Vehicle service is not just a mandatory expense to be paid every few thousand kilometers. Rather, it should be seen as an investment that helps keep the vehicle in good working order, prevent future problems, and extend the life of the vehicle. Regular service allows you to detect and eliminate minor problems before they become major and costly problems. This ensures that the vehicle is always in the best possible condition and can be driven safely and comfortably. Therefore, it is worth doing regular service according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and seeing it as an important part of ensuring the longevity of the vehicle.
When is vehicle service necessary?
Most vehicles need technical condition checks and preparations for the next driving period at least once a year. The need for service depends on many factors, including the age of the vehicle, mileage and environmental conditions. The general recommendation is to maintain a vehicle according to the manufacturer’s service schedule or based on a workshop’s customized service plan that takes into account the specific needs of the individual vehicle.
Service plan keeps the vehicle in good condition
When drawing up a service plan, you need to find out what the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations are in terms of intervals, work and necessary accessories. The age, mileage, condition, conditions of use and driving style of the vehicle must be taken into account. For example, frequent short-distance driving may require more frequent oil changes. Also, an older vehicle may require more service than a new car. The surest thing is to follow exactly the plan prescribed by the manufacturer and make sure that the necessary service operations are carried out on time.
Vehicle service includes various activities and replacement of parts
- Technical inspection – provides an overview of the condition of the vehicle and the need for repairs.
- Oil change – fresh oil ensures a longer engine life.
- Air filter replacement – protects the engine from dirt, dust and other debris.
- Fuel filter replacement – protects the fuel system from pollution.
- Changing the cabin filter – clean air makes passengers more comfortable.
- Spark plug replacement – ensures good engine start and performance.
- Changing the brake fluid – prevents internal moisture damage to the system.
- Changing the transmission oil – ensures the condition of the gearbox and good gear shifting.
- Changing the timing belt – prevents it from breaking, or a serious engine failure.
These are just a few examples of what a service plan might include. Detailed instructions can be found in the vehicle manufacturer’s materials and in widely distributed databases such as Autodata or HaynesPro.
Unfortunately, service errors are common
The most common mistakes are related to ignoring the service plan and skipping important actions. Proper maintenance does not only mean changing the engine oil. Problems can also arise from using the wrong type of accessories or using incorrect work techniques. One of the most common omissions is brake maintenance, which causes various problems such as insufficient braking force or sticking instead.
Not all workshops are created equal
It is important to find a reliable and professional company that can ensure that the vehicle is properly serviced according to the service plan. The workshop’s experience, reputation and service quality should be taken into account when choosing a workshop. In addition, it is worth paying attention that the selected workshop reflects the work done on the car in the service history. This makes it easier to keep track of what has been done and what still needs to be done.
Workshop software monitors the need for service
It is the owner’s responsibility to follow up on proper service, but the workshop can help here. Modern service centers utilize specialized workshop software, enabling the monitoring of a vehicle’s service needs and predicting the next scheduled service deadline. In this way, it is possible to send automatic reminders to your customers about upcoming services, which increases the company’s image and helps you make additional sales without worry.