So when we think of car service the general thought is "oh thats just an oil change and spinning a new filter on and out the door" ? then looking at the invoice going WOW that was expensive for just an oil change.
There is a major difference though between a real Car Service and jacking it up and just draining and refilling oil. What is the difference? I hear running through people's minds right about now after reading the above comments. So in the blog post ahead I'm going to let you know the truth when it comes to getting your vehicles next service.
Before I do, Who am I to write a blog and put labels and my opinions on the car and truck service and repair industry. ( why should you trust my advice or opinions ? )
With over 20 years in the Australian Automotive industry with trade Qualifications As a Mechanic, Auto Electrician and Engine Reconditioner + license in Automotive air conditioning.
I am Lance, Part owner and hands on operator of one of the Sunshine Coast's biggest engine reconditioning, engine machining, car and truck servicing centre's. We are not the biggest in numbers or turn over but are one of the biggest due to having all automotive trades in the one building. providing Trade services to our fellow mechanical workshops in machining and engine reconditioning also providing our great public clientele with the best service and honest ability we can offer to repair and service your vehicles.
You and your families safety relies on the technician servicing and maintaining your vehicle.
What is a Car Service ? Or General log book service ?
A standard service or what is called a minor service consists of what a vehicles logbooks minimum requirements are normally: ( every workshop puts their own twist on it though, usually to keep everyone returning happy. )
* Raising the vehicle on a hoist so you can see everything that is going on with a vehicle to inspect it at a comfortable level with enough light not to miss any faults or defects.
* Draining oil and removing oil filters, replacing with new units along with sump plug washers or O'rings. ( some shops may run an oil flush before hand to loosen or remove internal carbon or excess sludge from within the engine.) This is great to do here in Maroochydore, especially with our Sunshine Coast climates.
* checking all lights and dash warning lights for operation.
* topping up all fluid's where required. examples power steer, transmission, coolants etc.
( remember this is a minor service ) so only toping up unless replacement is required or requested. )
* Grease all greasing points.
* Check engine for oil leaks & all surrounding component's for leaks.
* Inspect all external drive belts and components externally visible.
* check all steering components tie-rod ends, rack ends, knuckles, rack boots etc.
* check all driveshafts for excess movement and cv boots for damage.
* Inspect and pressure test cooling system for visible coolant leaks.
* inspect suspension components all bushes for cracks, shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
* Inspect brakes and braking system. ( brake pads as a trades person we always work on approx 3mm thickness of pad or below is not acceptable and require replacement. )
* inspect & check tyre inflation. this also applies to the spare tyre. ( be nice to your mechanic and do not have your spare buried in rubbish. With tyres we run on the tread depth indicator rule or 1.5mm tread depth is the minimum. If tyres are aged or balding on outer edges replacement is recommended ).
* Check Wipers and windscreen washers. ( topping up washer water ). Also a clear screen additive as a curtesy I like to do for my clients.
* Service sticker written clearly and indicates kilometre and or date for the vehicles next service.
* Tyre shine the tyres and make sure there are no oil or grease prints left on the vehicle. ( As a technician and vehicle enthusiast this is one of my person pet hates. )
Now the Technical side of the service has been carried out the behind the scenes work starts.
* All of the above work is now transferred from job card to invoice. Including notes on any defects or future repairs that are needed to your vehicle. ( In some situations there may be important safety immediate repairs required. In this case as the client you would receive a phone call and an estimate before any work were to commence. additional to your service. )
The above is now your minor service complete.
Below we talk about the additional service items or repairs that are normally a part of a medium or major service.
* Air Filters ( refers to the engines Air filter to stop dust or debris from entering your engines intake system usually if clogged up can cause the following issues : poor fuel economy, poor engine performance and long term engine damage to piston rings, valves and throttle body components.)
Fuel / Diesel filters. ( A poor fuel filter can restrict fuel from entering the injector rails or carburettor also like the air filter causing internal damage. major faults lean running conditions and excess heat and stress on other engine and even exhaust components. )
* Cabin Pollen filter : ( The pollen filter has now been in most Australian cars and trucks for about 15years now, but is something that is missed due to not being in all vehicles. the pollen filter protects your from dusty or dirty air entering your cabin and going through your air vents. )
* PCV filters : ( the PCV filter is most common on diesel truck engines and euro style engines. ) this helps your engines oil system breathe.
* Spark plugs. ( spark plugs used to have a life span of 40,000kms. Now days we have platinum and iridium plugs unlike the old ones most spark plugs come with an 80,000 - 120,000 km lifespan. as a technician I always recommend changing your plugs earlier than the manufacturer specifies as they can become difficult to remove if left too long. )
* Driveline oils: ( refers to replacement of transmission, gearbox, transfer case and differential oils. ) This is a vital one for all Cars but especially the truck and 4wd owners.
* Brake fluid flush: ( moisture is the biggest thing to break down brake fluid. ) it is vital that every 40,000kms at most it is replaced.
* Brake and park brake adjustment : ( This is normally a part of a normal service for any vehicle running drum brakes in every service. With a car running disc brake rotors a park brake adjustment may not be required every service but at the service agents choice. )
* Wheel bearing repack and adjustment. ( vital with 4wd vehicles and trucks. it is a must to follow manufacturers specifications. )
* Valve adjustment: ( when running a valve adjustment this is vital to stop premature valve damage and engine damage. Trucks, Cars and 4wd's this is a must and normally supported with a new rocker cover gasket. )
* Timing belt kit. ( Vehicles running a timing belt normally do not see the rubber belt fail but more the components it runs on, such as pulleys , tensioner and in some cases water pump. it is always recommended to replace your timing belt in a kit form. which is timing belt, idler pulley , cam & crank seals, tensioner and sometimes even a water pump if specified. )
If a Timing belt fails in a lot of interference engines usually means near the end of the engine as valves can smash into pistons internally and either damage the valve or both valve and piston which is a whole different blog to talk about.
Now We have touched on the importance of servicing your car and what it all mean's, There are a couple off thing's that may clear up some of the big mass of confusion and miss information about the service requirements and expectations we all at one point have had.
1, If you request a logbook service but do not want items that are specified in that particular service carried out that are documented. it is actually illegal for your service technician to sign off or stamp that service in your log book. Yes it is these situations where a dealership may not honour a warranty item.
2, If you purchase a new vehicle and you have not signed a specific contract for an extended warranty. You have the freedom to have your vehicle serviced at any licensed service centre using approved motor oils and filters for your vehicle.
( If Your log book is stamped by a licensed business with all supporting invoice records of service. Legally any dealer can not void your manufacturers warranty. )
3, I have had my car serviced should the serviced and the sticker says I'm due again in 7,500kms , 10,000kms or 15,000kms.
a lot of service technicians have different belief's on intervals between services. most would go with what the log book says.
Service Intervals:
Personally I put 7500kms for a interim service on all of my stickers for cars. this is due to myself being an engine reconditioned as well as a service technician, i get to see what is inside of our engines as pictured earlier in this blog.
I have had engines come in carboned up with baked on oil and sludge built up on components like tree sap. engines that have been religiously serviced by the manufacturers recommendations spot on log book specified times.
Here on the sunshine coast I put it down to simply our climate. that makes our oils break down quicker and gain moisture due to short trips, atmospheric humidity and moisture.
yes low quality oils can contribute and poor quality fuels such as e10 and 91 octane.
where we choose to live our vehicles suffer from all of the above.
My best advice is to change your oil at least every 7500kms, use a good quality oil and run your petrol vehicle on 98+ octane fuels or diesel hi quality premium diesels.
With all of our trucks we service due to a trucks constantly running on warm runs and do not shut down as much as cars they do not experience the same affects as the passenger vehicle engines so 10,000 to 15,000km intervals are more acceptable.
I hope this above blog has been informative if you have any car questions or technical items you would like me to blog about please. shoot us a message or comment on this blog.
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