What is vehicle servicing and what does it usually include
Car services are periodical maintenance routines aimed at ensuring a car's reliability, performance, and safety. Normally, a service is conducted on an annual basis or depending on the car’s mileage, e.g. every 15’000km – this depends strongly on the car, however. Some brands and models require servicing more often than others.
A service usually involves a series of checks and tasks performed at regular intervals to prevent breakdowns and extend the vehicle's lifespan. Regular servicing is crucial for keeping a vehicle running efficiently and safely, and it can also help to maintain the car's value over time.
Here's a summary of what is typically included in a vehicle service:
- Engine Oil and Filter Change: To lubricate the engine's moving parts and remove impurities.
- Brake Checks: Inspection of brake pads, discs, and fluid levels to ensure the braking system is functioning correctly.
- Tire Rotation: To distribute tire wear evenly and maintain the vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency. In Switzerland, this is mostly performed during the seasonal tyre change.
- Fluid Level Checks and Adjustments: Including coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid to prevent overheating and ensure proper lubrication and visibility.
- Battery Inspection: To ensure the battery is in good condition and holding charge.
- Air Filter Inspection: To ensure the engine is receiving clean air for combustion.
- Exhaust System Inspection: To check for leaks, damage, or corrosion.
- Diagnostic Checks: To identify any emerging problems with the vehicle's components or systems.
- Software Updates: For modern cars, updating onboard software for optimal performance.
- Recall Checks: Verifying if there are any manufacturer recalls for the vehicle.
- Addressing Specific Issues: Reported by the vehicle owner or found while conducting the service.
Naturally, services are not free and, depending on the car, can be rather pricey. To alleviate the burden of having to pay one large bill, it is possible to include servicing in a monthly invoice on top of the leasing rate when selecting an All-in-one package by gowago.ch.