Why You Should Never Skip a Scheduled Service

As a medical doctor is to humans, a mechanic is to vehicles. 

In the same way you shouldn’t skip a checkup at the doctor, you should never let your vehicle miss a scheduled service . 

It is often the case that people skip services due to situations such as low finances or little time to spare. But what if I told you that scheduled services are crucial for the ongoing maintenance of your car? 

The downsides of ignoring scheduled services for your car can brew harm beyond your control. 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of scheduled services, and what can happen when you neglect them.

What Happens When You Neglect Your Cars Scheduled Services? 

Several risks and burdens are associated with delayed car servicing. 

1. Tire and brake failure 

All four tires on your car are crucial to the optimal performance of your vehicle. 

Should one go flat or have a puncture, the balance of your car goes out of place. If one or more of your tires wears out too much, it can become a serious safety concern.

The importance of a car brake outweighs almost every part of the car, as with a failing care brake, your life, other drivers, and pedestrian lives are at stake. 

In 2022, Australia recorded a total number of 1,194 road crash deaths as per a report by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics. Road safety is a serious concern that can have dire consequences if not treated appropriately, so it’s crucial to take any steps you can to protect both yourself and others.

2. Increased fuel and maintenance costs 

The engine of your car is similar to the human heart. It requires delicate care. 

Scheduled services are important because they help maintain the car engine. A tuned car engine is optimised for minimal fuel consumption, and services can mean that you catch problems before they get too serious. While a service might seem expensive, it can actually save you serious money in the long run, both on fuel and maintenance costs. 

4. Depreciation in the value of the car

There comes a time when you might want to sell your car. In most cases, potential buyers are going to be very interested in the service history of your car — how many times have you had it serviced? How regularly? Did you follow the manufacturer’s advice? All of these questions might contribute to a buyer’s decision to purchase your car, and to how much they are willing to pay for it. 

There is a strong desire among buyers for well maintained cars. Nobody wants to spend their hard earned money on a vehicle only to have it breakdown on them soon after. 

Regular maintenance will not only save you money while you own your car, it might even help you make money when the time comes to sell it.

Benefits of Scheduled Services 

While the risks outlined above provide a clear picture of the major benefits of scheduled services, there are some other benefits to take into account. Regular servicing improves the performance of your vehicle, gives you peace of mind in knowing you’re doing what’s best for your car, extends the lifespan of the vehicle, and most importantly: prioritises everyone’s safety. 

Wherever possible, endeavour to stick to a strict schedule that ensures your car is serviced appropriately. If you struggle to remember this sort of thing, or find yourself putting off these tasks, set a reminder on your calendar so you never forget when a service is due. 

On another note, try to set aside some money that is just dedicated to scheduled services of your car. This way you won’t create a hit to your savings account when the time for a service arrives. You would not want to find yourself in a predicament where because of low finances your car is at risk of missing important maintenance. 

Car services are truly a crucial part of being a responsible vehicle owner. On top of scheduled services, you should also never hesitate to book your vehicle into a mechanic should you notice any issues. For instance, if you drive a manual and notice that it’s becoming difficult to switch gears, you should book in to visit a clutch mechanic.  

Drive safe!