The long term savings of having your car regularly serviced
Car ownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, many of which will cost you money. Between registration fees, insurance and fuel, you may feel that the last thing you want to do is have your car serviced.
It can seem inconvenient and expensive, and people often let it drift onto the backburner as a result. But in reality, regular services are crucial for safety and you could be costing yourself more money by leaving it until the last minute.
From fuel efficiency to avoiding expensive repairs, regular vehicle check ups are valuable in a number of ways. Outlined in this blog are a number of reasons why regular services with a car mechanic in Wantirna or at a roadworthy centre in Ferntree Gully are a clever investment.
Enhanced fuel efficiency
This is one of the most significant financial benefits of regular car servicing. When your vehicle's components, such as the engine, transmission, and exhaust system, are properly maintained and in good condition, it operates more efficiently and you’ll find yourself stopping at the petrol pump less often.
During an inspection, your mechanic will perform a detailed check of how well components such as spark plugs, fuel injectors and air filters are working. They will clean and adjust them if necessary to improve fuel consumption and mileage.
Air filters which transmit clean air into the engine can become clogged with dirt and contaminants over time. When this happens, the engine has to work harder and ultimately consumes more fuel. Having these cleared out by an expert should help to alleviate the overconsumption of gas. Deposits can also build up in fuel injectors over time, so mechanics will generally examine these and perform a clean if necessary.
Tyre inflation levels can also have an impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. If tyres are underinflated, rolling resistance will increase which means more fuel will be required to move the vehicle.
You could also ask your mechanic about energy saving tyres, which can reduce the amount of CO2 emitted by your car. A number of brands are now offering these varieties which can contribute to fuel efficiency.
The amount of fuel saved during this process can contribute significantly to the cost of the service itself, in fact it may even cover the price.
Maintaining a high resale value
Another reason to have your vehicle serviced is the positive impact that maintenance can have on the resale value of your vehicle. If you know that there’s a problem with something in your car but you leave it until the last minute, a repair may no longer be an option. You could have to get a replacement part which can be expensive and can bring down the value of the car.
Avoiding this will mean that more money goes into your pocket when it comes to trading in or selling. In addition to this, showing potential buyers a record of a vehicle’s service history, will give them more confidence that it has been well cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues. As a result, you may be able to justify a higher asking price to customers.
There are often different service options available, some of which include cosmetic maintenance such as cleaning and waxing the car, repairing seat covers and looking after elements along the dashboard. Preserving a car’s aesthetic by making sure that both the interior and exterior are up to scratch will help the car to make a better first impression, which also influences the resale value.
Extension of vehicle lifespan
While this may seem obvious, regular servicing extends the life of your car as it addresses minor issues before they escalate into something more serious. Keeping the number of issues to a minimum will lower the cost of repairs down the line, meaning you can run your car for longer.
Compliance with regulations
If your vehicle isn’t compliant with Australia’s roadworthy regulations, you could find yourself facing fines, some of which can be very expensive. Through regular services you can be sure that your car is meeting all safety standards and you’re not breaking the law, the money you save by avoiding these penalties can go a long way.
While the initial expense of servicing your car with a reputable mechanic may seem like a financial burden, there’s no doubt that it’s an investment which will pay off in the long run. Engine optimisations, tyre maintenance, routine cleaning of mechanical components and care for the car’s aesthetics are all key elements in this. Many reputable car mechanics in Wantirna and roadworthy centres in Ferntree Gully have expert teams that can help you to stay on top of your vehicle’s repairs and help you to put more money back in your pocket.
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