Minor Service Introduction
Minor services is usually done every 10-15 thousand km depending on manufacturer. Minor Car Services are generally rather quick, between one and two hours, and generally only include changing oil and oil filters with a few other minor jobs (see below) also involved. Although this title states "Minor" is should by no means be valued as minor. it is an essential task ensuring that not only your NEW vehicle guarantee and service record, stays active, but also to pick up any problems that might appears in the early stages.
Details about the Minor Service
The Minor service has to be performed at manufacturers specified intervals, and is to ensure that you do not forfeit your vehicle's manufacturers guarantee. Although it is called a minor service, there is nothing minor about this service. Wear and other small potential issues can be picked up early.
Regular servicing and thorough maintenance by an authorised dealer is crucial to getting the best life and the least break downs out of your vehicle, and also ensures a better resale value.
Minor Service Details
We are strong believers that regular, preventative maintenance can save you big in the long term. Regular inspections of braking and suspension systems are important in keeping you and your occupants safe.
Bringing your vehicle to our team allows us to monitor normal ongoing wear and tear, avoiding the inconvenience of breakdowns far from home.
Finally, when it comes time to sell your car, prospective purchasers will pay a premium for well maintained vehicles with a clear, reliable service history.
Road Test
The first and most important task done by the experienced mechanic is to take the vehicle for a road test.
It is recommended that the driver accompanies the mechanic to point out potential signs of wear and irregularities that the owner can point out.
The overall feel of the vehicle's general performance, as well as braking get's special attention.
Engine oil change
A minor service always includes an engine oil change.
Oil lubricates and cleans the engine and transfers heat to the oil pan and crank case. Dirty oil becomes less effective, and may fail to flow effectively, starving small moving parts for oil that could lead to serious engine damage.
For the oil change we only uses quality brands that complies with the manufacturers specifications.
Changing of Oil Filters
Needless to say that when changing the oil, the oil filter has to be replaced with a high-quality, manufacturer's approved oil filter. Quality manufacturers approved filters re superior o cheaper brands in a number of ways.
- Often use a greater surface area inside,
- Multiple layers of filter material, metal structural parts, and
- Superior bypass mechanisms.
Because of this, they are able to provide more fine-particle filtration, better flow, better durability, longer operational life.
Changing and cleaning of other filters
A number of other filters will also need attention.
- Replace fuel filter
- Inspect, clean or replace air filter
- The air-conditioner filter also needs to be inspected and cleaned.
Tire rotation and inspection.
This is included in a minor service. It is to ensure even wear of the 4 tires. All-wheel drive and two-wheel drive vehicles wear the rear wheels faster, while front-wheel drive vehicles wear the front wheels faster.
At each service, the tires should be rotated to even out wear distribution. This greatly improves tread life, allowing the tires to last much longer than if they just stay at the same positions.
During this process the tires get thoroughly inspected for defects, cuts or damages. a nail might be lodged in the tire and could cause a puncture, or even a blow out.
Brake inspection
With the tires removed it is the ideal opportunity to inspect the brakes and brake pads thoroughly. This is a very important inspection as often, problems with the brakes are not noticed by the driver.
- Oftentimes brake calipers will become unbalanced,
- Or a brake fluid will leak could be picked up.
- Worn brake pads will be noticed during a visible inspection. These can then be replaced timeously.
- Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, but could be critical in preventing a potential fatal accident.
The trained eye of a skilled mechanic can detect any of these problems just by briefly examining the braking mechanism during a tire rotation.
CV joints inspection and lubricating
With most modern front wheel drive vehicles, the CV joints and other suspension components need thorough inspection, and in some cases CV joint grease needs to be injected into the CV joint boots. A mechanic can perform this inspection and service in the course of a normal minor service.
Fluid level check and top ups
During a Minor Service all fluid levels gets check and topped up if required.
The following levels get's checked.
- The Coolant Level and adding Anti Freeze if required
- The Transmission Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Clutch Fluid
- Battery water
- Lastly, the wiper blade fluid get's topped up.
Thourough inspection of engine compartment
This is part of the Minor service, and is of critical importance, and only a trained eye knows what to look out for.
- Inspection of all the belts for signs of wear and defects.
- Inspection of the water hoses and other rubber pipes and tubes.
- Detailed inspection of the fuel pipe and clamps for leaks or air suction.
- Inspection of all the electrical connectors and sensor connectors.
- Another very important signs to look out for is the potential presence of rodents and any signs of rodent damage.
If there are any signs suggesting the potential presence of rodents, it will be recommended to send the vehicle for fumigation.
Details about a minor service
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