Car Servicing-Utmost Priority

REGULARLY servicing your car means that you are more likely to have a car that car that runs smoothly and efficiently and minimises the risk of it breaking down and incurring unexpected repair bills.

You may think you can save money by not servicing your car, but in reality, a service can pick up smaller issues with parts of the car where standard wear and tear require a little minor maintenance but, when left, can fast become a costly major repair or replacement.

Getting your car serviced and maintaining it is of uttermost importance and is money well spent. Problems are likely to be caught early on when they’re cheaper to fix, and your car will have a better resale value and longer life.
The current economic downturn and the resultant drop in new vehicle sales have increased the importance of extending the life time of vehicles currently in use.
A well-maintained car is efficient and you are likely to save on fuel costs because of its proper service history. Most drivers get tempted to compromise or miss a service in a bid to save money without realising that a hefty bill will come their way eventually.

Clover Leaf Motors Vehicle Workshops offers superior vehicle servicing at reasonable prices, not only are the equipped with state-of-the-art equipment but they have the proper human resources to get the job done. “As a driver you need to get to know your car’s service manual, which has been written by the people who built and designed your car” said Tapfuma the workshop Manager at Clover Leaf Motors Msasa branch workshop. The service manual usually indicates the service intervals of your vehicle and also explains the dashboard warning signs that can appear if anything is wrong on your car and needs to be fixed. The 3 kinds of services that can be done on a car are Minor, Middle and Major Services.

Minor Service entails the following; (5000-15000 km)

• Replacement oil
• Oil filter change
• Setting of plug gap
• Clean air filter
• Check the brakes
• Check suspension

Minor service maintains lubricant and fluid levels, together with an inspection of brakes, exhaust, steering, suspension and other essential safety items.

Middle Service entails the following; (10000-30000km)

• Change engine oil and filter
• Check and top up all oils and fluids
• Check brakes
• Check exhaust
• Check transmission
• Check steering and suspension
• Check (external) engine belts and hoses
• Check all lights
• Check tyres and pressures
• Check windscreen wipers and washers
• Battery test and printed report
• Safety inspection, road test and written report

The middle service is more extensive it includes replacement of standard spark plugs and front wiper inserts plus an analysis of the engine management system. An engine flush treatment is done to maximise the effectiveness of the oil change and a fuel treatment to help clean the fuel system and improve performance and economy.

Major Service entails the following ;( 20000-40000km)

Major Service incorporates all the things that are done in the middle service but special attention is placed on the following items on the vehicle;

• Check drive belts and replace every (40,000km)
• Replace gear box and transfer box oils
• Replace front and rear axle oils and replace plug seals
• Replace cooling system coolant (every 80,000km)
• Check front and rear axle oil levels
• Adjust hand brake ( Average seven clicks)
• Report on any engine, transmission oil leaks
• Inspect pads/shoes including discs and drums and record
• Check function of air conditioner
• Carry out diesel smoke test- for diesel engines
• Replacement of timing belts every( 100000-150000km)

Always keep tabs on the performance of your vehicle, if you decide to buy the service kits for your vehicle use only the reputable suppliers to avoid buying counterfeits. Remember a service forfeited will eventually eat into your pocket someday.