How Often To Service Car In Singapore? 3 Things All Cars Owners Must Know

How often should you service your car in Singapore?

Car manufacturers usually recommend a set scheduling interval for servicing and maintenance.

Ideally, you’d want to stick to this timeframe because it helps you properly care for your car and save money in the long run.  Regular trips to a car shop ensure that you avoid unnecessary damage and avoid costly repairs on its parts.

We understand that dealing with many car components can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with our top servicing tips and car parts that commonly require maintenance.

  1. How Often Should You Service Your Vehicle?

The general rule of thumb is to bring in your vehicle for basic servicing every six months or 15,000 km — whichever comes first.

Note that these are baseline figures, and the mileage and schedule depend on various car factors such as:

• Make and model
• Age of vehicle
• Current mileage
• Emergency breakdowns or faults
• Servicing history

The car parts that undergo the most wear and tear are its wheels, fenders, radiators, batteries, brakes. The more frequently you use your car, the more often you should maintain it, and undertake precautionary servicing to prevent premature wear and tear.

You should refer to your car user manual if you notice anything usual with your vehicle, or consult a trusted and licensed mechanic.

Brand new vehicles usually come with fixed servicing schedules from the dealership. Customers will be notified whenever their car is due for servicing. Your vehicle would usually display markings or notifications on the dashboard, which indicate the recommended mileage before servicing is due.

  2. How Much Is Car Servicing In Singapore?

Basic servicing costs around $100, but would vary depending on your vehicle’s requirements.
This is dependent on the type of car and type of servicing required.

A minor car service will usually cost you about $220 to $280, whereas a major service may cost around $970 to $1560.

If you’re a first-time car owner, you may consider workshops offering car servicing packages in Singapore.
These packages tend to be cheaper and feature additional benefits.

For newer vehicles, dealerships will encourage you to service the car with them to ensure quality.

  3. Common Car Parts That Need Servicing

As a car owner, you should be familiar with the essential components of car servicing:

• Engine oil
• Brakes
• Oil filter
• Spark plugs
• Power steering fluid
• Tyres

Your vehicle may not need servicing for all these parts, and it is recommended to consult your car workshop for the recommended service schedule.

1. Engine Oil

Engine oil is an essential car component, to lubricate, cool, clean, and protect the engine from rust and corrosion.
A quality engine extends your car’s lifespan and ensures proper engine function.

Vehicle engine oils are classified as synthetic and non-synthetic. Synthetic oils can last for up to 10,000 km before an oil change, while non-synthetic oils last for only 5,000 km.

Take note of what type of oil your vehicle works best with. Different grades of oil are available for various vehicles.
For example, a luxury car will need a higher-quality engine oil than an economy car.

2. Brakes

Brakes are another critical part of your car. They help regulate your speed and prevent you from speeding on the road. They are one of the most heavily utilised parts of the car, and wear out over time.

A telltale sign of worn-out brake pads is when there is a squeaking sound when you step on the brakes.
When this occurs, it is advisable to avoid using your car and bring it to an auto service shop.

If you happen to be on the road when this problem occurs, get yourself and your car to safety.
(Either by going to the road shoulder to seek out for further assistance or driving slowly to a workshop.)
But if possible, it’s always best to bring it to a servicing shop. Worn-out brake pads are dangerous and can limit your vehicle’s stopping ability.

Aside from brake pads, your car’s brake fluid also needs replacement. Good quality brake fluids allow the vehicle to slow down and stop properly. Ask your servicing shop to change the fluid every 60,000 km.

3. Oil Filter

The oil filter’s job is to remove impurities such as carbon residue and other unwanted particles from the engine oil. The engine oil can become denser and more viscous if the oil filter is not changed. This will inevitably clog the filter and lead to a host of other engine problems. Regularly changing your oil filters prevents gunk and grease from building up in your engine.

As much as possible, replace the car oil filter with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)-grade part, not aftermarket ones. Genuine oil filters offer better performance and smoother engine circulation than third-party parts.

4. Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for the combustion process to run your engine. These materials help ignite the vehicle in motion and have to withstand extreme heat and pressure within the cylinders.

Damaged spark plugs can lead to engine misfires or poor acceleration, and prevent your vehicle from sustaining at maximum power.

How do you know it’s time to replace your spark plugs?

A good indication is if your vehicle has difficulty starting. Old spark plugs take time to ignite the engine.
If the car begins stalling frequently, there’s likely damage to the spark plugs or the wiring.

As a preventative measure, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule. Fortunately, spark plugs are durable and can last for 60,000 km before replacement.

5. Power Steering Fluid

Modern cars have a power-steering feature to help you steer your vehicle. They help pump pressurised fluid into the piston, allowing the wheels to turn. As such, the power steering fluid should also be replaced when needed.

To know when to replace the power steering fluid, monitor its levels. If there isn’t enough fluid, air will begin circulating throughout the steering mechanism. When this happens, the vehicle will emit strange sounds every time you steer.

Prevent this situation by changing the fluid regularly, and ensure that you are using a high-grade fluid.

6. Tyres Thread/Inflation

Front tyres are more prone to wear and tear due to brake usage, and it is recommended to have them rotated every 10,000km.  Rotating the tires all at once allows them to wear out simultaneously, so you don’t have to replace one of them earlier.

Also, you should avoid running on worn-out or flat tyres.
Keep the optimal tyre pressure level for better cornering and braking.

As for wheel alignment, test if your car runs in a straight line without holding the steering wheel.
If it drifts off to one side, it’s a sign that the tyres need to be aligned.

  Conclusion

Still wondering how often to service your car in Singapore?

A good rule of thumb is to check the mileage. Vehicles that have been on the road for 10,000 to 15,000 km will usually need their scheduled servicing. Or, if six months have elapsed, it’s time to take your car to an auto shop.

Need more information on car servicing in Singapore? Kee Yong Auto can help.

Our Sin Ming auto servicing centre specialises in premium car brands. We offer premium car servicing packages for Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, Bentley, and many more.

Call us now and give your vehicle the professional treatment it needs.