During a service, key tasks are completed to keep your car in optimal working condition. They include the following checks.
Car servicing is an important part of owning and maintaining a safe and roadworthy vehicle. Performing regular maintenance on your car also helps it last longer, keep its resale value, and be as fuel efficient as possible. The information in this article is for traditional cars with combustion engines. If you have an electric vehicle or are interested in learning about the difference in service requirements, see our article Top tips to maintain your EV.
What is included in a car service?
During a service, key tasks are completed to keep your car in optimal working condition. They include the following checks.
Oil and filter change
Your engine oil and oil filter need to be changed regularly to remove any dirt and other contaminants. This prevents excessive wear on your engine.
Fluid top-up
Essential fluids, such as coolant, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid, and power steering fluid are checked during a car service and topped up as needed to maintain their proper levels.
Brake inspection
Along with brake fluid levels, the brake pads and rotors on your vehicle are checked for wear and tear and replaced as needed.
Suspension and steering check
A car service includes an inspection of the suspension and steering components to look for any signs of wear, and to allow for timely repairs.
Tyre check
As the connectors between your vehicle and the road, it’s essential that your tyres are checked during servicing to make sure they’re in good shape and inflated to the correct pressure. This can increase the life of your tyres and reduce fuel consumption.
Tyres wear differently depending on where they’re placed on your vehicle. Having them rotated during a service can reduce uneven wear and help extend the life of your tyres.
Battery check
Different factors such as the climate and vehicle usage can influence how long a car battery will last.
During a car service, the battery will be checked for health and charge level to avoid unexpected breakdowns and to ensure your car starts reliably.
If your battery needs replacing, you can save money by replacing your battery yourself. Our step-by-step car battery replacement guide shows you how to safely change your car battery at home.
Lights check
A thorough check of all exterior and interior lights typically includes the headlights, taillights, indicators, and brake lights.
This is an important safety requirement to meet road regulations.
Air filter check
The air filter is inspected and cleaned or replaced if needed to make sure that proper airflow is maintained to the engine. This helps with vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Spark plug replacement
Spark plugs, which are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine, are replaced at recommended intervals to keep everything working smoothly.
Benefits of a regular car service
Regular car servicing is an important part of keeping your vehicle in top condition, ensuring it runs reliably, smoothly, and safely on the road.
Some of the key benefits of regular servicing are listed below.
1. Improved safety
By identifying and addressing potential issues before they become a problem, regular servicing helps prevent unexpected issues that could compromise your safety while driving.
2. Reduced repair costs in the long run
Regular maintenance prevents inconvenient breakdowns and emergency repairs, saving you money in the long run.
For example, a small oil leak might seem insignificant initially, but if left unaddressed it can lead to engine damage that requires costly repairs or even a complete engine replacement.
3. Longer lifespan of your vehicle
Regularly maintaining your car helps you keep on top of any issues and take pre-emptive steps to look after the components of your car. This can prolong the lifespan of your vehicle.
4. Improved performance and fuel efficiency
When everything is well maintained, your vehicle can run at its maximum efficiency, which provides better performance and fuel economy.
5. Higher resale value
A documented service history demonstrates that your car has been well cared for, making it more attractive to potential buyers and potentially improving the resale value.
Regular car servicing not only helps to keep you and your passengers safe, it’s also an investment in the fuel efficiency and the longevity of your car.
At Allianz, we offer comprehensive car insurance to cover you against unexpected situations on the road.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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