What do I need … a Minor Service or a Major Service?

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Minor Service, Major Service, Log Book Service ... Have you ever been left scratching your head when it comes to choosing the correct type of service for your vehicle?

Well, don’t worry, as you are definitely not alone. Vehicle manufacturers vary their recommendations on service intervals. Some say every 10,000 kms while others suggest 15,000 kms between each service. It is important to know the best maintenance plan to suit your vehicle.

Minor, General or Basic Service

What’s the difference? In short ... nothing! The above terms all refer to the same type of basic service for your vehicle.

This always includes the changing of your oil and oil filter. All engines perform better with fresh, clean engine oil. It’s crucial to ensure that your oil is changed regularly, according to the manufacture’s recommendations. This will also prevent your oil from becoming too thick and if left too long, possibly turning to sludge.

After your oil change, it’s essential that your oil level is checked regularly and topped up if needed. Over time, your motor oil will reduce in volume and break down. This makes it less effective at lubricating your motor’s moving parts.

During every minor or major service, all fluid levels are checked and topped up when necessary.

Other tasks usually included in a minor service consist of checking and topping up all the fluids. Additionally, the lights, wipers, battery, brakes, hoses, tyres, air and fuel filters should also be inspected. As an added extra, some businesses will also test the battery and rotate your tyres. Obviously, this will vary from business to business. This is why it’s always best to check what’s included in your service before booking your vehicle in.

Major Service

A major service will include everything in the minor service. Dependent upon the age of the vehicle, additional checks will also be completed. These can include inspection of the air conditioning, brake system, exhaust system, power steering, suspension, transmission and wheel bearings.

The replacement of certain parts will also be determined by the guidelines set by the manufacturer. For example, a cabin filter may need to be replaced every 20,000 kms and a timing belt at 150,000 kms.

Every major service is different. Some spark plugs only need to be replaced every 100,000 kms.

Some repair businesses will want to change the spark plugs at each major service. You should be aware of your service history and when new plugs are required for your car. Today’s premium spark plugs can be quite expensive and some manufacturers recommend that they’re only changed after 100,000 kms.

It’s rare to find a major service advertised for a fixed price, as each make and model requires specific care to maximise its ongoing performance. It’s important to remember that minor and major services are a part of your log book service schedule.

No Surprises

By servicing your car on a regular basis, our technicians can identify any small issues early on. This can save you from major repairs in the future that could become costly and expensive to rectify.

Identifying and replacing worn brakes during a minor service could save you costly rotor replacment.

Sometimes while servicing a vehicle, we may discover an issue that requires immediate attention. Should this happen, St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre will contact you immediately and explain the best course of action to solve the problem. No additional work will be carried out without your approval.

Occasionally a major service quote may seem rather costly. Before booking in, check your log book to see what is recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will know what needs to be done and any supplementary tasks that may have to be included.

Quality Service ... Guaranteed Work

To extend the life of your car, regular servicing is a must. If you’re a normal Sydney driver, i.e.; making lots of short trips or frequently battling peak hour traffic, car manufacturers classify your vehicle as operating in severe conditions.

Even though your new car warranty may have finished, it’s necessary to continue with a service regimen. With each service, there are numerous checks and detailed inspections carried out on your vehicle.

During the warranty period, most vehicles will generally have two minor services to every major service. It’s a good idea to continue this pattern of servicing as it will give you a safe and reliable vehicle for many years.

The team at St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre only uses quality parts and all our work is guaranteed.

 

 

 

Safe motoring ... see you in-store soon!

 

Tarkan

 

 

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