The car service it’s one scheduled maintenance necessary to keep your vehicle in good condition. Here is a complete guide on what it is, how often to do it, the checks, spare parts and costs for cars equipped with a combustion engine powered by petrol or diesel.
Car service, what it is and what is checked
The car service is a preventive maintenance process which involves checking and replacing various parts and fluids of the car in order to ensure safe and reliable operation. It is crucial to maintain optimal car performance and prevent future breakdowns.
During the service, the mechanics often they control and change some car componentsincluding:
- Engine oil and filter: the engine oil and filter are replaced to keep the engine lubricated and clean. We remind you that it is a good idea to completely replace the oil every 15,000 km if you want to guarantee the engine a very high mileage, although some manufacturers also plan to do the change at 20,000 or even some at 30,000 km (madness!).
- Air filter: it is checked and possibly replaced to ensure that the engine receives a good flow of clean air.
- Fuel filter: it is first of all checked, and possibly replaced to keep the fuel system clean.
- Pollen filter: it is a good idea to replace it periodically because it is the filter that purifies the air that enters the passenger compartment and we breathe.
- Liquids: these are checked to see if you need to top up fluids such as coolant, brakes and windshield washer.
- Timing belts and chains: based on mileage, the belt or chain will be completely replaced. Pay particular attention to oil bath rubber timing belts.
- Brakes: brake pads and discs are inspected with possible replacement of the friction material.
- Tyres: in detail, tire pressure and wear are checked. In case of abnormal wear, the convergence is also checked.
- Drums: check the charging status and battery connections. After 3/4 years it is a good idea to replace it because it can suddenly leave us stranded.
- Transparencies and other components: such as external and internal lighting, and other safety features.
Car service, how often should it be done?
There frequency of car service It depends on various factors, including the type of car and manufacturer recommendations. Maintenance is generally recommended every 15,000-30,000 km (but also every year), or 6-12 months after purchasing a car. It is always a good idea to consult your vehicle manual for manufacturer specifications.
Car service, how long does it take to do it
In general, the planned intervention in the car service goes from a minimum of 4 hours to a maximum of 9 hours. It is clear that the more interventions need to be carried out and the replacements of spare parts, the longer the processing time will be.
Car service for vintage vehicles
As regards vintage cars, which are more than 20/30 years old, the duration of the service will inevitably be shorter. It is up to the trusted workshop to decide when to return to the shop for new checks.
Car service, how much does it cost?
THE costs of car service may vary based on the following:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury cars and some models may cost more.
- Type of maintenance: Some services require only basic checks, while others may require the replacement of expensive parts.
- Garage: prices may vary between authorized workshops and private mechanics.
On average the service can cost between 100 and 400 eurosbut, as mentioned so far, this can vary depending on the car model. It is always a good idea to ask for information and a possible quote before proceeding with maintenance.
As regards the hourly rate, the average cost in authorized workshops is approximately 50-80 euros per hour. For some of the independent ones, however, the hourly rate is almost half (20-40 euros per hour).
Types of coupons
They exist different types of coupons which may vary based on the needs of the vehicle and the manufacturer’s requirements:
- Ordinary coupon: usually carried out every 15,000-30,000 km, or every year.
- Main coupon: every 60,000-90,000 km, or at longer intervals on the vehicle.
- Extraordinary coupon: every 60,000-90,000 km, or at longer intervals depending on the vehicle.
- Premium coupon: Some car models require more specialized services, often required for luxury or sports cars.
Car service, signs that indicate the urgency of carrying it out, maintenance, guarantee, savings and prevention
While it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, some signs may indicate that the vehicle needs maintenancesuch as:
- Unexpected noises: knocks or unusual noises, and any damage caused by the engine or the suspension system.
- Warning lights: the turning on of warning lights, such as the oil or brake lights.
- Compromised performance: the engine performance drops, presenting a lot of vibrations or acceleration problems.
- Changing fuel consumption: increased fuel consumption or reduced engine power.
Maintenance at authorized workshops is essential for maintaining the warranty. To be fair, many manufacturers require maintenance to their specifications to avoid voiding the warranty. Furthermore, it is important to always keep documentation of maintenance carried out for resale and warranty purposes.
Regular services help prevent costly breakdowns, and prolong the life of your vehicle. Scheduling services can help you avoid more expensive emergency interventions. It is also a good idea to compare prices between different workshops and consider using quality replacement parts.
Vehicle servicing is an important part of car maintenance, not only to keep it in good condition, but also to preserve the value and safety of the car.
How to calculate your car coupon online
You can calculate the cost of car servicing from authorized and private workshops simply by using the various online tools. The thing to do is to enter the license plate and the number of kilometers travelled, and the digital calculator will automatically make a general simulation of the price.
Is the car coupon deductible?
In some cases additional vehicle maintenance costs may be deducted. There are many legal provisions in this regard.
There are two schools of thought: one states that car servicing is part of normal maintenance, therefore the expenses are not deductible; the other is linked to the decision of the Lazio Regional Tax Commission n. 4122/202, according to which the costs of repairing vehicles and all maintenance costs (therefore not distinguishing between ordinary and extraordinary), if the invoice mentions the license plate number and chassis number of the repaired vehicle should be deducted from the tax return.
We remind you that regular maintenance is important to keep your vehicle safe and reliable over time.
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