Unless you happen to be the beneficiary of an enormous trust fund that allows you to do anything you want whenever you want, your car will quite possibly be the second, if not the most expensive thing you have ever bought. As such, you really should be putting in the effort to make sure it runs well and looks as good as new. Aside from merely taking pride in the fact you are a car owner, spending a bit of time and money giving it a thorough service once per year will ensure that you avoid many of the most common issues that tend to plague automobiles. If you have your first service coming up, this post will guide you through what to expect so you can come away with your car feeling as new as the day you bought it.
They Will Always Change Your Oil
One of the more fundamental aspects of ensuring your car is running smoothly is clean oil. If the fuel is…well, the fuel to get the car moving, the oil is the lifeblood that lubricates all the moving parts. Without it, or even using dirty oil, you run the risk of seizure in some of the most crucial parts like the engine and gearbox, which will land you with the kind of bill that can make a grown man keel over. Instead, most reputable mechanics will usually check how many miles you’ve done and sync that up with the recommended mileage as set out by the manufacturer. You will keep your engine clean with an oil change and make sure that the moving parts can function as they should, reducing wear and tear that is otherwise totally avoidable. If you have only driven a few thousand miles since your last service and the recommended change is every 6,000 miles, a change may not be required, but this is also highly situational. For instance, if you happen to live in an extremely dusty environment, it might be best to change the oil more frequently than recommended in order to maintain efficiency. Aside from the oil change itself, you will need to replace the oil filter with a new one so that it can process your new oil most efficiently. But this will be up to you to discuss with your mechanic who will know best regarding these situations.
Initial Inspection For Wear Signs
As soon as you pull into the bay, the mechanic should begin checking for general signs of wear and tear. A trained mechanic should have a sixth sense for this and, even on a basic visual inspection, should be able to see what needs doing. This can range from checking your tires if they have reached the limit (more on that later) to detecting noises that might point to more serious problems like knocking (which is actually pretty bad news). Once they have it up on the ramp, they will also perform a deeper inspection and check that all the usual components are working as they should be and see if there is anything that may need replacing.
Air Filter Replacements May Occur
Air filters habitually get clogged up with dust and detritus over time. This is perfectly normal as your engine will suck in vast amounts of air to provide the engine with what it needs to initiate combustion. However, by failing to change the filter as soon as it becomes overly clogged, you run the risk of dramatically reducing the efficiency of your car. Frankly, air filters don’t tend to cost that much, and in most cases, changing them every time you bring them in for service is a good idea. Onc you know where they are, you can usually change them yourself with menial tools and very little effort.
Fluid Levels Checked And Refilled
Outside of the oil, the fluids are what will make your car function in perfect working order. This includes:
- Brake fluids
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering
- Washer fluid
Your mechanic should check the levels; if they are sufficient, they will probably avoid refilling them. However, if they notice anything awry, such as the color being off, they may choose to drain and then totally refill them.
Tire Pressure And Wear Inspection
As the only part of your car that touches the ground, your tires are the conduit between the engine and the road. In most jurisdictions, some form of regulation will dictate the amount of acceptable wear before it becomes illegal to drive on a public highway. In some cases, you may need to change the tire/s to new ones to remain compliant with the law, but perhaps most critically, to ensure you remain safe on the road.
Your car is a valuable machine, but it also has plenty of moving parts, all of which can and likely will go wrong at some point. By taking it into a garage for an annual service, you will prolong its life and maintain it in a condition that is safe and legal.
