A Complete Guide to Getting Your Car Serviced At a Workshop in India

Car servicing is a crucial process that must be adhered to in order to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition throughout its lifespan. Commonly referred to as a tune-up, this involves a series of maintenance inspections conducted at regular intervals or after specific milestones, such as every 10,000 kilometers. Regular servicing is essential for maintaining the vehicle’s performance and reliability. There are three primary categories of car services: Interim, Full, and Major. Interim service is the basic level of maintenance, while Full service is recommended every 12 months or after 12,000 miles, and Major service occurs every two years or after 24,000 miles. Car servicing encompasses various tasks, including fluid and parts replacement, filter cleaning or replacement, brake inspections, tire assessments, visual checks, as well as washing, cleaning, and polishing.

In India, numerous local workshops advertise premium services at significantly lower prices than authorized dealerships. Often, car owners are enticed by these offers, only to end up with subpar service experiences. Additionally, there have been instances where mechanics at authorized dealerships have engaged in fraudulent activities against customers who leave their vehicles for maintenance. To ensure a smooth and secure servicing experience, it is important to consider several guidelines to follow before, during, and after your car service.

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(A) Things to Check Before Giving Your Car for Service

Here are some small but really important things one should do before giving away their car for servicing.

1. Ensure that you remove all your documents, including your license, insurance, and any other certificates, from the glove compartment. 
2. Do not leave any luggage or detachable accessories in the trunk or storage area. 
3. Take out all CDs, and USB drives, and ensure none are left in the player. 
4. Record the odometer reading as soon as you arrive at the service center. 
5. Always provide your vehicle with 40% fuel or less when taking it in for service. 
6. If your vehicle is equipped with amplifiers, inform the service center to avoid pouring any liquids on them. 
7. If you plan to use synthetic oils, make sure to replace the oil filter. 
8. Be sure to inform the service center about any unusual noises or rattling sounds coming from your vehicle. 
9. If possible, write down the serial number of your battery before handing over the car for servicing. 
10. Assess the condition of your tires and spare tire for any signs of wear and tear. 

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(B) Things to Check During Servicing

Whenever you get your car serviced, ensure you are well-informed and keep these things in mind-

1. Regardless of whether your vehicle is new or old, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive underbody inspection. The condition of the underbody components can be significantly influenced by the type of terrain you navigate. In areas with poor road conditions, the impact on these components may be more severe. A thorough examination of the underbody can reveal any broken or loose parts that require attention.
2. The dusty and polluted nature of Indian roads can adversely affect your vehicle’s filters. If you frequently drive in dusty environments, likely, the air conditioning filters, cabin air filters, and fuel filters will likely become clogged and dirty more quickly than normal. During your car’s service, ensure that the technicians check and clean these filters.
3. Regular washing and cleaning of your vehicle is essential, regardless of whether it is the first or fourth service. While it may seem like a routine task, it is important to ensure that the car is meticulously washed, cleaned, and polished. Both the interior and exterior should be left gleaming and smelling fresh after servicing. You may also request the workshop to apply an extra layer of ceramic coating or paint protection to maintain its shine for an extended period.
4. Every vehicle relies on essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, wiper fluid, and transmission oil. During servicing, it is crucial to check the levels of these fluids, and if any are found to be low, they should be replenished to ensure optimal performance.

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(C) Things to Check After Servicing

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After your car is serviced, make sure you check the following things-

1. When you bring your vehicle to an authorized service center, you will receive a job sheet outlining the services to be performed. After the service is completed, you can refer to this job sheet to verify that all listed tasks have been accomplished. The job sheet also includes checkboxes to confirm that all components of the vehicle are intact as they were before servicing. 
2. Ensure that the odometer reading matches the value recorded when you dropped off the vehicle for service. 
3. It is essential to thoroughly inspect the condition of the tires to determine if they remain unchanged or if there are any noticeable differences. 
4. The invoice provided by the service center should detail the costs associated with each service performed. Whether it involves polishing or coolant replacement, the breakdown of expenses should be clearly itemized. 
5. The vehicle owner may also conduct a brief road test to assess the quality of the service performed. 
6. Additionally, when the workshop requests feedback, advise them to allow a few days before providing your final assessment. This will allow you to detect any issues that may have been overlooked. 

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