What is a Car Service?
Taking your car to the mechanic or panel beater is the best way to ensure that your vehicle will keep you safe on the road. It is also the easiest thing you can do to make your car as efficient as possible.
You can think of a car service in two ways. First, there is a full, comprehensive service that your car will need from time to time. Then there are the smaller service appointments that your car will need in between those longer service appointments.
How often you should have these service appointments depends on the age and condition of your car and how much you drive.
Full car service:
A full service is a comprehensive service that covers many things, such as:
- Engine, oil change and/or filter replacement
- Checking engine performance and tuning
- Checking tyres, tread, wheel balancing, tyre rotation, wheel alignment
- Brake checks and replacements, brake pads, brake fluid
- Gears, clutch, transmission
- Checking hydraulic fluid and coolant levels
- Steering alignment and suspension checks, power steering fluid
- Checking lights, indicators, electrics
- Cooling system, radiator, pumps and hoses
- Air filtration
- Battery testing
Minor car service:
A minor car service can include:
- Checking tyres, tread, wheel balancing, tyre rotation, wheel alignment
- Changing the engine oil and filter
- Inspecting all of your car’s fluids
- Checking the belts, hoses, exhaust, emissions
- Replacing bulbs, checking instrument warning lights
- Windscreen checks
Why is it So Important to Service Your Car?
Looking after your vehicle with regular service appointments will help you save money in the long run and will ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
Car Performance Depends on it
Servicing your car regularly (talk to us about how often that needs to be) will help ensure that you’re driving a vehicle with its components operating at their optimum levels. The engine will run smoothly, the tyres and suspension will function as they’re meant to, and the steering and brakes won’t cause unnecessary pulling or dragging.
Ensures Safety on the Road
When all of your car’s components are functioning properly, your car is at its safest. This should be your number one priority when driving. This includes the safety of you and your passengers, as well as the safety of the other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians around you.
A regularly serviced car is a safer car. Regular service appointments ensure that any wear and tear or problem areas are fixed before they become costly or dangerous performance issues.
Fuel-efficiency and Minimises the Risk of Breaking Down
Servicing your car regularly ultimately means it will run better. It will, therefore, be more fuel efficient, saving you money at the pump.
A well-serviced car is also less likely to break down. If you want to avoid an unexpected and unwelcome breakdown and the cost of calling the emergency car rescue team out, keep your car checked and serviced regularly. This will help it last longer and hold its value longer, making it worth more if you choose to sell it at some point.
How Much is a Car Service?
The price of a car service depends on a variety of factors, including the type of car you are looking to service, as well as the level of service it needs.
We offer a range of car service options that cover different needs, including tailored car services for diesel and European cars.
Have a look at our Car Service Pricing Page to read more about our car service pricing.
How Long Does a Car Service Take?
This depends on the type of service you require. A minor service appointment may take one to two hours, depending on what needs to be done.
For a full comprehensive service, we usually ask that you leave your car with us for approximately 4 hours. We schedule all our service appointments in advance, and do our best to run to schedule so that you get your car back when you need it.
In some instances, we may be able to provide a loaner car or drop you off somewhere if needed.
How Often Should I Service My Car?
The frequency of your car service appointments depends on a number of factors, such as:
- the age and condition of your car
- the make and model of your car
- the current mileage and how much you drive per year
- your driving habits and conditions (rural roads, city driving, motorway driving, snow and ice, etc)
A full, comprehensive service is usually required once a year, while minor service appointments may be needed every six months.
A good place to check first is your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can always get in touch with us at Mt Roskill Collision Centre and we’ll advise you on how frequently you need to service your car.