Things You Must Check After Getting Your Car Serviced

When you get your car back after a car repair, you usually assume that everything is right. However, some minimum steps must be taken to make sure that everything is done correctly and your vehicle is good to go. This is one step that is frequently missed by a lot of vehicle owners. But doing a post-service checkup of your car goes a long way in eliminating chances of a repeat of breakdowns and/or increasing the lifespan of the vehicle, and even more importantly, saves you headaches.

8 Things to Check After Getting Your Car Serviced

Here are a few examples of the post-repair checks that every car owner should carry out after servicing the car.

1) Check the Work Done Against the Service Invoice

It is one of the first things you will do after picking up your car from the garage to collect the repair invoice and see if the things done match the promised work. Ensure that the tasks mentioned, such as the change of oil, inspection of brakes, and the replacement of the air filter, are all completed. If these have not been performed, talk to the service advisor without losing time. This way, one ensures that they get value for their money and that the car is in the best possible shape.

2) Inspect Fluid Levels

During almost every service, including scheduled maintenance, mechanics add or change fluids such as oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, and so on. When the mechanic is done with the service, lifting the hood and checking the oil and other fluids is advisable. This prevents both the service provider and the car owner from thinking there are no leaks. Low fluid quantities may indicate an issue or an incomplete service, so make sure everything is within the optimum levels.

3) Test Your Brakes

Being one of the basic requirements for the safety of car occupants, brakes deserve special attention. Since brake parts were replaced or worked on, please, after servicing, take the car for a short trip cutting across the block and try the brakes. Move goes first and then feels immediate pressure from the brakes linked directly. If you hear any squeaking or grinding or if there is a lag of time between pressing the brake and the car stopping, take it back to the workshop and don't drive it anymore. Safe and efficient braking systems are certainly tantamount to your safety.

4) Look for Leaks

You should check for leaks after routine maintenance of your car, especially after an oil change or any fluid top-up. Even the smallest of leaks can be warning signs for more serious defects in something as simple as a loose seal, bolt, or hose. Allow the engine to cool off after driving, and examine the floor for any oil or fluid drops. Finding oil leaks early will save any future problems, such as stress on the engine or overheating.

5) Ensure Proper Tire Pressure and Alignment

If the service includes tire rotation, balancing, or alignment, it is important to check the tire pressure and alignment before you drive off. Use a tire pressure gauge to verify that all tires are inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications. You should also drive the car and ensure it doesn't pull to one side, which could indicate improper alignment. Maintaining the correct tire pressure and alignment is key to the longevity of your tires and overall driving safety.

6) Inspect the Battery

If the car's battery was either changed or repaired, ensure that the battery is fastened well and that the terminals are clean and free from rust. This may occur due to a loose connection or corrosion on the car battery's terminals, which may prevent the car from starting, which is most likely to happen because of the weather. Also, verify whether the battery light on the dashboard is illuminated after the service.

7) Check the Dashboard Warning Lights

When you are leaving the service center, always turn on the ignition and check whether or not any of the dashboard warning lights are still on, such as the oil pressure, check engine, or brake warning light check-heads. In case of service, if any of the warning lights are still 'ON,' then there are problems that should be resolved. Bringing it up with the service center before you are going to drive off can save you from such breakdowns later.

8) Take a Test Drive

Finally, after collecting the serviced vehicle, make sure to test drive it for at least a few minutes. Check for strange sounds, how the car responds to acceleration, deceleration, and turning, and whether everything seems to be in order. Do not forget to check how the engine sounds and whether it is active or has an unpleasant level of 'slow.' Some basic test drives can highlight some of the faults that might have been of less focus during services.

Indus Motors: Leading Maruti Suzuki Car Dealers in Kerala

At Indus Motors, we are fully equipped to provide Maruti Suzuki cars a high-end servicing. As the fastest-growing Maruti dealer in Kerala, we make sure that every car that comes out of any of our service centers is fact, a touch better. All the cars go through the attention of qualified professionals who carry out the necessary maintenance, if any, or make necessary repairs to make the car perform to the best it can. After service, we recommend the following simple measures to our clients in order to protect their vehicles in as excellent condition as possible. Client satisfaction and safety of the vehicles are the major thrust for Indus Motors. We are always happy to help you with any needs you may have in maintaining your car.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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