How Often Should You Take Your Car in for Maintenance?

How often should your service your car? This is a common question by many vehicle owners who are considering whether to spend money on a service. 

Although not a legal requirement, vehicle servicing has many safety and financial benefits in the long run. It helps you identify any issues early, so they don't affect the running of your vehicle. You can also find and fix any problems that may affect you later. 

Each vehicle model is different regarding how often to take it for maintenance. However, it is recommended that you service your vehicle once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Types of Car Service

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Usually, car services fall under three categories:

Minor

This is a simple checkup in which engine oil and other car fluids are checked. Also, basic crack and damage inspections are done. 

Interim

Interim vehicle service is for vehicles that run in harsh conditions. Interim services are between minor and major services because many models are not designed to operate on rough roads. This helps prevent accidents and breakdowns. Interim services are done every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

Major

Major or full services are done once a year. This service involves a full-body checkup for the vehicle. Every detail of the car is looked after, including tire threads, steering wheel, exhaust, and windshield. This service is done after one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

How to Know Your Car Needs Maintenance

Sometimes, looking at your car's hood will tell you it is time for service. However, this is not always the case. You need to take a deeper look and listen to every sound your vehicle produces. You don't have to be an auto expert to know when your car needs maintenance. 

A simple assessment will usually tell you it's time for auto maintenance. Some of the things to look out for include:

• Excessive black smoke from the exhaust.
• Smoke under the hood.
• Oil leaks.
• Weird noises while driving.
• Shaking engine.
• Engine warning light.

Common Vehicle Maintenance Practices

Although the owner's manual details the recommended maintenance checks, some things are common to all vehicles. 

Oil Change

As a rule, oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, but many people aren't aware or forget to check. That's why checking the oil regularly is a good idea; otherwise, it could damage your engine due to accumulated contaminants.

Tires

It's recommended to check your tires every month. The tires need to be well inflated to perform well and prevent accidents.

Brakes

Brakes are a critical component of each vehicle. Always be aware of how the brakes feel and sound every time you drive. If you require more pressure than normal to brake or they feel spongy, then you should take them to be inspected by a professional. 

Battery

When it comes to the battery, its terminals must be corrosion-free. You can use a wire brush with a baking soda and water solution to soak off the rust. You don't need to rush to an auto repair service expert for this. 

Wiper Blades

You need to get a replacement if you notice a screech from the blades when the system is operating. This is a crucial vehicle maintenance measure, as you don't know when you'll need the wipers. 

Belts and Hoses

Inspecting the belts and hoses is crucial and goes beyond routine car maintenance. The hoses direct coolant flow making sure that the engine does not overheat. If the hose is cracked or separated, it's time to have it replaced. This applies to belts, too — if there are signs of wear, including glazing cracking and material loss, you will need to replace them as soon as possible. 

Why Should You Service Your Vehicle?

There are many reasons why vehicle servicing is important. However, knowing if your car needs maintenance depends on its age, model, and mileage. 

The reasons for servicing your vehicle include: 

• To ensure safety.
• It helps identify any potential problems before they become actual problems.
• It gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is in a road-worthy condition. 
• It increases your vehicle's lifespan.
• It adds value to your vehicle when selling.

Not servicing your vehicle regularly may seem to save you money, but it could cost you in the long run. As with anything, if a problem is identified early, it will be cheaper and easier to repair.

Why Take Your Vehicle to a Dealership for Maintenance?

Does your car need a routine oil change or something more complex, such as replacing the transmission? Cars require specialized care to ensure that they are running properly and safely. In this case, you need to take your car to a reputable Lunenburg dealership for great care. 

If you are unsure where to take your car for servicing, here are some reasons why it's better to take it to a dealership.

Specialized Staff

When taking your car for servicing, you want to be sure that it is handled by a technician who understands everything about your model, and there is no better place to find such technicians than a dealership. Dealership technicians are trained by the vehicle manufacturers and tend to work on models by that manufacturer. Furthermore, the manufacturers require their technicians to participate in ongoing training to gain knowledge of new models and parts.

Better Customer Support

Often, manufacturers put pressure on dealerships to meet various performance standards. This extends to the service and repair departments. Therefore, a dealership will likely lose the authority to operate under the manufacturer if they don't meet certain customer service specifications. For that reason, the dealership is likely to provide quality customer service. 

Warranties for Vehicles

Another great advantage of taking your vehicle to a dealership is that they offer vehicle warranties. If you have a warranty on your vehicle, a dealership will be able to carry out any repairs for free. Also, a warranty offered via a dealership is often tied to a larger network of locations where it applies. 

Regularly taking your vehicle for maintenance is important if you want it to serve you longer. It helps you identify problems early enough to have the necessary repairs to avoid future problems. Furthermore, it ensures your safety as well as that of your passengers. 

You can call or visit North End Mazda today if you need expert vehicle maintenance service. You will receive quality service from manufacturer-certified experts.