Service Schedules

Following recommended service intervals is very important. The engineers who designed our vehicles have tested the various systems and components to meet durability and safety standards, some of these standards are self imposed and others are government mandated. The maintenance schedules are designed to meet the standards. The benefits of following the service intervals fall into three different categories: Protection, Efficiency and Safety.

Protection

Motor Oil; The engineers recommend a particular weight and type of oil which contains detergents and other additives to clean up the engine and provide corrosion resistance. Over time the additives are depleted and the oil also gets contaminated by moisture, dirt and combustion gases. Extending the intervals beyond the recommendation means that your engine will operate without the full protection of fresh motor oil. It also means that sludge can form in contaminated oil and clog up passages in the engine starving parts from needed lubrication.

Coolant; Like engine oil, the coolant contains additives that prevent it from becoming corroded. These additives eventually deplete and going beyond recommended coolant service interval means that even if the coolant is keeping the engine cool, it is also attacking cooling system components and eating them away.

Efficiency

The fuel system gets clogged up with gum and varnish from the fuel which means the fuel does not flow efficiently and this reduces fuel economy. A fuel system cleaning service restores the fuel system efficiency and increases your fuel mileage.

The engine air filter is another example. When the filter is clogged the engine cannot get enough air to efficiently burn the fuel thereby degrading fuel economy. A simple air filter replacement solves the problem and immediately improves fuel economy.

Safety

Brakes are obviously one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. The manufacturer has scheduled brake pads replacement as well as brake fluid draining and replacement intervals. Because brakes are so important, a brake inspection is also on the schedule to head off problems before it results in an accident.

Although you may not have thought of it this way, your tyres are also a vital safety system. After all you tyres are what keep you on the road and pointing in the right direction; Tyre inspection will reveal how much tread life is left and discover wheel alignment and suspension problems.

All these items and many more have a factory service schedule. Following them help prevents breakdowns and reduces your operating cost and most of all keeps you safe.

Inspection intervals are an addition to the scheduled maintenance. These inspections are designed to discover important parts which maybe close to failing. Of course, your owner’s Manual can tell you when to change your oil but it cannot tell you that you have a radiator hose that is bulging and about to burst. For that you need a trained technician. These inspections are a very important especially prior to a long trip. At Total Care Auto, we can do a thorough inspection of all the systems on your car as well as do the log book service and stamp your warranty book.