When it comes to car maintenance, regular servicing is key to extending the longevity of your engine, ensuring your vehicle’s safety and road worthiness, and preventing wear-and-tear that inevitably builds up over time.
But for many car-owners, this blanket term doesn’t actually convey what’s included in a car service, the different types available, and the cost and recommended frequency of such.
To break it down, this simple guide fleshes out the differences between a minor and major car service in Rockingham and beyond (otherwise known as general and full services).
Minor service
As indicated by the name itself, a minor/general car service covers the essential elements to ensure they’re all in working order. A full car check over is conducted, which typically involves a series of surface inspections, tests, and small repairs where needed.
- What’s checked? The
main things coveredinclude a changing and topping up of fluids. Specifically,
the following elements will either be checked or tested:
- Engine oil and oil filter
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Leads
- Air conditioning system
- Steering and suspension
- Lights
- Windscreen wipers and washers
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Exhaust
- Battery
- Tyre rotation
- What’s the cost?Depending on things like the make and model of the car and its current condition, a minor car service should cost around $200 (give or take).
- How long will it take?Again, this is vehicle-dependent, but you can typically expect to wait around an hour for a minor car service to be completed.
- How often do I need to book this?This will largely depend on your vehicle manufacturer, but a general rule of thumb is to book a minor car service every 12 months or 10,000-15,000 kilometres.
Major service
During this type of service, a full tune-up of your vehicle will take place. Major repairs and replacements will be carried out, which are naturally more time-consuming and costly than a minor car service. click here for more info tyreinflatorguide.com.
- What’s checked? In
addition to everything included in a minor service, a major service also
involves the following:
- Inspection for safety issues
- Checking external engine belts and hoses
- Engine oil and replacement
- Filters testing and replacement
- Testing the battery, cooling system and coolant condition
- Repair and replacement of spark plugs
- Repacking all wheel bearings
- Changing transmission oils
- Flushing and changing of fluids
- Wheel alignment
- What’s the cost?While pricing tends to vary more with a major service, most vehicles will incur costs starting at $300.
- How long will it take?Given the additional checks involved in a major car service, wait time will often range from two hours to almost a full day of work.
- How often do I need to book this?Again, it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual first, but a major car service should typically take place approximately every four to six years, or after clocking up 80,000-120,000 kilometres.
It’s important to keep in mind that the above information should be used as a general guideline. Each car is different – for a detailed scope into the estimated costs and service needed for your vehicle, shop around and get in touch with an experienced car mechanic.