We depend on our vehicles for transportation every day, so car maintenance is an important part of our lives. It is easy to forget about servicing your car since it isn’t mandatory. However, a lack of regular car maintenance can lead to small car mechanical problems becoming larger ones, which may compromise vehicle safety and warranty.
It is important to consider some important factors when determining how often you should service your vehicle, such as manufacturer, type, and mileage. The majority of new and modern vehicles do not require a full service, but keeping them in good condition is important.
A common mistake people make is thinking they don’t need to service their car because it is new. It is essential to maintain your vehicle regularly, regardless of its age, to ensure that it keeps working at its best. The general rule of thumb is to service your car once a year or every 10,000 kilometers.
When Should a Car Need Service?
Here are a few hints and tips to help you decide when you should service your car:
1. Read User Manual
Checking the owner’s manual is the best way to determine when to service your car. All cars have general guidelines; however, each manufacturer will make recommendations that are specific to its model. If you don’t know how to do something like oil changes, check the manual first.
2. Look for the Warning Light
If you own a modern car, it will alert you when it needs service. Cars now have onboard computers, which illuminate a dashboard warning light when it’s time for a checkup.
The timing of these tends to be determined by the performance and usage rather than the time between services. Book your car into a car service center near Abu Dhabi as soon as possible if you see that warning light.
3. The Desert Factor
It is difficult to maintain your car in the UAE because of the extreme heat, dust, and rough terrain. Consider shorter service intervals, such as every 5,000 kilometers or every 6 months, if you frequently bash the dune and city centers.
4. Age and Condition
Those cars that are older or are displaying signs of wear and tear may benefit from more frequent preventative maintenance. Make sure you listen to your car! If your vehicle makes unusual noises, performs poorly, or leaks oil, it might be time to schedule a service.
5. Driving Habits
What is your preferred mode of transportation? Are you a short-stopper or a highway traveler? Your driving style has an impact. You might be safe if you stick to the 5000-kilometer.
6. RTA Test
RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) tests are required for UAE vehicles before they are allowed on public roads. Inspections involve a visual inspection of the exterior and a test for emissions.
Regular maintenance involves a more comprehensive evaluation than the RTA test, which only checks for basic auto elements. You are not required by law to service your vehicle in the UAE, but car manufacturers strongly recommend you do so to increase its lifespan and resale value.
Different Types of Car Services
There’s no need to wait until you’ve clocked up another 10,000 kilometers to book a car service. In addition to a full service, small or intermediate services can help you nip major problems in the bud.
There are a few things you can expect to have checked, such as your brake fluid, timing belt, filters, and battery. Every six months or 5,000 kilometers, the service provider usually performs intermediate services.
Let’s discuss all the different services one by one:
1. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of the vehicle and prevents costly repairs in the future. For the proper functioning of your automobile, a typical car service session includes various tasks such as oil filter exchanges, tire rotations, brake assessments, and more.
Check your car more frequently if you need to replenish “consumable items.” This can include changing your oil or oil filter, as well as other fluids and filters such as power steering fluid, spark plugs, wiper blades, brake pads, radiator coolant, and brake fluid, as needed. This type of repair may also require checking the hoses and pipelines that move the fluids.
2. Interim Service
This is a less comprehensive service that is performed every 6 months or 6,000 miles by an engineer. While this is not intended to replace a full service, it can assist in preventing more serious problems from occurring. The intermediate service consists of a 50-point inspection, engine oil change, and oil filter replacement.
3. Full Service
This is the most extensive service available. Every 12 months, 10,000 miles, or as soon as possible, the vehicle must undergo a comprehensive inspection. The service also includes changing engine oil, oil filters, and air filters.
During a full car mechanic service, a mechanic inspects the vehicle’s critical components as well as its safety and mechanical systems. In interim and full services, they replace parts that have a limited lifespan and can cause serious damage if left unattended.
4. Manufacturer Service
In some cases, higher-spec automobiles require a manufacturer’s service. To ensure that we maintain the car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the designer develops a service schedule. If your vehicle is a brand-new model, you must take it to the manufacturer’s dealership or garage. A manufacturer supplies all parts and work, and its technicians are also certified.
Conclusion
To ensure your car runs smoothly and avoids failures, you should prioritize regular maintenance of its engine or fuel type. Service intervals depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of vehicle, its age, and mileage, as well as its location in the UAE and the local climate. To ensure safety, you must follow the manufacturer’s service intervals. No matter what, make sure you have your car serviced at least once a year.
Schedule your car service appointment today with Al Zaabi Autocare to make sure your car is running safely, or give us a call at +971 50 187 3124.
