But which service should you choose?
When you call to book your car service, you are often asked if you would like a 'minor service' or a "major service'.
If your car is still under warranty, it is likely that you are following the car’s logbook servicing schedule as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and this pretty much takes into consideration all areas of the motor vehicle. Following the logbook service schedule ensures that most items deemed important are dealt with, as either recommended kilometre or time milestones are reached.
However, if your warranty has expired, of if you have decided no to not follow the vehicle manufacturers’ recommended service schedule, you may be left confused as to which service option to choose. And lets face it, as much as we all know that we need safe and reliable vehicles, the costs involved in services other than a "minor", can be the deciding factor when choosing which service to undertake.
Different Car Services Explained
It is helpful to understand what each type of car service includes.
What is a minor car service?
A minor service may also be called a basic or general service, and generally involves replacing the engine oil and engine oil filter. These will generally be the only parts” used in the service. The minor service also includes an under-body and under-bonnet safety inspection. This process does not usually take a lot of time, and your car's fluid levels will be checked, as should the brakes, tyres, and lights.
If any additional parts are assessed as being faulty, they should only be replaced after authorisation from you.
Your mechanic should by now have a very good understanding of the overall mechanical condition of the vehicle, and you can general expect the service to cost between $150 and $300, depending on your car make and model.
What is a major car service?
The term major service can be quite confusing and has most mechanics consulting your car’s service manual to determine at which mileages various components need to be replaced. These recommended mileages are so different from one car maker to another, that trying to formulate some sort of general replacement interval for items such as spark plugs, timing belts, cabin filters, fuel filters, is not really possible.
The major service will always include an engine oil and engine oil filter change, but the make-up of the rest of the ‘major’ service can involve potentially hundreds of dollars in additional work. We advise you to request exactly what is required as additional items in the major service from your mechanic as well as an estimate of overall cost.
Already booked your service?
As the customer, you have the right to know a reasonable estimate of your service cost prior to commencement, and we always recommend you ask, so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you come to collect your car. Your mechanic should always contact you before carrying out any repairs or procedures that are in addition to the service you’ve requested. Your mechanic should request your approval to proceed with additional work, and to estimate or quote the additional cost before starting any work.
The downside of having only minor services done
Of course the minor service is always going to be the cheapest, quickest option. But be aware, at some point, somewhere and sometime, your car is going to break down.
If you only request only a minor service time after time, then yes, your car will probably breakdown roadside. Changing only the engine oil and oil filter and performing a basic inspection means your car has “been serviced”, but only ever partially.
Most workshops use modern and well-developed software to keep accurate records of your service history and should also be able to advise you of which items need to be replaced further to the engine oil and the engine oil filter, as services become due.
Parts, such as spark plugs, drive belts and other filters will definitely need replacing as the vehicle is used, and systems can be put in place to effectively spread the costs by performing additional items little by little, over upcoming services.
Communication is KEY!
Communication between you and your mechanic is necessary. Armed with an accurate service history (keep your invoices!), your mechanic can make well-informed decisions about your vehicle that will ultimately save you money.
Failing this, and not having any sort of service history, you need a mechanic you can trust to provide you with the right advice and aid you in spending your hard-earned dollars wisely when determining which items will need attention to keep your vehicle safe and reliable.
