Importance of Regular Car Servicing
Regular car maintenance keeps your vehicle in top shape and can help you avoid damage down the road – cars that are regularly serviced won’t let you down on performance when it matters. If it’s been a while, why not book your next service with Auto Masters today.
Why is servicing your car important?
When you service your car regularly, it means any potential issues can be picked up and fixed before they become a bigger, more expensive (and more dangerous) problem. A mechanic will assess your car’s overall condition, check for wear and tear in key areas like your brakes, and perform basic maintenance tasks like oil changes.
How often should you service your car?
There’s a few factors that determine the best frequency for servicing your car, but the general rule of thumb is to get a minor service every 6 months (or every 10,000km) and a major service every 2-3 years (or every 30,000km). This means you should be getting your car serviced at least every six months.
Factors that can impact your timing include:
How much you use your car
If you use your vehicle often, drive long distances, or frequently travel across rough or unsealed roads, you should consider more frequent servicing.
However, even if you don’t use your car a lot or only do short trips, wear and tear still happens. Every kilometre you drive wears away at your brakes, and parts will degrade over time – especially if they are left to sit stationary for a long period. Even if you need less frequent servicing, you should still commit to getting professional servicing done regularly – a well-maintained car is a safe one.
Your vehicle make and model
Every car manufacturer will have specific recommendations for the appropriate service period. If you are trying to maintain your new car warranty, you will need to stick to these recommended periods for your log book services.
Even if you have an older model, it’s worth finding out the recommended timeframe for servicing. You should be able to find the service schedule in your owner’s manual. Our team can help you find this information if you’re not sure – give us a call on 1300 288 662 or drop into your local Auto Masters service centre to get advice.
The age of the vehicle
Newer cars are usually fine to stick with the recommended maximum periods between services (either in time or kilometres, whichever comes first).
If you have an older car, it’s wise to service it more regularly to keep it running reliably – you might choose to have a minor service every three (3) months in this case, or every 5,000km. This will help you stay safe on the road, by identifying any potential issues in an ageing engine as soon as they crop up.
Ten reasons why you should have your vehicle serviced every six months.
- A well tuned engine has greater fuel efficiency (uses less fuel and produces less emissions).
- Engine oil loses its effectiveness over time. It needs to be replaced regularly to extend engine life.
- Leaking engine oil or other fluids can cause a costly major breakdown or accident. Fixing leaks helps to avoid issues with your radiator or cooling system.
- Brakes must be checked and adjusted regularly to ensure roadworthiness and safety.
- All moving parts must be lubricated to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Loose belts can cause engine failure and damage.
- Lights must be frequently checked and adjusted for legal and safe operation.
- Tyres should be checked and inflated to correct pressure regularly to extend their life.
- Steering and suspension components should be checked to extend their life.
- Regular servicing, documented in your Log Book, enhances the resale value of your vehicle.
What’s included in a car service?
That depends on the service you choose:
Minor Service
This is the quicker option generally, taking a look over the vehicle for common issues and replacing things like your oil, brake pads, and windscreen wipers. Auto Masters standard services cover:
Full lube service
Checking tyre wear and adjusting tyre pressures
Checking and replacing wiper blades
An oil and filter change
A full brake inspection
Providing you with a full vehicle safety report
Major Service
By comparison, this is a longer service because it takes a more in-depth look at your car. In addition to the minor service offering, major services by Auto Masters include:
A state-of-the-art electronic tune up
Fuel system check
Spark plugs and points checks
Full brake inspection and safety check
A written vehicle safety report
Sometimes called a ‘full service’, this is a more comprehensive option to make sure there are no issues which were overlooked during your regular services. This kind of regular servicing keeps your car running smoothly and can help you avoid costly repairs.
Log Book Service
Also known as a new car warranty service, your log book service may include the services from above; what exactly the service includes depends on your vehicle manufacturer’s service schedule.
What is not included in a car service?
Anything outside of the scope provided when you book your service. If other faults are found while your mechanic is servicing your vehicle, these will be addressed with you. Our team will give you an easy-to-understand rundown of what the issue is, how it can be fixed, quote how much it will cost, and a timeframe for the work (especially if any parts need to be ordered).
How much does a car service cost?
Again, this depends on what service you are having done. As a national brand, Auto Masters servicing costs may vary from state to state – it’s best to get a quote from your local service centre to get a concrete price on your next minor or full car service.
What about if I need repairs?
Any mechanical repairs outside of the replacements outlined in your service (brakes, oil, etc.) will be quoted as additional work. Thankfully, we have a system to make sure you aren’t unduly impacted by unexpected repairs – our qualified mechanics will contact you as soon as possible to explain and confirm any fixes before taking action.
Auto Masters provides great service, guaranteed
Keeping your vehicle running smoothly and safely is important. You can trust Auto Masters to deliver the best in regular car servicing and any necessary repairs, getting you back on the road as soon as possible.
We only use the best products from trusted industry suppliers, and we only use genuine or appropriate parts when anything needs replacing. All major work is carried out by qualified mechanics.
Best of all, we’re confident in our work – so we’ll guarantee it. Auto Master guarantees our work for services and tune-ups to provide you with peace of mind in the unlikely event that something goes awry.
Why choose Auto Masters?
Auto Masters Fixed Price Concept
All Auto Masters Standard Services are Fixed Price. We quote you up front so that you know exactly what you’ll pay.
Auto Masters Money Back Guarantee
Your satisfaction is important to us and we back all of our Fixed Price Services with a full money back guarantee.
Auto Masters Warranty
Tune-ups and Services
Auto Masters warrants that All Tune-Ups and Services are covered by a 10,000 kms or 6 months warranty (whichever comes first – see Auto Masters Warranty for full details).
Brake Repairs
Auto Masters warrants that Brake Repairs are covered by a 24,000 kms or 12 months warranty (whichever comes first – see Auto Masters Warranty for full details).
FAQs about how often to service your car
How often should I get my oil changed?
Knowing when to change your oil is tricky because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different cars and engines require different maintenance schedules. It also depends on your diving habits and conditions. The new rule (and perhaps the one that makes the most sense) is that you consult your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If in doubt, give your local mechanics at Auto Masters a call and we will advise you.
After how many kms should I get my oil changed?
There are a lot of variables that go into the distance you can travel before changing your oil. Firstly, your vehicle make and model – plus driving habits, conditions on the roads you regularly drive, what kind of oil you used last time. While some might follow the general rule of thumb of getting an oil change every 10,000km – 15,000km, the most accurate way (and the way that makes the most sense) to determine it is by consulting your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If you’re not sure when you need to get your oil changed next, contact your local Auto Masters and our friendly team will advise you.
How long does a car service take?
The time it takes for your car to get serviced varies depending on the vehicle and amount of repairs it needs. However, your local Auto Masters can give you an estimate for how long the service will take; and if anything unexpected pops up that could delay this, our mechanics will keep you in the loop. Why not give us a call – our team are happy to talk you through the process and give you a more specific timeframe for any service.
Does your Logbook servicing protect my new car warranty?
Yes, Auto Masters are fully qualified to service new cars and offer competitive Logbook service prices. Our Logbook service adheres to all manufacturers’ requirements, ensuring your car receives the necessary service and doesn’t void your new car warranty.
Does Auto Masters offer a warranty on work completed?
Auto Masters warrants that there will be no defects in materials or workmanship for: (a) 6 months or 10,000kms, whichever comes first in respect of Tune and Services; and (b) 12 months or 24,000kms, whichever comes first in respect of Brakes. PROVIDED Auto Masters is given the first opportunity to correct the problem by reporting the matter to Auto Masters before any rectification is carried out. Any expenditure incurred without Auto Masters approval will not be recognised. Any Auto Masters facility will, during normal business hours, replace any part supplied and fitted by Auto Masters which has failed and/or readjust those components noted as being defective at any time during the warranty period. This service will be performed at no additional cost to the customer upon presentation of the Auto Masters invoices for the previous work. Some conditions do apply.
Do I keep my new car warranty if I service at Auto Masters?
Yes! You can save money and keep your new car warranty in tact when you service your car at Auto Masters.
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