Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your vehicle’s performance and reliability. Depending on mileage and age, your maintenance manual recommends either a minor service or a major service. Let’s explore what distinguishes them.
What is a minor service?
Typically scheduled every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or once a year, the minor service is an essential check to keep your car in good condition.
Services included:
Oil change and oil filter replacement: A crucial operation performed every 10,000 km to ensure engine lubrication and longevity.
Fluid level check: Inspection and top-up of important fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
Brake inspection: Check for wear on brake discs and pads.
Tire check: Inspection of tire pressure, tread depth, and overall tire wear.
General check: Inspection of lights, battery, wipers, power windows, and other electronic systems.
What is a major service?
More comprehensive, the major service is recommended every 30,000 to 45,000 kilometers or every three years. It aims to replace wear parts and perform an in-depth check-up.
Services included:
Oil change and filter replacement: Renewal of engine oil, oil filter, and often air filter and fuel filter to protect the engine from impurities.
Spark plug replacement: Essential for proper ignition function, they are replaced to optimize combustion.
Timing belt check: The timing belt, which synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft, is inspected and replaced if necessary.
Transmission and differential oil replacement: Important operation to ensure smooth gear changes and protect mechanical components.
In-depth checks: Comprehensive inspection of suspension, exhaust, clutch, and steering.
Key differences between major and minor service
While both services share common points (oil change, fluid level checks, brake and tire inspection), the major service stands out due to its scope. It includes the replacement of key components (spark plugs, filters, belt) and a much more thorough diagnosis of the entire vehicle, justified by the higher mileage.
In summary, these two maintenance services are complementary and essential to preserve your car’s lifespan, safety, and value. Adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule is key to driving with peace of mind.
Carcility, a car maintenance expert in Dubai, offers you its minor and major service packages, often including vehicle pickup and return to your home.