Servicing 101: When do I know it's time to service my car?

Servicing your car is like maintaining your dental visits, if you don’t pay for the clean now, you will be paying for dentures later. Much like dental checkups, if you don’t have your car regularly serviced, you could be in for a world of hurt later down the track. In fact, keeping on top of your servicing appointments will cost you less in the long run ensuring you maintain the future value of your car.

What does a general service involve and why do I need a service?

A general service includes all the little tweaks and maintenance checks we need to keep on top of, to ensure the value of our vehicle and its longevity.

A general service will usually include the following:

• Checking engine oil & filters
• Repairing & replacing spark plugs 
• Flushing and changing the fluids in your vehicle
• Battery testing
• Brake checking
• Tyre rotation check

What happens if I don't service my vehicle regularly?

By not servicing your vehicle regularly you will not only affect the future value of your car, but also increase the likelihood of having to spend more money fixing major mechanical issues later. Alongside these issues, over time your car will have a reduced fuel economy and a poor driving feel. 

And nobody wants to be driving the car that everyone looks at, you know the one at the traffic lights that smells funny or has an obnoxious sound!

So, how do I know when to service my car?

Our general rule of thumb for servicing vehicles is every 6 months or 10000km, however, this will depend on the model of your vehicle so we always recommend checking your logbook. Our Service Advisors at Sunshine Toyota are well informed to help you find the right time for your specific vehicle, so feel free to give us a call if you’re unsure when your scheduled servicing is due.

How will I know if my car needs to be serviced earlier?

Although these are general recommendations for car servicing, issues can arise and you need to be aware of the signs that it's time to have your car looked at:

• These signs may include:
• Dashboard warning lights 
• The feel of your brakes 
• Squeals/ squeaks coming from your vehicle
• Engine cutting out
• Vibrations
• Ignition issues
• Doing fewer kilometers with your fuel 
• Grinding gears
• Filthy emissions

It’s time to be service-savvy Sunny Coast!

Now that you know the basics for best car care, ask yourself, is it time for a car service?

Give us a call on 5493 3900 or contact us online and one of our Service Advisors can give you further guidance.

Book in your next service with Sunshine Toyota at Currimundi or Sippy Downs by:

• Booking online at www.sunshinetoyota.com.au 
• Calling us on 5493 3900