Service Query
Your car is one the single most important large-value purchases you will make in life, and as such, most folks will want to ensure that it is well taken care of and try to retain as much of its residual value for as long as possible. Physically taking care of the exterior and interior by keeping them clean is a good start but many forget completely about the mechanical well-being of their vehicle.
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Taking care of your vehicle's mechanical health with proper and regular services is a surefire way to keep it alive for longer and retain its value over time. What is a service, what does it entail, and how much does it cost? We investigate!
How can I check my car service history for free?
What is a car service?
Any operation on the vehicle that requires a mechanical check and further replacement of consumable items is considered a service. A mechanic will check over the car, run diagnostics, and then replace worn or serviceable items. This can be quite a messy and labour-intensive task there are usually hourly rates for the work that is carried out and will vary vastly depending on the vehicle and model.
What should I do before taking my car in for a service?
Types of services
- Mini
A mini or minor service will consist of a diagnostic check, oil change, oil filter, and air filter.
- Full
A full service will consist of the diagnostic check, oil change, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, timing belt, and coolant replacement
- Manufacturer
A manufacturer service is conducted at the vehicle brand's dealership by qualified technicians on or near the recommended service intervals, according to the vehicle service or maintenance plan, and can consist of either of the above service items.
What is the difference between a maintenance plan and a service plan?
When does your car need a service?
If you have a new vehicle, it will need to be serviced at regular intervals or as stipulated in the manufacturer's service or maintenance plan. Older used cars can be serviced at any certified garage. All vehicles will have recommended service intervals even after the service and maintenance plans expire, and these are usually spaced at 5000km intervals, so 6500km, 12 000km, 25 000km, etc. Adherence to the service intervals and getting the owner's manual stamped during these services will add to the value of your car when it comes time to sell and give you peace of mind motoring for your ownership years.
How much does a car service cost?
Due to the vastly different vehicle models and the complexity of the engines, services can cost anywhere from R2300 - R12 000 for a minor and upwards of R23 000 for a full 25 000km major service. Private garages regulate their own costs and will often make use of aftermarket parts, while dealerships will use OEM recommended and branded OEM parts, and are usually more expensive than private entities but it once again goes back to the vehicle value as data has proven that dealer serviced vehicles maintain a higher sales value than privately serviced cars.
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What are the benefits of servicing a car?
If one considers the car's engine and mechanics like a human body, keeping them healthy and in good running order will extend the vehicle's life. It also reduces costs by decreasing fuel use and rolling resistance, as a well-maintained machine always runs better. Servicing your car regularly will protect your warranty, increase safety, lower operating costs, maximise resale value, and extend the life of your vehicle.
