash under the speedo).

Apart from major and minor servicing, there are wear-and-tear issues that affect each car differently. This could include suspension, batteries, moving engine components, radiator hoses, clutches, brakes, gearbox, electronics, steering components, tyres and more. Correct maintenance and driving practice will help avoid unnecessary cost, and so will correct car servicing.