Vechile Servicing; When to service

Ok so you own a car, another expense we all have to endure right?
Some people think car servicing is important and some others, well they don't! So which one are you? In this day and age our lives are very busy and we all have places where we need to be and how do we get there? usually by our 2nd most largest purchase, our cars. Your vehicle is valuable to you and your family both in a transportation and monetary sense and it is because of this value that we place on our vehicles as why it is very important to maintain your pride and joy.
Service maintenance on your vehicle is paramount to the longevity as it is basically preventing premature wear on vital performance and safety components. Inevitably some vehicle components will require replacement at some point but the key to reducing or stopping this is keeping the vehicles components maintained through regular maintenance servicing and check up's. Some manufacturers have vehicle service intervals set at 15,000 km with NO in-between servicing, now that's ok if you have special engine oil like semi or fully synthetic oil based lubricants as this oil has advance technology that is artificially made and basically out performs the standard mineral based crude oils. In my opinion what this means is the mineral based oils need to be changed on a more frequent basis as the chemicals break down quicker through heat transfer and contamination and as I have witnessed on many occasions mineral based oils sticks and burns onto your engine components. Now I am not saying mineral based oils are Bad, they are not! The oil just needs to be changed more frequently and definitely no more then the 10,000 km mark. My recommendations for oil interval changes vary for each vehicle but general consensus is 7,500 km to 10,000 km no more for mineral base oils and up to but no more that 15,ooo km for the Synthetic based oils. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil for more information.

The Service should also include a safety report that indicates as to what condition your vehicle is in and sound honest advise should follow on any parts or components that may require service, adjustment and or replacement
This advise can either be verbal or written, in person or over the phone and I highly recommended that if extra parts or components are replaced please ask to have them kept aside for your inspection and piece of mind. Not sure what your looking at, no worries just take photo's with your phone and send it to that knowledgeable friend that everyone knows. 

FAQ Maintaining your vehicle;

• Question: Do you have a mechanic that your happy with? 
• Answer: Yes? Stick with them chances are you're happy and you already get good prices & sound advice
  
• Answer: No? Get on the Phone and ring your friends/family as word of mouth is usually best or get surfing on the Net and look for a Automotive business close to you then give them a ring and what you want to hear is a polite professional person who is interested in what you want in a service and can offer you advise on what you may need. Not only should they be informative but they should be good listener as well

• Question:  What do I want in a service?
  
• Answer: Well depends on your last service as to what was done can also depend if your vehicle is under manufacturers warranty. My advise is to be a little bit prepared with your vehicle history if you are changing mechanics or finding your first mechanic it will save you a lot of time & guess work. Ask as many questions as you can think of about your vehicle, what brand products they use and what warranty they offer.

• Question: How do I know if I am getting a good deal?
• Answer:  Technology. You can find almost anything either on the Web or through a phone App. There are many variations to vehicle service  & costs of services so once you have booked in your service and requested an approximation of cost ring/email two other competitors to get an idea to see if you are getting a good deal or not? Remembering not to divulge your initial estimate/quote

• Question: My Vehicle is currently being serviced and the mechanic has a report with several items requiring service & parts replacement with costs quoted over the phone
• Answer: Yes a tough question that requires deep breaths. In many cases the extra work reported is usually genuine and the mechanic is informing you of preventive maintenance measures or safety issues they found during the inspection. Write these down as you talk with the mechanic and record the description of work & the associated costs. Also enquire about the time frame and availability of parts if you were to proceed. Or if they have the ability, request an written estimate/quote and have them Email etc... for your perusal. Again use phone a freind or technology to help you decide on the extra repairs should your budget allow. Also ask how urgent the repairs are and to list the items in order of urgency. It Never hurts to ask for a discount if the extra repairs are carried out? Remember to request your old parts to be kept aside for your piece of mind inspection.

Ps: My 1st Blog

Cheers 

A1 Autocare

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