How often does a modern car, need servicing is a question
often asked by motorists. It can become expensive to have a full service every
six months and so can be tempting to let it go for a while to save a few
dollars. If you are unsure, talk with your friendly mechanic on Gold Coast and
get some professional advice. The following considerations should be taken into
account to determine if your car needs servicing.
Computerized
Maintenance
Many modern cars are equipped with computerized systems that
indicate when they’re due for servicing. Some use a light that shows on the
dashboard, while others have the ability to track your maintenance schedule.
If you have a car without these features all the information
and manufacturer’s recommendations are in the owner’s manual or do a Google
search to quickly locate a copy.
For most cars
As a general rule a vehicle needs to be serviced every six
months or 10,000km whichever occurs first. Even for people who do a low
mileage, it’s important to have the vehicle serviced regularly. This is because
many of the fluids used in a modern vehicle are susceptible to moisture and can
break down over time.
If a Vehicle is not
serviced
Not servicing a vehicle at the right time can cause a range
of issues from having decreased fuel efficiency to causing major mechanical
failures.
·
Oil
The oils used in modern engines contain special cleaning
agents designed to ensure the inside of the engine is kept free of carbon
deposits and anything that could wear or damage your engine. These can slowly
deteriorate over time and use, so they lose their protective properties.
·
Brake
Fluid
Brake fluid can absorb moisture when in contact with air;
this can reduce the effectiveness of your brakes and cause internal corrosion.
It should be changed every two years.
·
Coolant
Engine coolant needs to be replaced every few years as it
loses its ability to provide adequate cooling and anti-corrosion protection.
·
Adverse
Operating Conditions
Adverse operating conditions are often mentioned, these are
where a vehicle is operated in:
·
Heavy
Traffic
Continuous stopping and starting, as often happens in the
inner city and during peak traffic hours.
·
Speed
When a vehicle often operates at high speeds a lot of stress
is placed on the engine, transmission and braking systems.
·
Off Road
Off road or driving in dusty conditions can also require
your vehicle to need more frequent servicing, often every 3 months or 5,000km.
·
Towing
Towing a heavy trailer or caravan places a lot of pressure
on a vehicle and it’s components, talk with your friendly local mechanic on The
Gold Coast about your driving habits, they will advise you on how often you
need to have your car serviced.
Sticking to the right servicing schedule for your particular
vehicle and driving style may seem inconvenient, but it will help to ensure
trouble free motoring and also help to maintain the value of your vehicle as
many buyers are interested in the service log when viewing vehicles.
Having your vehicle serviced every six months or 100,000km
can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your efficient and safe motoring.
Talk with the mechanics on The Gold Coast for friendly advice.
