Servicing is seen as a financial pain for most drivers, dreading the cost and inconvenience it can involve. However, servicing is essential and can be relatively painless when you work with a trustworthy and experienced mechanic. Modern cars are complex systems with 50 or more components that require checks and adjustments.
From simple tasks like replacing essential oils and fluids to assessing and adjusting electronic and mechanical functions, a lot goes into keeping your car running safely and performing optimally. Servicing a car is an expense, but the potential costs of damage due to a lack of maintenance are much higher. Ensure you get your car serviced at least every six months to ensure your safety and reduce costs over the lifespan of your vehicle.
Importance of Regular Servicing
A properly serviced and well-tuned engine ensures your car runs for longer and is more economical than a car that is run into the ground with minimal or insufficient attention. Servicing your car can also potentially prevent major problems with the engine and transmission by discovering minor issues early.
Servicing your car at regular, recommended intervals is important even if the service light isn’t on. That being said, if your service light appears and it’s only been a couple of months since your last service, you shouldn’t ignore it. If something goes wrong with a key component like your suspension or brake pads, a service light will alert you so you can protect your safety and replace the appropriate parts.
Servicing Prevents Costly Major Repairs
Not servicing your car means you run the risk of experiencing sudden problems or catastrophic failures, which can leave you stuck on the side of the road, and facing major repair costs. Servicing can also reveal hidden engine damage that you may have not noticed otherwise and could cause further issues even if it doesn’t necessarily impact your ability to drive the car. For example, driving with little to no oil in your car for an extended period of time can severely damage the head gasket or the pistons, and when these break, the repairs can cost a fortune.
What Does Servicing Involve?
Full servicing includes everything from simple checks like fluid level checks and changes through to diagnosis of potential system issues. Hydraulic fluid is hygroscopic (attracts and absorbs water) and needs to be changed at regular intervals as water can corrode the system from the inside. A service will also address issues like:
- Condition of the brake pads
- Steering alignment
- Battery condition
- Tyre tread depth
- Condition of suspension
- Oil leaks
- Exhaust leaks or corrosion
- Door locking system
- Condition of lights
- Looseness of belts
- Problems with the cooling system including leaks from the radiator, cap, water pump, cylinder head or gasket and hoses
Regular servicing that’s documented in your logbook also helps you retain the resale value of your car, allowing you to sell it at a higher price than you otherwise could.
Contact Car Care Joondalup for Expert Servicing and Repairs
For any and all auto repairs and servicing, our expert Joondalup mechanics can help. Call the team at Car care Joondalup on (08) 9300 9796 or contact us online today.
