Top 3 Services to Keep Your Car in Excellent Shape

Wanderlust is calling. Or it could be your boss.

Whether it is work or wanderlust, you will need your trusty car to get you on your way. If you spend an inordinate time on the road, then you most certainly will need to make sure your car is in top shape.

Your Travel Buddy

You may have spent years saving up for a new car. You could have been handed down a pre-loved vehicle. Regardless of how you acquired your new set of wheels, you will surely feel a certain level of excitement and affection for your road companion.

Cars, like humans, also need attention. You don’t need to keep watch over this hunk of metal 24/7, but spending enough time, effort, and resources towards its upkeep will have it running in good condition at all times. Some people spend more hours in their cars, either stuck in traffic or simply because they love the feel of the open road.

Regardless of the reason why you have a vehicle, you must know that along with the ownership of a car, also comes the responsibility of taking care of it.

A Little TLC

Pre-owned and even brand-new vehicles need to go through regular maintenance checks. There are car services that you can get experienced technicians to do for your car to ensure that everything is working fine.

From the inner workings of your car, down to its aesthetics, you can be sure that there are specific services aimed to maintain the vehicle’s condition. Getting these services done before any problems emerge not only saves you money in the long run, but more importantly, could save your life.

There might be a million and one things to check on (especially if you are a certified gear head who absolutely has to check every nut and bolt), but to make it easier, here are just three of the most crucial car services you can pick to make sure your car is in its best working order:

1. Air Conditioning System Check

Don’t wait until you feel warm air circulating in your car’s interior before you finally pay attention to your car’s air conditioning (AC) system. Make it a habit to regularly check if your car’s AC needs cleaning.

Since dust, dirt, and even pollen can accumulate in your air filters, these contaminants can bog down your AC system and cause it to work harder. A dirty filter also adds strain to the engine, wastes energy, and uses up more fuel.

Cleaning your air filters and making sure that your AC system is working properly gives you several benefits. It reduces the engine load, lessens fuel consumption, and generally helps protect it from breaking down. Since the AC is a mechanical part, it is also prone to wear and tear, and regular maintenance can help detect issues before they get worse.

2. Brakes

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that brakes are crucial to a car. Faulty brakes could cause serious injury or even death. That is why car owners should make it a point to check their brakes as regularly as possible.

Normally, there are signs that tell you that your brakes need your full attention:

• When you hear clicking, grinding, or screeching noises every time you step on the brakes, or when there’s a vibrating or pulsing sensation when you brake, then there’s something wrong with them.
• You should also take note when your car pulls to one side when braking, as well as when the brakes grab at the slightest touch of the pedal.
• It is also a sign when you need to depress the brake pedal so hard just to engage it or when the pedal is already hanging too close to the car floor.
• Your brake warning light on your instrument panel should also be lit up when something is not working right.

Take your car to the nearest service center and get a professional to take a look. Your brake pads, brake lining, brake fluid, rotors, brake lines, or other components relating to the brakes might already need replacement or repairing. Do not attempt to do it yourself unless you’re a certified and trained auto mechanic.

3. Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS)

Your car usually comes with a service reminder to have it brought in for PMS at regular intervals. The PMS is a sure way for you to ensure that all the parts of your car are in good health. It not only includes checking the oil or the tires, but also inspecting all other moving components that are prone to wear and tear.

Service centers usually follow a standard number of procedures to ensure that your car is in top shape. These qualified service centers also use the latest machines and technology to detect if there’s anything wrong with your car. In addition, you will have experienced mechanics and auto technicians who can skillfully address your car concerns.

This diagnostic procedure must be done to ensure that your car is not wasting energy and fuel. It will also keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe.

Auto Services You Can Trust

Aside from remembering to go for these routine checks, you should also remember to bring your car to a service center that you trust. You cannot just leave your vehicle in the hands of fly-by-night service casas, as you do not have the assurance that you get the expertise of professionally trained technicians. You are also not guaranteed that they will use trustworthy and genuine parts or accessories on your vehicle.

When bringing in your car for servicing, it is best to go to a service center with years of experience in taking care of various types of vehicles. These shops already have a system in place to make sure that your car will be given the attention it deserves. You will also enjoy the convenience of making easy or advanced bookings. Other reputable service centers also offer an add-on service where technicians at the service center can pick up and drop off your car for servicing.

When you want to improve fuel efficiency, help the environment by keeping emissions low, and ensure safety on the road, always remember to have your car checked regularly.

AUTHOR BIO: Luigi Rubinacci is the Director of Strategic Ventures at AW Rostamani Automotive Group. AUTOTRUST Multibrand Car Service and Accident Repair is the Group’s strategic division that deals with the accident repair and service of all brands and makes of cars. Its service centers currently operate from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.