Getting Your Car Serviced: What You Should Know

Whether you're a first-time car owner or just want to brush up on the basics of vehicle maintenance, car service is one thing you can't afford to overlook. Service is an important part of your responsibilities as a driver. Here's what to know about this necessary step: what it is, how it works, and how often to have it done.

Getting Your Car Serviced: AN Intro

Have you ever heard someone say they need to "get their car serviced" or that their "service light" is on? These things refer to the kind of car care, maintenance, and repairs that every vehicle needs over the course of its life. It's essentially a regular check-up for cars (and has many of the same benefits as a visit to your own doctor).

Here are just a few things that may be included in car service:

• Oils: This includes oil and oil filter checks or changes.
• Fuel system: Your car service expert may recommend an additive or cleaner to help your fuel system perform smoothly.
• Brakes: Brakes should be inspected regularly, and brake fluid may need to be flushed.
• Tires: Car service often includes checking air pressure and alignment or rotating the tires.
• Radiator: Most of the time, your radiator just needs to be checked for damage or leaks; it may periodically need a flush, too.
• Transmission: Transmission service depends on whether you're driving a manual or automatic. Either way, you'll eventually need to change the fluid and filters.
• Lights: It's not always easy to check all your lights on your own. Your car service expert will handle this for you.
• Battery: Your battery should be checked and cleaned--and sometimes even replaced.
• Belts: Various belts are responsible for your vehicle's overall performance, and each one of them needs to be checked and occasionally changed.

You likely won't need all of these services every time you take your vehicle to your local auto repair shop. Your car service expert will explain what's necessary and why.

Why Should You Get Your Car Serviced Regularly?

At first glance, car service may seem like just one more thing you have to add to your to-do list. Upon closer inspection, however, this task reveals itself as a huge benefit--not just for your car and its performance, but for your wallet, too.

Check out these key reasons everyone should make car service a priority:

#1: Safety

When you first purchased your vehicle, you probably did a lot of research on its safety ratings. Car service helps your vehicle stay in tip-top shape, which means it can keep those safety promises. You'll also be able to catch small issues before they impact something big, such as your brakes or tires, which could make your car more difficult to maneuver and control.

#2: Performance

You want to count on a great driving experience when you get behind the wheel. Car service helps check and maintain all the moving parts under the hood--literally and metaphorically--that make this possible. If you skip car service too often, your vehicle's performance might suffer.

#3: Quality

The quality of your vehicle depends on how well you take care of it. Regular maintenance and car service help identify and solve issues from rust and leaks to misalignment and safety problems. The longer you procrastinate on car service, the bigger these issues can get--which means they'll be that much more expensive to solve in the long run.

#4: Simplicity

The best part about car service is that you don't have to do it yourself. Just bring your vehicle to your favorite auto repair shop and let the experts handle the rest!

How Often Should You Have Your Car Serviced?

A good car service schedule depends on a few key things:

• Vehicle: Every make and model has a recommendation for how often it should be serviced. Read your owner's manual to find tips and best practices.
• Mileage: Vehicles with higher mileage have been used more, so they may need a bit more care.
• Driving habits: How often do you drive your vehicle and in what conditions? These things impact the frequency of your car service needs.
• Preexisting issues: If you purchased your car used--or even if you bought it brand-new and the manufacturer has released recalls or notifications--preexisting conditions may require more frequent car service.

Ultimately, you can work with your auto shop to determine the best schedule for car service--but most shops recommend a check-up every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

In conclusion, car service is an important responsibility for any vehicle owner. It's good news for your car's safety, performance, and upkeep, depending on your unique needs and habits.

Need car service? Contact us today to schedule checks, maintenance, and repairs!