THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR CAR SERVICING – WHY MAINTENANCE MATTERS

Your car is like any other investment. It depreciates in value, it might break down and have to be replaced soon, and it's something you use every day. On top of that, cars are expensive and one costly repair can eat into your budget – especially if you're driving an older model. Because of all these factors, you need to get the most kilometres out of your car for the lowest price. By following the recommendations for regular servicing and maintenance, you'll not only reduce the chances of breakdowns costing you money, but also making sure you get more from your car for years to come!

Why do we need car service and maintenance?

When it comes to your car, one of the most vital things you can do is keep on top of servicing requirements and correct faults as soon as they appear. But one of the most important reasons for getting your car serviced regularly is safety. If there are any problems with your vehicle, they will be identified early on and rectified before they become serious and potentially dangerous to other road users as well as yourself.

It's not just about safety though; regular servicing can also help improve fuel efficiency and make your car last longer. Here are some reasons why you should be keeping your car in shape:

• Early detection of problems can prevent damage to the engine or other vital parts of your vehicle.

• It helps identify any issues with the engine so they can be dealt with before they become too expensive to repair.

• Regular servicing ensures that all components of your vehicle are working at optimum levels which means better performance from all aspects of the vehicle such as acceleration, braking, handling etc.

• You should get your car regularly serviced to ensure safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes are working correctly.

• A well-maintained vehicle will save you money at the fuel pumps because even small changes like replacing a clogged air filter, worn spark plugs or old engine oil all helps towards better fuel economy.

• Regular servicing can also save money in the long run as it helps you avoid any unnecessary repairs and reduces wear and tear on parts. In addition, regular servicing means there is less chance of a breakdown which could result in expensive call out fees or even loss of earnings if you have time off work due to an accident caused by a faulty vehicle part. What’s more, regular servicing can also help protect the value of your vehicle. With a full-service history, your car will be that much easier to sell than without.

1. How often?

Follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual which will provide all the whats and whens.

Overall though, how often you need to service your car depends on how much you drive, the quality of the fuel and the condition of your vehicle. Routine checkups are especially important if you have a car that is more than three years old. This is because older cars are more likely to develop faults that may not be obvious at first sight.

The risks of neglecting to service your car

If you don't service your vehicle regularly, it won't last as long as it should and may cost more in repairs than if you had regularly serviced it. You may experience:

1. The engine starts to run roughly and cause damage to other parts of the vehicle. This can result in engine failure due to lack of lubrication or oil leaks caused by worn seals or gaskets and ultimately lead to expensive engine repair or replacement costs.

2. Excessive tyre wear caused by misaligned wheels or worn suspension components. This can lead to uneven tyre wear, which can affect handling and increase braking distances on wet roads. It also causes excessive tyre wear, which means higher tyre replacement costs over time.

3. Poor fuel economy due to poorly adjusted carburettors (where fitted), faulty ignition timing or worn ignition components such as distributor.