If you don’t keep up on routine maintenance, your car might break down when it’s most inconvenient. To save money and time – especially during busy days- some drivers may neglect their vehicles’ needs for repairs which could lead them to more significant problems down the line if not dealt with soon enough!
This article discusses how important it can sometimes feel when we don’t have money set aside each month to maintain our cars properly since these repairs may seem like unnecessary expenses. Still, in reality, you’ll find out soon enough ahead of time if something needs fixing because it’s too late by then.
Here Is How Long a Car Service Should Take
When your car needs a service, how long should you expect it to take? This is a question that many people have, and it can be challenging to get an accurate answer.
This section will give you an overview of the typical car service timeline from start to finish. Keep in mind that these times may vary depending on your car’s type of service.
| Service Type | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | 10,000 Miles/12 Months | 1-2 Hours |
| Major | 30/60,000 Miles 36/48 Months | 3-6 Hours |
| Service + Repairs | N/A | 1-2 Days |
The first thing you will need to do is drop your car off at the service center. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy the center is. Once your car is dropped off, the service technicians will begin working on it.
The next step is the inspection process. The technicians will thoroughly inspect your car to diagnose any problems. This part of the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
After the inspection, the technicians will start working on fixing any issues found. This part of the process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the repairs.
Once all the repairs have been made, your car will be ready for pick-up. You should expect to receive a call from the service center when your vehicle is ready.
So, how long does a car service take? It depends on the type of service that your car needs. However, you can typically expect the entire process to take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
Keep this in mind when scheduling your next car service! Always allow up to a full day, especially if you are servicing your car at a dealership.
What Service Type Do I need?
If you are not familiar with your car’s service schedule, the easiest method to find out what service your vehicle requires is to check the owner’s manual. Secondly, you could always pop up into a dealership mechanic and check with them.
However, remember that some will try and upsell you services that you don’t need. Please read our guide on how to identify a dealership mechanic that you can trust.
There are two different types of service intervals for your car: minor and major. The difference between them is significant, with the former being performed at every 10,000 miles while majors need to be done every 30/60,000 miles, depending on the objective.
There are multiple benefits to having a mechanic check-up on your car, but here are the main ones.
Early detection of failing car parts is not always an easy DIY. Therefore a mechanic inspection can identify any hidden problems with your car.
As some components start to fail, they can cause additional wear and tear on other car parts. If any of those issues are solved as soon as possible, you might save yourself future trips to the repair shop.
Peace of mind should not be ignored; therefore, a mechanic inspection will assure your vehicle is running smoothly, and the chance of an unforeseen breakdown is minimal.
What does a typical car service include?
A typical car service includes an inspection of the vehicle, change/fill-up of fluids and filters, followed by any necessary repairs. Here is a list of the most common tasks performed during a regular car service.
Filter And Engine Oil Change
The oil and filter in your car need to be changed periodically to keep the engine running smoothly. The frequency with which you need to change the oil and filter will depend on the make and model of your car. Consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Other common maintenance items that are usually included in a car service are:
Inspecting The Tires
A tire rotation is when you move the position of each tire around so that they all wear evenly. This should be done every 5000 miles or so. Tire rotations is essential because it helps extend the life of your tires and improve gas mileage.
Related: What does it mean when cords are showing on your tires?
Cabin Air Filter Check/Replacement
A cabin air filter helps remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air inside your car. Most cabin air filters should be changed every 12 months or so.
Checking Fluid Levels And Brakes
Fluid levels should be checked periodically to ensure that they are topped off. This is especially important for the brake fluid, as low levels can indicate a leak. The brakes should also be inspected regularly for wear and tear.
Related: Do you have to bleed brakes after changing pads? Answered
Suspension System Inspection
Inspecting the suspension system means checking the shocks, struts, and other components for wear and tear. This should be done every 12 months or so. Suspension repairs can be costly, so it’s important to catch any problems early.
Inspecting And Cleaning The Battery
It’s important to inspect the battery periodically to ensure that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. This can be done with a simple cleaning solution of baking soda and water.
Related: Can a Bad Battery Cause Engine Hesitation?
FAQ
How often do I really need to get my car serviced?
How often you need to get your car serviced depends on a few factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, how often you drive it, and your driving habits.
However, most experts recommend getting a full service at least once every 12 months or 12,000-15,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If I only drive 4,000-5,000 miles per year, how often should I service the car?
If you only drive a few thousand miles per year, you might be able to stretch your car’s service interval to once every 18 months or 15,000 miles. However, it is always best to consult with your owner’s manual, car manufacturer, or a qualified mechanic to get their recommendation for your specific vehicle.
How long can you go without servicing your car?
Technically, you can go until your car stops. This can be from a mechanical fault or a low level of necessary fluids such as engine oil or coolant. However, as soon as the service icon comes on, you should consider booking your car in for a service.
While you shouldn’t ignore the service warning light, you can keep driving your car for up to 5,000 miles or another 2-3 months without a problem. This assumes your vehicle is not leaking oil or any other fluids.
Most manufacturers take into consideration this exact scenario. Therefore they allow for extra mileage or time when they set up when the service warning should come on.
My name is Jeffrey Williams and I have been a car mechanic for over 35 years. I am currently working NYC Auto Repair Shop, in New York City and recently developed a strong passion about blogging. I decided to put together this blog where I will try and answer the most commonly asked questions I get on a daily basis from my customers.
