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Understanding Car Service Schedules: How Often Should You Service Your Vehicle?

by Clare Louise

Always keep your automobile on a regular schedule of repair. What  is the proper time to bring your car in for servicing? The answer depends upon age, manufacture and model of the car involved. Most automobile manufacturers agree that at least annually or every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, service should be performed. However, different driving conditions may intervene with this time. Routine maintenance of keeping your car in good working condition and ensuring road safety ensures detection of possible conditions before they actually become costly conditions.

What to Look for in a Reliable Car Service Provider

Now, a good auto repair workshop would be able to give car with needed car service repairs. To begin with, find out an auto parts supplier renowned for an excellent reputation and completely satisfied clients. Online reviews or just word of mouth will give you an excellent impression about the service quality. The other thing to establish is whether the repair shop is comprised of certified mechanics who have experience working on your automobile’s make and model. Transparency in communication and price, of course. Good estimators who give you a breakdown of necessary work to be repaired, and not to take you for unnecessary work. But you cannot be sure that it is the real reliable service provider.

The Evolution of Car Service: From Manual Checks to Computer Diagnostics

As modern technology of automobiles has emerged after the 1980s, improvements in this car repair business were also witnessed to a huge extent. The traditional car maintenance process was full of hand work, with mechanics supposed to look at parts and arrive at what was wrong with these parts using tools only. It had to depend much on intuition and one’s expertise. Although this method was valid, it was not completely foolproof because certain problems were very hard to pin point without modern tools that are now in existence. As computerized techniques have become the order of the day, auto repair becomes more precise. Onboard diagnostic systems, which are fitted in most cars today, keep monitoring the vehicle’s performance at all times. Such systems identify even small flaws in the sensors, alongside problems in the engine and transmission.

Currently, diagnostic tools that come in direct contact with the OBD system are used by auto mechanics whenever an automobile is brought in for servicing. This technology gives an intense report on how the vehicle is faring  and efficiently identifies any problems. This innovation has increased the accuracy and performance of auto servicing. Now, mechanics do not have to think for too long about solutions; instead, they can focus only on solving specific problems. Because computer diagnostics allow them to diagnose and correct problems more rapidly, we can also expect that they have contributed to lower labour costs. We can also look forward to greater service procedure improvements as automobiles continue the march of science and technology.

How Weather Conditions Affect Car Maintenance Needs

One of the key determinants of a vehicle maintenance needs is the weather. Certain components are subjected to more stress than usual when it is either extremely hot or very, very cold. In warm conditions both the cooling system and the engine have to work harder to avoid overheating. The radiator has to be in good working order and coolant level sufficient. For example, oil and transmission fluid deteriorate much faster in extreme heat, and this calls for more car service repair. Then, the batteries lose their energy faster in cold climates, and this affects battery performance. Driving during winter exposes your tires and braking mechanisms to wear out pretty fast. Salt and other de-icing agents cause rust on exposed undercarriages of the car and so needs protection and cleaning to some extent. Areas known for seasonal changes should adjust the maintenance plan. For example, the coolant levels and the correct functioning of the heating system will be checked at the start of winter. Summer months are thus checked for coolant, tire pressure, and air conditioner. Seasonal maintenance assures that your car will operate effectively and safely all around the year aside from extending its lifespan.