Making sure your vehicle is in top condition through regular servicing is essential for its longevity and performance. Many car owners often ask us how many times a year they should service their car. Based on 10 years of experience in the auto industry, this guide will give you insights to and help you know when you next service should be.
Why regular car service is the way to go
Regular servicing makes sure your car runs smoothly and safely. Here are the benefits:
- Long-term vehicle health: It’s much better to fix issues before they become more serious.
- Top-of-the-line performance: Keeps your car running efficiently and at max performance
- Better Resale value: You’ll be able to get more from selling a well-maintained car
- Better Safety: Regular servicing will reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns and accidents.
Factors affecting the need to service your car
- How You Drive: Making a lot of short trips and driving through heavy traffic can lead to increased wear and tears on the engine.
- Local Climate: Extremely high temperatures and weather conditions can negatively affect your car’s performance over time.
- How Much You Drive: Of course, the more you drive, the more frequent maintenance is needed.
Signs your car needs service
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Make sure you don’t ignore these; they often are a sign of various issues that could be serious.
- Unusual Noises: Squealing brakes, grinding gears, or other sounds that you don’t usually hear.
- Handling Issues: Hard steering, vibrations, or a tendency for the car to pull to one side.
- Less Fuel Efficiency: You’re getting a serious reduction in miles per gallon compared to when the car was new.
What if my car is at the end of its life?
If your car is at the end of its life or you are experiencing some major mechanical issues, yit might be time to cut your losses. If this is the case you should consider selling your car to a reliable car buying service such as Perth Car Buyer. Not only will you be able to get rid of your car quickly, you could also receive a generous cash payment as well from our car buying team.
DIY maintenance tips
- Regularly Check Oil Levels: Ensure proper lubrication.
- Inspect Tires: Look for wear and maintain the manufacturer-recommended pressure.
- Replace Wiper Blades: This is essential for maintaining clear visibility.
- Clean and Replace Air Filters: Keeps your engine running smoothly well into the future.
Conclusion
Understanding how often to service your car is key to maintaining its health and performance.
Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidelines and consult a professional mechanic for tailored advice.
FAQs
Can I extend the interval between oil changes if I use synthetic oil? Yes, synthetic oil typically allows for longer intervals between changes, but remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What if I don’t drive my car often? Even if you don’t drive frequently, certain maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, should still be performed based on time intervals.
How do I know if my brakes need to be replaced? Listen for squealing or grinding noises and pay attention to any decrease in braking performance.