Usually, we remember about the vehicle maintenance before the annual maintenance, but it is more important to do it at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer or when the on-board computer signals about the required maintenance. The feeling, when you first sit in your new vehicle, is unique. Every driver wants to extend it – and this is possible by taking care of the vehicle and keeping it in good condition. “One of the important things about the vehicle's "well-being" is annual maintenance, which includes preventive maintenance and a series of inspections that allow you to spot technical problems in a timely manner,” reminds Normunds Tarkšs, Technical Director of the General Representative for Daimler AG in Latvia, SIA “Domenikss”.
How often is the maintenance needed?
"For modern passenger cars, service intervals range from 15,000 km (fixed service intervals, meaning servicing every 15,000 km or after a year) to 30,000 km (Long Life service intervals; servicing every 30,000 km or 1-2 years, depending on whichever comes first). In either of these cases, the on-board computer will notify you. Whereas in case of fixed service interval the on-board computer signals a need for maintenance only when approaching 15,000 km or a year, in case of “Long Life” maintenance interval the on-board computer may also require maintenance at a lower mileage,” says Normunds Tarkšs, technical director of SIA “Domenikss”.
It is common practice to have the vehicle serviced before the annual roadworthiness test. In any case, the on-board computer will signal if it is time for maintenance before the scheduled roadworthiness test in the RTSD. During service of the “Long Life” vehicle the on-board computer analyzes various engine parameters between service, such as travel speed, number of starts etc., to evaluate the quality of the engine oil and to ensure quality engine lubrication throughout its life. So, if the vehicle is used in heavier road conditions, the on-board computer will notify about the need for oil change maintenance in a timely manner.
“It will also be possible to pass on maintenance information if you intend to sell the car so that the new owner doesn't have to rack his brains. Surely, you would love to get a vehicle to sit and drive instead of worrying about whether or not to go straight to the service after a week. Regular maintenance will also help to keep the vehicle's market value over the years. If you decide to sell a vehicle one day, it will be easier to sell a well-maintained car in perfect condition,” says Normunds Tarkšs.
It is true, that regular maintenance at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer has the even more important function of ensuring occupant safety and preventing unpleasant surprises on the road. Failure to observe the maintenance interval may result in failure to notice significant disruptions, thus endangering the driver and passengers. In addition, minor repairs require little expense, but if not done in time can turn into a large-scale and time-consuming exercise that will also cut a significant gap in the budget.
What work is being done during maintenance?
During annual technical maintenance, a range of inspections and preventive work is carried out, depending on mileage and manufacturer's regulations – lubrication of door keys and hinges, inspection of body colour, bench brake and shock-absorber inspection, suspension inspection etc. This helps to detect and correct defects in a timely manner.
The rules about what has to be checked during each maintenance, are drawn up by the vehicle manufacturer for specific models. However, the list will usually include inspection and replacement of belts, brake pads, discs and filters, replacement of fluids – antifreeze, oil, power steering, brake fluid; spark plug inspection, engine, gearbox, suspension, brake inspection.
Why not maintain the vehicle in the garage
Scheduled maintenance is carried out at the workshop with special equipment. The newer the car, the less technical intervention is required. However, the newer the car, the less the driver himself can be involved in repairing it – even small jobs may require a computer and technical information. Models of the same vehicle manufacturer may have different engines with different technical maintenance requirements, different oils and technical fluids. Use of non-manufacturer-approved oil can lead to premature wear of individual engine parts or even irreparable damage to the engine itself.
In any case, it is better to have the maintenance carried out by an authorized service centre, where not only information on additional work, but also technical information on all applicable technical fluids and engine oils is available. They are different for every vehicle manufacturer and model. When you visit an authorized service centre, you will always be informed of the work to be done on routine maintenance as well as the work to be performed on the next maintenance.
