Regular car maintenance is essential for ensuring stability and safety while driving. Proper vehicle upkeep provides undeniable benefits, including:
Saving on Repair Costs
Routine maintenance helps detect and fix minor issues before they turn into costly problems. For example:
- Regularly changing engine oil
- Checking and replacing air filters, oil filters, and fuel filters
Inspecting these components periodically maintains optimal engine performance and reduces the likelihood of sudden failures.
Extending Vehicle Durability & Lifespan
Over time, mechanical connections and moving parts wear down. Regular inspections ensure everything functions properly and prevents excessive deterioration. This keeps the car running smoothly and efficiently.
Ensuring Safety
Maintenance includes checking the braking system, steering components, and other crucial parts to ensure optimal performance. A well-maintained braking system provides better responsiveness, especially in emergency situations.
Improving Driving Confidence
Knowing your vehicle is in good condition increases confidence behind the wheel, allowing for a smoother and worry-free driving experience.
Increasing Resale Value
Cars with a well-documented maintenance history tend to have a higher resale value compared to neglected vehicles. A properly maintained car retains its original condition, avoiding excessive wear, damage, and operational issues. Vehicles that run smoothly, without strange noises or mechanical faults, sell at higher prices.
3 Key Car Maintenance Categories
When servicing your car, ensure the following areas are checked:
1. Interior Cabin: Lights, horn, windshield wipers, electrical system, steering wheel, air conditioning.
2. Engine Bay: Air filter, various fluids (brake fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid), brake lines, cooling system, spark plugs, battery, drive belts.
3. Underbody Components: Tire pressure, tire condition, brake pads, suspension system, fuel filter.
When Should a Car Be Serviced?
Car maintenance schedules depend on usage frequency and vehicle type. Generally, servicing should occur under these circumstances:
- At manufacturer-specified intervals: Vehicles should be fully inspected at milestones such as 5,000 km, 10,000 km, etc.
- Unexpected signs of trouble: If you notice strange noises, unpleasant odors, or unusual vibrations while driving, these may indicate underlying issues requiring professional inspection.
- Harsh driving conditions: Vehicles frequently driven in extreme weather, floods, or poor road conditions need more frequent maintenance to prevent potential damage.
Maintenance Guide Based on Mileage & Time
Each car brand has unique servicing intervals. Here’s a general reference guide:
First Service – 5,000 km For new vehicles, this is the first scheduled maintenance. It includes checking:
- Brake fluid & transmission fluid levels
- Vehicle lights
- Coolant & windshield washer fluid
- Engine oil change
- Air filter & cabin filter replacement
Second Service – 10,000 km (or after 6 months) This service ensures continued reliability and adds additional checks:
- Power steering fluid & brake fluid
- Fuel cap, connectors, and fuel lines
- Steering wheel looseness, front & rear brakes
- Suspension components, rubber dust covers, exhaust system
- Tire rotation
- Oil filter replacement
Third Service – 20,000 – 30,000 km (or after 1 year) At this stage, service involves repeating checks from 10,000 km servicing with additional tasks like:
- Replacing air filters
- Cleaning spark plugs
- Checking the parking brake
Fourth Service – 40,000 km+ (or after 2-3 years) At higher mileage, more components need inspection, including:
- Valve clearance adjustment
- Fuel filter replacement
- Differential fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid
- Brake pad wear assessment & spark plug replacement
- Tire balancing, wheel alignment adjustments
- Fuel injector, intake manifold, suspension, tie rods, shock absorbers, and underbody tightening checks
- Air conditioning filter cleaning & refrigerant refill
Air filters (both engine & cabin) should be cleaned or replaced every 30,000 km to prevent debris buildup affecting performance and air quality.
Car Maintenance Costs – Where Should You Service Your Car?
In addition to maintenance schedules, car owners often wonder about service costs. These expenses include labor fees and parts replacements such as fluids and filters. Actual costs vary based on dealership pricing and the vehicle’s condition at the time of inspection.
Choosing a reputable service center is crucial. The best option is official dealerships, as they provide:
- Professional Expertise: Certified technicians ensure high-quality repairs and servicing.
- Genuine Parts: Official dealerships use OEM components, maintaining reliability and performance.
- Warranty Support: Vehicles under warranty qualify for manufacturer-backed service guarantees.
- Expert Maintenance Advice: Dealerships stay updated on technical advancements for models, offering tailored service recommendations.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Official service centers have cutting-edge equipment to assess and diagnose vehicle conditions accurately.
Conclusion
Regular car maintenance is crucial for preserving performance, safety, and resale value. Timely inspections allow for early detection of potential faults, preventing costly repairs. Following the manufacturer’s service recommendations ensures vehicles run efficiently and reliably over time.
Keep your car running smoothly with expert maintenance at Hera Automotive Centre! From routine servicing to emergency roadside assistance, we’ve got you covered.
Address: 13 Bay St, Botany NSW 2019
Phone: 1800 777 999
Email: automotive@heragroup.com.au
