Getting your car serviced is an important part of responsible car ownership and is something you should take seriously if you value your safety on the road. If your car has a service plan, you will know that the registered dealership you bought it from will notify or remind you that you will need to bring your vehicle in for a service after you have travelled a certain number of kilometres. All cars have recommended mileage- or age-dependent major and minor service intervals based on how long certain car parts typically last before they need replacement.

Knowing the difference between a major and minor car service will help you familiarise yourself with what will and will not be checked when you take your set of wheels in for car service and repair. Here the main checks are done during each of the two services.

Minor Car Service

Auto manufacturers estimate that people typically drive about 10 000km a year, on average. Based on this information, we recommend taking your car for a minor service at least once a year. Minor services involve routine checks of elements that wear down more quickly than others, as well as fluids that need to be replaced or topped up often. A minor service includes tyre checks and rotation, engine oil and filter replacement, battery checks, light checks and fluid replacement if needed. If an issue is detected during this inspection that falls outside of what forms part of a minor service, you will be notified and will need to prepare for repair costs in addition to the service cost.

Major Car Service

A major service typically happens every second time you are scheduled to bring your car into a workshop. These services are far more extensive than minor services, as everything that automotive specialists check during a minor service will be checked yet again, but every other component down to the smallest detail will also be inspected. This is done to ensure that every part of your vehicle is in good condition and that nothing is overlooked. Major services are typically needed every 3 years or every 30 000km, whichever comes first. Should the technician encounter any large faults that will require part repair or replacement, you will be notified, and arrangements will be made to fix these problems at an extra cost.

Is your car due for a service? If you’re no longer covered by a service plan or would like to look at alternate service providers, MOTUS Select service centres should be the next call you make. We specialise in the servicing of KIA, Renault, Mitsubishi and Hyundai models and will ensure you the best service at a great price.