What happens when you get your car serviced?

When you get your car serviced, several key inspections, maintenance tasks, and repairs may be performed to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. Here's what typically happens during a car service:

Fluid Checks and Changes

• Oil Change: The engine oil is drained and changed with fresh oil to keep the engine lubricated and running efficiently. The oil filter is also generally changed.
• Fluid Levels: Other essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are inspected and topped off if compulsory.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

• Tire Pressure Check: Tires are checked for correct inflation levels, which is important for safety and fuel efficiency.
• Tire Rotation: Depending on mileage, tires may be rotated to promote even wear and extend their life.·        
• Tire Condition: Tread depth and tire wear are checked to ensure they’re safe for driving.

Brake Checkup

• Brake Pads and Rotors: Brake pads, rotors, and discs are checked for wear. If they are thin or damaged, replacements may be recommended.·         
• Brake Fluid: The brake fluid is inspected for correct levels and quality.

Battery Inspection

The battery’s condition is tested, including the charge level and terminal cleanliness. If the battery is old or weak, it may be changed.

Filter Replacements

• Air Filter: The engine air filter may be changed if it’s clogged with dirt and debris, which improves fuel efficiency and performance.
• Cabin Air Filter: This filter, which keeps the air inside the vehicle clean, may also be changed if compulsory.

Suspension and Steering Inspect

• The suspension system (including shocks, struts, and bushings) is checked for damage or wear. The steering parts are also inspected for proper functioning.

Exhaust System Checkup

• The exhaust system, including the muffler and catalytic converter, is checked for leaks, rust, or damage, ensuring it operates efficiently and within emissions regulations.

Lights and Electronics Inspect

• All lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and electronic systems (wipers, A/C, and radio) are inspected to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

Diagnostic Test (if compulsory)

• Some services may include connecting the car to a diagnostic tool to inspect for any error codes in the engine, transmission, or other systems. This helps identify any hidden problems.

General Inspection

• The mechanic will perform an overall inspection of the vehicle’s condition, looking for any signs of wear or potential issues, such as leaks, rust, or unusual noises.

Road Test

• After servicing, the mechanic may take the car for a short road test to ensure everything is functioning properly and to identify any problems that weren't apparent during the stationary inspection.

Getting your car serviced regularly helps maintain performance, prevents expensive repairs, and ensures your vehicle is safe to drive. Most car manufacturers recommend specific service intervals, often based on mileage or time (e.g., every 5,000-10,000 miles or once a year).

Wondering what happens when you get your car serviced? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care for more information about car repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Why Car Service Is Important?

Car service is important for several reasons, as it helps ensure the proper functioning, safety, and long life of your vehicle. Here are some key reasons why regular car service is important:

1. Preventive Maintenance: Regular servicing allows for the detection and correction of potential problems before they become major issues. This helps prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs in the future.
2. Safety: A well-maintained car is a safer car. Regular service ensures that all essential parts, such as brakes, tires, lights, and suspension, are in good working condition, reducing the risk of accidents or failures on the road.
3. Performance: Regular maintenance helps optimize the performance of your vehicle. It ensures that the engine, transmission, and other crucial systems are operating efficiently, leading to better fuel efficiency and overall performance.
4. Extended Lifespan: Cars that receive regular maintenance tend to have a longer life. By addressing problems promptly and keeping the various parts in good condition, you can avoid premature wear and tear, helping your car last longer.
5. Resale Value: If you plan to sell or trade in your car in the future, a well-maintained vehicle usually has a higher resale value. Prospective buyers are often more willing to pay a premium for a car with a documented service history and in good condition.
6. Fuel Efficiency: Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, replacing air filters, and keeping the engine tuned, contributes to better fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine operates more smoothly and requires less fuel to perform efficiently.
7. Environmental Impact: A properly maintained car is likely to produce fewer emissions, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint. Regular service helps ensure that your vehicle complies with emissions standards and operates more cleanly.
8. Warranty Compliance: For newer vehicles still under guarantee, adhering to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule is often a requirement to keep the guarantee valid. Skipping scheduled services may void warranty coverage.
9. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car is in good condition and has been regularly serviced provides peace of mind while driving. You can have confidence in your vehicle's reliability and safety.

In summary, regular car service is a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance that pays off in terms of safety, performance, longevity, and overall cost-effectiveness. It is an investment in the ongoing health of your car and your own peace of mind as a driver.

Wondering why car service is important?  Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Expert Car Care today for more information about car repair options and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.

How Often Should Car Service Be Done?

If you’re wondering how often should car service be done, it is important to remember that there are some factors that have an impact on the needed frequency of service.  The primary considerations would be:

• How many miles you drive in a year;
• If you adhere to the recommended car maintenance schedule; and
• The condition of the roads you travel on a consistent basis.

However, most auto mechanics would tell you that typically, it is wise to have your car serviced every 12 months or 12K miles (whichever comes first).  Of course, as referenced above, if you drive a lot more miles during the year, then you should schedule a service every 6 months or 6K miles.  

One great feature of today’s vehicles is the built-in computer that will alert you when your car has reached certain service intervals. If your car doesn’t have this feature, ask your car repair specialist to help you keep track of the specific maintenance requirements for your vehicle. Or, you will find the manufacturer’s recommended service guidelines in your owner’s manual for the maintenance of your vehicle. 

Remember:  To help prevent costly car repair as much as possible, make it a habit to keep up with regular car service.  Small issues can be noticed early and taken care of before they turn into a major car repair.  This habit will also increase the safety and trustworthiness of your vehicle.  Plus, research indicates that vehicles with a good service history retain their value in case you want to sell or trade in your vehicle. 

So how often should car service be done?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about car repair services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Often Do You Need to Get Your Car Serviced?

Have you been putting off visiting your auto shop for a needed car repair or maintenance service?  You may be wondering just how often do you need to get your car serviced? Many drivers may think they’re saving money by extending the time between service intervals.  Or they may put off a needed car repair because their car still seems to be running just fine.  The truth is, the potential cost of car repair due to lack of maintenance is much greater than the cost of the service.  Or allowing a small issue to turn into a bigger car repair problem will cost you a lot more money in the long run!

Neglecting regular maintenance could result in experiencing one or more of the problems described below:

• Decreased fuel economy
• Loss of performance power
• The air inside your vehicle loses its clean quality
• Noisy engine due to build-up of oil sludge

There are several types of engine damage that do not necessarily impact your ability to drive your car.  For example, you can drive with little or no oil for a period of time, but, this can cause severe damage to the head gasket or the pistons.  This type of engine repair can cost a small fortune.  For just a few dollars out of your budget, keeping up with regular oil changes would have prevented the damage in the first place.

Tip to Remember: Please don’t delay for the service warning lights to come on before scheduling car service. If you follow the maintenance schedule suggested in your owner’s manual or by your car repair technician, you can drive your car down the road with confidence knowing you will arrive safely at your destination.

If you want to know more about how often do you need to get your car serviced, Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about our car repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Often Do You Get Your Car Serviced?

Are you confused by the different types of car services available and wondering how often do you get your car serviced?  All you know is that you want to avoid unexpected and costly car repair.  How do you do that, you ask?  What you ask for depends on what your car needs.  

First, there is a basic service package that is generally suggested every 6,000 miles or every 6 months. This typically includes oil changes, including the oil filter, and a check of the main components of the car, which means your brakes, tires, lights, and battery.  This will help ensure that you are aware of what your car may want and whether or not it is an urgent matter. 

Second, a full service is generally suggested every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. This includes everything that is in a basic service plus additional filter replacements; in-depth brake inspects and checks of the engine. This is especially vital if you think your car is not performing well. 

Third, a major service is generally suggested every 24 months or every 24,000 miles and is the most vital service that your car will receive--basically a complete overall inspect of the vehicle.  At this point, certain components and systems will have experienced wear and tear or even some damage.  In addition to the problems included in a full service, there are even more in-depth inspects, spark plugs changed, brake fluid, suspension check, and replacement of other filters. 

Why should you have your car serviced? Here are 5 good reasons:

• Longer life expectancy. 
• Avoid expensive car repairs
• Save money on fuel.   
• Retains good re-sale or trade-in value.
• Insurance companies can use service history to determine pre-accident value. 

Are you wondering how often do you get your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about car repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Wondering How Often Do You Need Your Car Serviced?

Like most motorists, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder how often do you need your car serviced?  It is quite simple--follow the suggested maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your car.  Each service item will be listed along with the appropriate time or mileage interval that it should be taken care of.

There are two different ways in which you will be reminded as to when to get your car serviced:

• Mileage-Based Service Intervals The service intervals for older cars are normally based on mileage. There are usually two different maintenance schedules listed in your owner’s manual--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and one for cars driven in “severe” operating conditions.  Severe driving condition is normally defined as primarily short trips of five miles or less, extreme hot or cold climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads.  
• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems Newer cars are now equipped with an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system.  This reminder system relieves the driver of watching odometer for a certain mileage. They take a number of car operating conditions into account and offer an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component checkups, and other vehicle maintenance services. 

Tip to Remember:  Find a reliable car repair shop and auto technician for basic vehicle maintenance before you really want them for a major car repair.

Wondering how often do you need your car serviced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about our car repair services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.