Is Car Servicing Worth the Cost in the Modern Era?

Car servicing, once a routine practice for all car owners, has evolved significantly with the advancements in automotive technology. The landscape of car maintenance has changed, particularly in modern cars where the majority of components are not user-adjustable. In this article, we will explore whether car servicing is still worth the cost in today's automotive world.

The Evolution of Car Maintenance

In the past, especially before 1970s, car maintenance involved frequent adjustments of various components. For instance, adjusting the carburetor idle mixture, carburetor idle speed, and points condenser were common tasks. However, with the advent of electronic fuel injection and computerized engine management, such mechanical adjustments have become obsolete. Now, the primary focus for routine service is the oil and filter changes.

img src altModern Car Maintenance width600 height300/p

Modern Car Servicing: A Simplified Process

Since the late 1990s, the 'tune-up' service has been reduced to changing the spark plugs, which are now typically specified for intervals over 100,000 miles with platinum or iridium alternatives. This change reflects the reliability and longevity of modern car components. Other than spark plug changes, there is little else that a 'tune-up' involves in today's vehicles.

The Benefits of Routine Car Servicing

Despite the simplification of the 'tune-up' service, regular car servicing still offers several benefits: Ensuring the car functions properly, reducing the risk of further damage. Potentially increasing the car's fuel efficiency with new filters and components. Preventing breakdowns and wear out of the vehicle faster. Maintaining these components can prolong the life of your car and ensure it performs optimally. Here are a few tips to save on car servicing costs:

Saving on Servicing Costs

1. **Air Filter and AC Filter Maintenance** Cleaning or replacing air filters and AC filters every 30-45 days can help prevent blockages that would otherwise necessitate complete filter replacement. Most modern cars allow easy access for these tasks, and you can learn how to do it yourself through online tutorials. 2. **Maintaining Accurate Tire Pressure** Ensuring accurate tire pressure not only improves fuel efficiency but also extends the life of your tires. Under-inflated tires can develop unwanted wrinkles and reduce their lifespan. 3. **Purchasing Car Oil Online** You can purchase engine oil online at a lower price than in physical stores. Recently, I purchased a fully synthetic oil for my Swift for Rs. 1600/-. The dealership was offering it at Rs. 2995/-, but the difference was in the other charges, such as service fees, air filter, AC filter, bulbs, and wiper blades, which totaled Rs. 1200/-. The overall service cost came to Rs. 2800/-.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the traditional 'tune-up' service has been reduced in complexity, regular car servicing remains essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your vehicle. By taking proactive steps to maintain your vehicle's components, you can save on costs and ensure reliable performance. Routine servicing in the modern era is more about keeping up with your car's needs rather than performing an extensive and frequent set of tasks.

img src altModern Car Servicing width600 height300/p