Are you looking for ways to ensure that your car lasts as long as possible? Do you fear that your car will need a major repair shortly? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about how often should you get your car serviced.
Doing so can help you get your car serviced at the right time. Any time that you notice some glaring problems, you can have an expert repair it quickly.
See below for an in-depth guide on how often you should get your car serviced and why it’s such an important factor in car ownership.
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How Often Should You Get Your Car Serviced?
Whenever you go in for an oil change from a trusted auto shop, you get a sticker at the top left of your windshield telling you what the mileage was at the last time you had the oil changed. From there, you can monitor when you get around the 5,000 to 7,500-mile mark to have the oil changed again.
Don’t you wish all services were that easy to gauge? While the different aspects of the car demand more or less attention, there are ways to determine how often you should bring a car in for service.
First, we recommend that you focus on the mileage of your car. Generally speaking, you should bring your car in for a check-up every 8,000 to 9,000 miles. An exception to that would be after a few exhaustive trips with carrying heavy loads or if your car has had to endure exceptionally cold or hot conditions.
That said, some of you that work from home might not hit that mileage mark for almost a year. If that’s the case, then make sure your car doesn’t go any longer than 12 months without taking a trip to a trusted auto shop. Click here to schedule an appointment right away.
What Are the Signs You Need Your Car Serviced?
The last thing that you want is to end up on the side of the road because your car isn’t working properly. Believe it or not, most of these instances are self-inflicted; your car will try to give you numerous signs that it needs to be serviced before shutting down. Some of these signs include:
- Dashboard lights (any of them) are lit up
- You hear various squeaks and sounds of metal grinding
- The car isn’t braking smoothly or efficiently
- The vehicle doesn’t seem as powerful when you hit the accelerator
- Foul odors are coming from inside the car
- The vehicle is vibrating or swaying while driving
One of the most common reactions, when a car is acting up, is for the driver to wonder, “Has my car always done that?” The answer is no. Don’t shrug it off; don’t tell yourself that you’ll look into it later.
As soon as you notice that something is awry, get your car serviced by a professional. It could be the difference between you paying hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in repairs.
What Are the Benefits of Frequent Car Service?
If you’re proactive about getting your car serviced frequently, then you’ll be able to enjoy most of the common setbacks that modern-day car owners come across. See below for several reasons you should get your car serviced more often.
Safety
As we mentioned previously, neglecting your car’s cry for help can result in you ending up on the side of the road, or worse.
Depending on the problem, you could endanger the safety of you and your passengers if you aren’t taking your car in for frequent maintenance. For example, not having your brakes fixed could result in them giving out while you drive, resulting in a car accident.
Make sure that you get your car serviced frequently so that you can ensure the safety of yourself and your family. You’ll arrive at all your destinations in a timely fashion.
Peace of Mind
Admit it, though you might not feel like taking your car to a shop right away, those glowing dash lights are eating away at the back of your mind.
Lack of efficient service can hurt your driving experience. You’ll fear the worst every time you get behind the wheel, uncertain of what condition your car’s parts are in.
With frequent professional service, you will have full peace of mind. For those of you that have kids who can drive, frequent servicing will ensure that they’re entirely safe while they drive your car.
Keeps the Value of Your Car
As all car owners know, the value of your car will depreciate with time. However, keeping a well-serviced vehicle is one of the best ways to preserve its value.
As the car ages, its neglect will become apparent. Some vehicles might not last even half as long as they were meant to if it isn’t properly maintained.
With frequent service, your car will keep its high level of performance, desirable aesthetics, and have an efficient cabin that future buyers will be willing to pay a higher price point for. A little bit of maintenance now can mean more money when you go to sell it later! Read more.
Getting your car serviced regularly can also help you pass your roadworthy certificate easily enough which is required every year. If you have maintained your car well, you have more of a chance of passing your inspection.
Get Your Car Professionally Serviced Right Away
Now that you have seen an in-depth answer to the question of, “How often should you get your car serviced?”, be sure to use this information wisely.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on servicing your car, as well as many other topics you will find interesting.