The coronavirus pandemic may have made you stay home, skip the commute and stick to running errands, but it didn’t do your car any favors. Assuming you didn’t abandon your vehicle and let it rust away in the parking lot, chances are that you needed to get it serviced, especially if it was older. Car servicing is an essential part of owning a car, but many people aren’t sure what it really involves. We’ve put together a short guide to show you what goes into a full car service and why it’s important for your vehicle.

How often you need to have your car serviced will depend on the make and model of your car and how you drive it. It’s recommended that you follow the service schedule published in your owner’s manual for optimum performance and safety. Generally, cars will need a minor service every 12 months and a major service every 20,000km or two years. For more info I’ll suggest you visit the website Non-Emergency Medical Transportation by Elite Houston.

In the United States, car owners also need to have their vehicles inspected to ensure that they meet state safety standards. The inspection process is usually separate from the car service, and only certain car professionals can conduct an official state inspection and make the necessary fixes to pass.

A full car service will typically include a visual inspection, an engine check and diagnostic, a replacement of various components (including air filters and cabin filters), a lubrication and oil change and an adjustment of parts such as the parking brake cable. Some services will include the replacement of a fuel filter as well. Depending on the age of your car and how you use it, some services might be more important than others.

While you can do some basic maintenance at home, most modern cars are computerised and have complex mechanical parts that require specialist tools to work on safely. It’s often best left to a professional mechanic who will be able to spot things that you would miss. You can save money in the long run by catching problems at an early stage and having them repaired rather than waiting until they cause a breakdown or cost you a fortune to repair.

Getting regular car servicing will help you save money on petrol and other running costs, as your engine and vehicle will be working efficiently. It will also keep your car in good condition and improve its resale value.

Cars need to be serviced regularly to keep them safe and running smoothly. If you don’t have a car service history, it’s a good idea to get one done before selling it. This will ensure that any new buyer is aware of the car’s full service history and won’t be surprised by any costly repairs. Keeping up with the car service schedule will also mean that your warranty will remain valid, which will protect you in case of an accident or breakdown. Cars with a full service history can command a higher price at auction and sell for a much better value than those that have not been maintained properly.