Car Service Tips

Routine car servicing will help improve the longevity of your vehicle. Below are a few things you should know about car services. 

Minor Servicing

Minor servicing includes light tasks such as checking the tire pressure, topping up the coolant, brake and transmission fluids. Most car owners will neglect minor car service. In the long run, the tires will have uneven wear and the brakes become dysfunctional. As such, they risk causing road accidents. Besides, the vehicle may overheat and damage internal components. 

Routine Servicing

Routine servicing should be conducted as per the manufacturer's specification. For instance, some vehicles will be serviced every 5,000 kilometres, while others can last up to 10,000 kilometres. It involves the following:  

  • Draining the engine oil. You must use the recommended engine oil. Otherwise, the vehicle could develop engine problems. Remember to change the oil filter.
  • Your old air filter may have accumulated dust and small insects. As such, you should either replace or clean it.
  • Check the condition of the spark plugs. They may or may not need replacement.
  • Over time, the vehicle's wheels become misaligned. It is especially so if you drive offroad. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to conduct wheel balancing and alignment.
  • The mechanic will conduct an extensive inspection to check the condition of the suspension components, brake pads, brake linings and the vehicle's electrical system. It helps determine the scope of the service. 

Major Service

It should be conducted every 100,000–150,000 kilometres. Its primary purpose is to restore the vehicle to a near-new state. Your first concern should be the vehicle's engine. At this mileage, some of the engine components will be worn out. Your mechanic will change the timing and serpentine belts and check whether the vehicle requires new pulleys. More often than not, you will need to service the fuel lines. As such, you could use additives to get rid of carbon deposits in the fuel tank and fuel hoses. Besides, you will also need to replace your injectors. 

The camshaft may need refurbishing to restore the smoothness of the lobes. Replace oil seals and gaskets to prevent oil leaks. Besides, you may need to change the crankshaft and alternator. Your car's radiator will have dirt and gunk after years of use. Therefore, you could choose to replace or clean the radiator. The vehicle might also require a fresh coat of paint or buffing to restore its original shine. 

Remember to use genuine parts as you service the vehicle. You may opt for aftermarket parts if you need to improve the car's performance. If this is the case, go for high-quality parts manufactured by reputable companies. 


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