09 August 2022
Many often have doubts regarding the servicing of the car. More often than not, people skip regular servicing even after reminders from the servicing centres. Thinking that it is mere waste of time and money.
Periodic servicing of a car is essential to keep it technically healthy, maintain its serviceability, preclude defects, and enhance the life expectancy of components and the car. A properly serviced and maintained car can fetch you more money in the second-hand car market. Besides offering a flawless performance and comfortable journey while in use.
Many factors can decide the servicing periodicity of the car. Usage is the foremost thing that affects the components and may cause wear and tear. The technical team undertaking the maintenance and servicing would replace the worn-out or defective parts to prevent the cascading effect on the complete system. Thus, reducing the overall repair expenses.
The build quality, strength, durability and performance of the modern cars are way higher than the old models are. Installed with advanced components, the car may not require repair frequently. Nonetheless, it is crucial to undertake inspection and evaluation of the parts in a fixed periodicity. The schedule for servicing may be fixed on kilometres run or time elapsed.
Things that determine the servicing periodicity are:
This is the first thing you must check. The car manual will have a specified frequency of servicing, ascertained based on the studies and evaluation of the experts. It would be great if you can abide by the directives in the car manual and undertake servicing within the stipulated period. Ideally, the cars should be serviced at a frequency of six months or 10,000 km, whichever is earlier.
Car servicing periodicity can depend on the age of the vehicle and overall condition. It may need more frequent servicing if the car is more than a decade old. As with usage, the wear and tear would be more and the components can fail frequently. The best way to avoid the breakdown of the car is to service it without fail.
Do you drive the car carefully observing all the guidelines? Are you a rough driver? The way you drive the car can have an effect on the internal condition of the vehicle. It may become defective quicker than the intended period if the style of driving is not correct.
How are the roads? What is the type of terrain you drive your car? These elements can affect the condition of the components. You may have to repair or service the car more often if you drive on rough terrains frequently.
The servicing periodicity differs depending on the type of car and model. In this case, as well, it would be ideal to check the car manual. To confirm the servicing periodicity.
You can make use of these guides if you are a true lover of your vehicle.
The main issues that can occur due to lack of proper servicing in the prescribed period are:
You can fix the servicing period of the car based on the following factors:
Do you plan to own a new car? Confused about car exchange or selling, follow this guide(car exchange vs selling)
The types of car servicing include:
A normal inspection of the vehicle is done to identify any defects or fluid changes if required. The engine oil, coolant liquid, and other fluids would be examined to assess their condition. The fluids would be replaced in case necessary based on the condition and kilometres run.
This type of servicing is advised if you use the car in rough terrains and harsh conditions. The interim servicing would depend on the model of the car as well. For example, in case you are using a hatchback on rough roads or for off-roading, it would need interim servicing essentially. Interim servicing falls between minor and major servicing.
Full body check-ups, an inspection of all the minor and major components, condition of clutch, condition of tyres, road test, examination of fluids, etc are included in major servicing. The car would be completely healthy after the major servicing. It is always best to undertake major servicing annually. Nevertheless, approach only an authorized servicing centre for major servicing. Local servicing centres may not have the equipment for detailed inspection. Further, the servicing at an authorized centre will guarantee quality.
A properly serviced and maintained car will offer you comfortable drive, as well as, fetch you a better cost in the used car market. With the second hand car segment flourishing, it is good to sell your vehicle to a trusted used car dealer when you want to buy a new car.