Some car owners don’t follow their manufacturer’s servicing schedule. They deal with problems as they arise or when they remember that they need a check.
However, you should follow this schedule and arrange necessary inspections at the right times. Learn more about scheduled maintenance and the benefits of meeting its recommendations.
What Is a Factory Maintenance Schedule?
When manufacturers release cars into the market, they create recommended service schedules. These documents tell you when you should have a service check on certain parts of your vehicle.
These schedules often work on a mileage or yearly basis. So, for example, your manufacturer might recommend different service checks when you hit a mileage milestone, such as 10,000 miles, or after you have owned your car for a year.
The checks you need vary depending on the model, age, and mileage of your car. First services are usually basic.
For example, you might need an oil change, fluid level checks, tire checks, and a brake inspection. Following services might include these checks but will also add others, such as filter and brake fluid replacement.
Car manufacturers outline their recommended maintenance schedules and checklists in owner manuals. Some cars also give you automatic notice when a check is about to come due. For example, you might see an alert light when you reach a certain mileage. This reminds you that you need to book a maintenance service.
What Are the Benefits of Sticking to Factory-Scheduled Maintenance Services?
Following your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule has some benefits even if your car doesn’t seem to have any problems when an inspection is due. These checks have the following advantages.
Get Useful Safety Checks
You don’t always get advance warnings when your car has a problem that compromises your driving safety. Blown tires, failing brakes, and low fluid levels can be hazardous.
If you follow your recommended service schedule, then you get regular safety checks on key parts of your car. You’re less likely to have an accident because of a problem you didn’t know you had.
Spot Problems Early
If you check your car regularly, then you are more likely to spot problems early. You can arrange an early repair.
This prevents problems from getting worse and causing more damage to your car. Any repair costs you have will be cheaper if you catch faults early rather than wait. A small fault can turn into a major and significantly more expensive repair if you leave it too long.
Meet Warranty Conditions
Your car’s warranty covers a range of costs. If your car develops a fault covered by your warranty, then you shouldn’t have to pay for the repair.
However, you have to make sure that you stay compliant with your warranty’s terms. If you skip a scheduled service and have a problem with a part that should have been checked, then your warranty might not be valid. Your manufacturer might claim that you caused the fault or breakdown because you didn’t follow their service schedule.
Boost Your Car’s Resale Value
Your car’s resale value depends on its condition. Buyers will want to know that you have looked after the vehicle. They will be mindful that hidden damage could cost them down the line.
If you make sure to have all your recommended service checks, then you give buyers extra peace of mind. They know that you have taken good care of your car and that its core parts are in good working order.
Your chances of selling the vehicle increase. You will likely get a higher price for it.
If your car needs a scheduled maintenance service, then contact All German Auto. Our expert technicians have specialty factory training on German vehicles. We will ensure that your car has all its necessary checks at the right time.
