Regular maintenance pays off. Car service increases the reliability, safety and sales value of your vehicle. Thanks to price transparency, you can also avoid driving blind in terms of costs.
Often one is unsure what has to be done with the car service, how high the costs are and how long the service takes. You have to coordinate appointments and, if necessary, organize a replacement car, which in turn is associated with costs.
In short: car service or maintenance or inspection is complex. You want to delay the subject as long as possible. Nevertheless, there are many good reasons why a regular “health check” or Tyres Reading of your car pays off for you.
What is a car service?
Auto service includes regular, planned maintenance work based on the manufacturer’s checklist to increase the safety and service life of the vehicle.
Manufacturer specifies car service
Car service is understood to mean planned maintenance work on the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. This specifies when and which maintenance work must be carried out on the vehicle.
The checklists are updated from a central point. The garage owner can obtain and process this updated daily.
The lists are reserved exclusively for experts and are not available on the Internet.
What does the car service do?
The scope of maintenance depends on the manufacturer, model, engine and mileage of the vehicle. Various liquids and filters are exchanged and visual and functional checks are carried out as standard.
Minor maintenance work usually involves changing the oil and replacing the oil and cabin air filters. A comprehensive car service usually includes the following work:
1. Oil and oil filter change
Metal shavings form in engine oil over time. The oil filter filters them and ensures that the engine oil is not contaminated by dirt particles, soot or burned gasoline.
Nevertheless, both the oil and the filter have to be changed regularly to keep the engine running. According to the vehicle manufacturer, a change is due every one to two years or after 15,000 to 50,000 kilometers.
2. Cabin air filter
The cabin air filter, also known colloquially as the cabin filter or pollen filter, ensures clean air and shields off unpleasant odors, fine dust, pollen and bacteria. Ideally, it should be changed in spring, even if the manufacturer doesn’t specify it.
3. Brake fluid
Brake fluid is crucial for the functionality of the brake system and for driving safety. The higher the water content, the more urgent the change. The brake fluid should be changed every two years, regardless of the mileage.
4. Visual inspection
The professional examines, among other things, the brakes, chassis, body, battery as well as the front and rear windows. The engine compartment, underbody and tires are also inspected.
5. Function check
Functions such as lights, windshield washer systems, ventilation, heating and air conditioning are checked. The battery is subjected to a stress test.
6. Cleaning
The vehicle is subjected to a thorough interior and exterior cleaning. If necessary, the engine, chassis and underbody are also cleaned.