Shifting From The Biggest Misconceptions About Yearly Service Checks For A Vehicle

Automotive Blog

Just like you should have yourself checked out by a physician at an annual checkup about every year, it is a good idea to do the same for your car by scheduling an annual service check. Even though annual service checks are considered a necessity by some automobile owners, most disregard the fact that they are important. One of the biggest reasons these helpful checks are ignored is because there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about auto servicing in general. Here is a quick look at some of the most common misconceptions about annual car servicing and the facts you should know. 

Misconception: Annual car servicing usually only involves changing the oil and replacing fluids. 

Fact: When you take your vehicle to a mechanic for an annual service checkup, they do far more than just change the oil and fill up your coolant reservoir. Some of the additional things that will happen include:

  • checking for oil leaks
  • checking the timing belt
  • testing the alternator and checking the alternator belt
  • adjusting cam belt if necessary
  • replacing the air filter
  • checking the condition of fuel system components
  • greasing drive shafts, axles, and other mobile parts
  • lubricating battery terminals

Misconception: Having your car serviced annually is not necessary if you have a newer car. 

Fact: New cars may be built to last, but an annual servicing can prolong the life of any vehicle. In fact, the earlier you start having your car annually serviced, the higher likelihood that you will have your car functional for the long term. Not just that, but having annual service records for your vehicle will help keep the value of your car closer to what you gave for it if you decide to sell. 

Misconception: There is no need to have your car annually serviced by a mechanic when you can do everything yourself. 

Fact: It is true that there are some things you can do on your own for annual maintenance, such as changing the oil and replacing the plugs and plug wires if needed. However, the mechanic does a much more thorough job of assessing any issues and tackling them because they have the knowledge, skill set, and tools to do so. 

The fact is, having your car serviced annually by a qualified mechanic is easily one of the most important things you can do as a car owner. If it is time for your annual service check, talk to a service center near you to make an appointment. 

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