It’s easy to put off your car service. To the untrained eye, if your car is driving well and isn’t making strange noises, you might assume that a check-up isn’t necessary. However, regular car servicing is crucial and you don’t need to wait until the service light goes on. As a general rule, you should book your car in for a professional service every six months or 10,000km – whichever comes first. Some older cars need servicing more regularly. In some European models, sensors in the engine will let you know when a service is due. Each time interval has a corresponding kilometre interval, typically from 5,000 to 15,000km. How often you service your car should be based on whichever of these intervals comes up first. Every car is different and manufacturers’ recommendations on service schedules vary. Check your car’s logbook or owner’s manual.
What could happen to your car if it doesn’t get regular service?
Mechanics check the overall health of your car and prevent potential problems. Without regular servicing, the following problems can occur:
- Suspension problems
If your suspension is getting creaky or worn out, a service will alert you so you can replace the appropriate parts.
- Transmission issues
A transmission service is a regular part of a car service – just like an oil change. Old transmission fluid is flushed out and replaced with new fluid. If you never have a transmission service performed, your transmission fluid will become contaminated with metal shavings and other particles over time. Using contaminated fluid will shorter the lifespan of your transmission.
- Brake problems
Brake checks are vital. Driving for a longer distance than you are supposed to between services is a safety risk. A mechanic will let you know if your brakes are wearing low.
- Head gasket or piston damage
Have you ever heard that oil is the lifeblood of your car? It’s true. Don’t wait too long for oil and lubrication changes and oil filter upgrades. If you drive with little to no oil in your car for an extended period, you can severely damage the head gasket or pistons. When these break, the repairs can be very costly.
Extend the life of your car – see the team at Moorooka Automotive
Expensive repairs can be avoided with regular maintenance. Moorooka Automotive is your local expert in cars, 4WD and light trucks. Based in Moorooka, Queensland, our highly skilled team of mechanics have over 60 years of collective experience in the industry. Leave the ‘how often to service your car’ question to the experts at Moorooka Mechanic Expert, and enjoy a reliable ride every day.
Give us a call today at (07) 3892 1153.