Every car comes with a vehicle maintenance schedule set by the manufacturer. Do you really need to stick to this schedule, though? Yes – we explain why below.
Haven’t had your car serviced in a while? Service schedule aside, you should still get at least a basic service every year. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.
The Logbook Service
A logbook service is performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or car service schedule.
- The manufacturer recommends which parts should be replaced at what intervals.
- Intervals could be based on mileage or passage of time e.g. replacing a part every 5,000 miles or every 6 months.
After a manufacturer’s service, you’ll get a stamp in your logbook to prove the service took place.
While routine car care is a good idea because it keeps your car in good working order, it can’t replace a manufacturer’s service. Let’s break down the four main reasons why it’s so important.
1. Protect Your Vehicle’s Warranty
Is your car under a manufacturer’s warranty? Failing to follow the service schedule will void your warranty. As a result, the manufacturer won’t pay for certain repairs that would normally be covered under the warranty, meaning repairs could cost you more than they should.
What’s more, a patchy service history can make it harder for you to sell your car or trade it in for a newer model. Follow the vehicle maintenance schedule to protect your warranty and preserve your car’s resale value.
2. Increase Your Car’s Lifespan
Following the guidelines goes a long way to keeping your car on the road for longer. During your car service, we will check things such as:
- Transmission fluid
- Anti-freeze levels
- Oil and oil filters
- Gear lubricants
Lubrication is essential to keeping your car’s vital parts in good working order for as long as possible. So, if you want to protect your car’s lifespan and get the most value from your vehicle, don’t neglect your vehicle maintenance schedule.
3. Improve the Car’s Safety
Vehicle safety goes hand-in-hand with roadworthiness and longevity. As part of the manufacturer’s service, we will perform:
- Brake inspection (and adjustments if necessary)
- Tyre pressure check
- Steering inspection
- Suspension checks
- Visual inspection of exterior parts
If you don’t service these parts as recommended by the manufacturer, you risk putting yourself and other road users in danger. Ensure your car is safe to drive by following the vehicle maintenance schedule.
4. Reduce Repair Costs
So far, we’ve stressed the importance of following the manufacturer’s schedule. However, manufacturer’s schedule aside, you should always perform routine maintenance on your car every few months, such as:
- Checking tyre pressure
- Changing the oil
- Checking visible parts e.g. wiper blades for wear and tear
- Topping up fluid levels
If you’re unsure how to perform these jobs, don’t worry – just bring your car to us.
What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Manufacturer’s Schedule
If you ignore your vehicle maintenance schedule, you could:
- Reduce your car’s market value
- Damage your engine and other key components
- Spend more on car care than you need to
Bottom line? A lack of proper service history makes your car harder to sell in the future, and it could cost you more in the long term. Stick to your vehicle maintenance schedule to stay safe on the road and preserve your car’s lifespan.
Car Servicing at Beachwheels
At Beachwheels Automotive, we offer a full range of vehicle inspections and servicing packages to suit your needs. If you don’t have your vehicle maintenance schedule, or you don’t know what service you require, give us a call to see how we can help.