How Often Should You Schedule a Car Service?
Servicing your car is the most important thing you can do for your car’s overall ‘health’!
However it’s often neglected, because many people are uncertain what needs servicing OR how often for their car.
Most of us put off scheduling car maintenance like our trip to the dentist!
Not many people know that engine oil has a use-by-date.
After about 7,000 Ks ( or approx 12 months, depending on use) engine oil will start to break down and deteriorate, becoming less effective
Parts in your car start to deteriorate without the proper lubrication
Inevitably, the result is unnecessary more costly car repairs, breakdowns- or worse case scenario, a blown engine.
Log Book Servicing
What is a logbook service?
Your logbook service is a standard vehicle examination that’s conducted every 5,000 Ks.
It’s called a logbook service because it follows the procedures outlined in the manufacturer’s car logbook and helps prove that you’ve maintained your car regularly
It covers safety checks, measurements, replacements and repairs if necessary.
It’s different from a more detailed service ( also written up in the Log book) like your 100,000 Ks service,which looks at more specific parts of your car’s wear and tear.
While some makes and models will differ in the specific details of what’s included in their logbook service, almost all logbook services will involve these checks:
- Change engine oil & oil filter
- Brake inspection and adjustment
- Check steering and suspension
- 40-point vehicle inspection
- Check and top up under bonnet fluid levels
- Computer battery test
- Check fan belts
- Check lights
- Check tyre pressure
- Check radiator hoses
What is a ‘normal’ service?
Normal services should also be conducted at least every 5,000kms
A normal service involves many of the procedures included in a logbook service, but doesn’t necessarily stick to the manufacture’s guidelines as closely
Normal services consider the whole car’s condition and conduct maintenance and repairs as necessary.
Which one to choose?
If your car is under warranty and requires logbook servicing to validate this warranty, then it’s certainly best to choose a logbook service.
However, if your car isn’t still covered by its warranty, then you may want to go for a ‘normal’ service.
New Vehicle Servicing Under Manufacturers Warranty
We are often asked whether a new car warranty is “voided” IF your new car is serviced outside of the manufacturer’s Dealership
The answer depends on whether the warranty is offered by the car manufacturer OR if it’s an “aftermarket” plan offered by the Dealer.
The fact is there is NO requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve:
- Any manufacturer’s warranty that may apply to your vehicle
- Any state or territory based statutory warranty that may apply to your vehicle
or - Your rights to Consumer Guarantees (formerly known as Implied Statutory Warranties).
Call Rocky on 0409 239 735 or Send R & L Automotive a message today to book a Car Service!
