Does Your Car Need Minor or Major Service? Here's How to Tell

Regular car maintenance services are designed to identify potential problems in cars and keep them running smoothly. Such services can either be major or minor, with different automotive parts requiring minimal cleaning one time and replacement the next. To know which type of service your car needs, it's important to understand the difference between a major and minor service. Below is a list of which type of service usually involves:

Minor Service

• Fluid inspection and top up
• Filter inspection and cleaning
• Fan belt inspection
• Electrical system check
• Tube and hose inspection
• Tire pressure, alignment, and balance inspection

Major Service

• Suspension system check
• Transmission system check
• Engine repair and tune-up
• Exhaust and emissions system check
• Steering system check
• Brake system check

Minor services are usually done at every 5,000 km interval, while major services should be tackled every 20,000 kms. During a major service, some parts, such as oil, brake pads, spark plugs, fuel filters and belts, may need to be replaced. This is all dependent on your vehicle manufacturer's maintenance schedule recommendations and how many kilometers a car has run.

It's important to remember that both minor and major services are part of your regular vehicle maintenance schedule, and it is highly recommended that you stick to your schedule not only to keep your car in tiptop shape, but also to ensure that its warranty remains active. Many car manufacturers consider the warranty void if you skip a schedule.

Most vehicles today have onboard electronic diagnostic equipment that constantly monitor different systems for issues. This equipment displays issues via the warning lights that appear on the dashboard. If you see the check engine light or other warnings on your dash, don't wait until your next schedule to have your vehicle looked at. It's definitely time to visit an authorized service shop when you experience unusual sights, smells, vibrations, and grinding sounds with your vehicle, even if warning indicators don't light up.