When should you service your car?

Car servicing is an important part of maintaining your car. It not only keeps your car running in tip-top condition, helping to avoid potential issues like a breakdown on a road trip, but it also helps retain your car’s value. A well-maintained car can last for a very long time after all. So when should you take your car to service?

Why regular car maintenance is a must

Your car should be serviced at regular intervals as outlined in your owner’s manual. These routine services ensure that any necessary fluids are regularly replenished, helping your car run smoothly. It is also crucial to detect potential issues in parts as innocuous as an air-con filter to something safety-related like a bushing. Should either of these fail, you could have an uncomfortable drive or even get into an accident. Neither of which is ideal.

Typically, you service your car every 10,000km or every 6 months, whichever comes first. So if you hit 10,000 km within a few months of getting your car, it is time for a service. Keep in mind that there may be some variation depending on your vehicle’s brand and model, so be sure to check your owner’s manual.

Abnormalities start appearing

Abnormalities are a good reason to conduct a car service early. If you start hearing noises, notice weird smells or if one of the dashboard lights turns on, it is best to get your car serviced and checked out as soon as possible. You never know what could be a potential problem, so here are some things to look out for and what they mean:

Abnormality 1: Vibrations

All cars experience some form of vibration, so this in and of itself isn’t a problem. However, if the vibrations become stronger than usual or are accompanied by a loud noise, it is an indication that something is wrong. Get it checked out before your car shakes itself apart!

Abnormality 2: Weird noises

Cars make noise, but they shouldn’t be excessively noisy. If your car makes any strange or inconsistent noises, it’s a sign you should take your car for servicing. Here are some noises to look out for:

• Whining sound from under the bonnet
• Louder-than-usual exhaust noise
• Uneven engine noise
• Metal-on-metal
• Squealing sounds when you step on the brakes

Abnormality 3: Strange smells in the cabin

All cars have a smell. When you first get them there’s that new car smell. If you’re taking food home, your car might smell of food for a bit. But if you notice the following smells, it could indicate an issue with your car and you should have it checked out.

• Burnt rubber – Your timing belt may need replacing.
• Hot oil – There might be an engine oil leak.
• Petrol – There might be a leak in the engine.
• Sweet syrup – There might be a coolant leak.
• Burning carpet – Your brakes may need replacing.
• Rotten eggs – Your catalytic converter might be malfunctioning.

Read more: 6 vehicle warning smells

Long trip? Give your car a check-up

Are you thinking of driving across the causeway or embarking on a road trip all the way to Thailand? To ensure no hiccups occur, it is best to give your car a full service even if it’s way before its scheduled maintenance date!

If you prefer to service after the big trip, you can keep track of when things begin to wear out and only replace the components that need changing. Here’s a checklist of things you need to change and roughly when to change them:

• Oil 20,000km
• Air filter 20,000km
• Fuel filter 30,000km
• Fluids 10,000km
• Spark plugs 50,000km
• Brake pads 50,000km
• Battery 50,000km
• Tyres 50,000km

If a mechanic wants you to change any of the above items before their scheduled interval e, ask to see the parts for yourself to ensure you are not being ripped off! This does, however, depend on your understanding of what is wrong with the parts they’re trying to replace.

Regardless of how you handle it, it is important to service your car regularly. This not only keeps your car functioning smoothly and safely, but it also helps retain its value. You can visit a trusted car servicing and repair workshop like Carro Workshop where you can trust the professionals to take care of your car.