How To Ensure Your Vehicle’s Longevity

As a vehicle owner, understanding the significance of regular car servicing is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of your vehicle. Car manufacturers typically recommend servicing your vehicle every 15,000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever comes first. But why? Here’s everything you need to know:

Oil & Fluid Degradation

Even if you have yet to travel 15,000 kilometres in your car over a year, your vehicle’s oil and other fluids degrade. Oil loses its viscosity (or thickness), which makes it lose its effectiveness as a lubricant and increases the risk of engine wear. Brake fluid and coolant can also break down naturally over time due to chemical reactions and environmental exposure, potentially leading to brake failure or your engine overheating.

Regular servicing ensures these fluids are replaced or topped up as needed, maintaining your vehicle’s optimal performance and safety.

Battery Life & Performance

The battery in your car is prone to discharging and deteriorating over time, even if you don’t frequently use it. This degradation happens because batteries naturally lose their charge through a phenomenon known as self-discharge, and environmental factors (such as extreme temperatures) can accelerate the process. When the engine is off, your vehicle’s battery also powers essential electronic systems (such as the clock, radio and security alarms), gradually depleting its charge.

Regular servicing checks ensure your car’s battery remains adequately charged and in optimal condition, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and enhancing your car’s reliability.

Tyre Condition & Pressure

Tyres are fundamental to the safety and efficiency of your vehicle, and they, too, degrade even when not in regular use. Over time, tyres may lose pressure, affecting your car’s handling and increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, tyres can develop flat spots if a vehicle remains stationary for extended periods, leading to uneven wear and potentially hazardous driving conditions.

Regular servicing includes tire inspections for proper inflation, tread depth, and overall condition. This check ensures your tires are safe, contribute to better fuel efficiency, and have a longer lifespan.

Rust & Corrosion

Everyday elements like moisture, seaside living, and the simple passing of time can stealthily contribute to two threats to your car: rust and corrosion. Unfortunately, both issues are often undetectable to the untrained eye and can become significant problems for critical areas like break lines, exhaust systems, and undercarriages.

Regular servicing helps you spot early signs of rust and corrosion and take necessary actions through preventative treatments or repairs. This proactive approach helps maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle and ensures its safety and longevity on the road.

There you have it. Regular servicing at 10,000 kilometres or 12 months is not a recommendation but a critical aspect of owning a car. It ensures the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your vehicle.

Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Book a service at Nicholson Autos to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition.

Book a service here.