The world has three types of drivers. Those who religiously service their vehicles without fail. Those that know servicing is important but skip a few because it is expensive. And, those who do not think servicing is necessary.However, what exactly is the Mazda service and what does it involve? Why is it an absolute must for your automobile’s health?
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Unravelling What Happens to Your Car in a Service
Car servicing involves doing a thorough check of all car working parts. Technicians in the service department of a Mazda dealership check the outside and inside of your car. They will also examine the inner workings to ensure everything is running as expected.
Part of the inspection involves checking for parts that are wearing out so you get plenty of warning before they require replacing. An oil change and oil filter replacement are part of the tasks done during the service. If you want to know exactly what your vehicle goes through in the service, have a chat with the mechanic as you drop off the car.
The best way to unravel what happens to the vehicle during service is to read the owner’s manual. This document contains details for each service.
However, servicing might be affected by the type of driving you often do. For example, city driving puts more pressure on the car because of constant starting and stopping. This means extra work has to be done over what you find in the owner’s manual.
Overall, never assume that only the works listed in the manual are carried out. Find out from the Mazda service centre staff the complete works they will carry out.
Two Types of Vehicle Services
Car servicing can be broken into two types. Below is a breakdown of each:
1. Minor Service
This service focuses on topping up and changing fluids and checking different elements to make sure they are functional. A minor service also checks for wear and tear, replacement of some elements, and testing vehicle systems.
Minor services occur about every 10,000 to 15,000km, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, mechanic recommendations, and type of driving. Some things the technician checks include:
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Battery leads
- Windscreen wipers and washers
- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Fuel filter, tires, transmission, ve ss xforce exhaust, battery, cooling system, hoses, and belts
Minor services are relatively fast, taking as little as an hour and a half for a Mazda CX3, for example. Costs are also relatively inexpensive depending on the make and year of your vehicle.
2. Major Service
This service covers all the elements above in more depth with extra servicing done. The major servicing cycle will occur about every 30,000 to 45,000k depending on various factors.
Some things done during a major service include:
- Checking and topping up all fluids
- Checking external engine hoses and belts
- Testing the cooling system, coolant condition, and the battery
- Repacking wheel bearings, which take your car’s weight
- Inspecting a car for safety problems
- Spark plugs replacements and changing transmission oils
Major services can take an entire day for some vehicles. Costs depend on your vehicle model and service specified.
Why Service Your Car?
Even a brand new Mazda requires the first service. The first one usually comprises an oil filter and oil change and perhaps an air filter change. Since the car is relatively new, this first service is a basic procedure that will not cost much.
Vehicle servicing offers several benefits, including:
- Saving money by improving fuel efficiency, replacing components before failure, and reducing chances of a breakdown
- Improves safety by identification and replacement of worn parts and ensuring the systems are working
- Increasing longevity
- Keeping the vehicle’s resale value
Get Experts to Help You
Most modern cars are complex and computerised, and car owners do not have the skills or tools to complete the service effectively and safely. To ensure the job is done right the first time, it is best to trust the experience and skills of a certified Mazda service mechanic.
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Also read: 5 Common Air Filter Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners
