Minor service

Regular maintenance keeps your car healthy and reliable

Modern cars last longer and need less frequent maintenance. Pleasant, because you don't have to go to the garage as often. Yet it's important that you adhere to the maintenance intervals prescribed by the manufacturer. A minor service ensures your car stays in top condition and prevents unpleasant surprises on the road. At Autobest, we carry out minor maintenance according to factory specifications, with skilled mechanics and the right equipment.

What is a minor service?

A minor maintenance service is a periodic check in which the essential components of your car are inspected and the oil filter and engine oil are replaced. The goal is preventive: through regular maintenance you prevent malfunctions and wear, and your car remains safe and reliable.

When your car is due for a minor service is described in your car's service book or instruction manual. This differs per car brand, model and engine type, but also per usage. Do you drive many short trips in the city? Then your car may need more frequent maintenance than when you mainly drive long distances on the highway.

When is a minor service needed?

The maintenance intervals differ per car brand and model, but on average:

• Every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers, or
• Once a year (whichever comes first)

Modern cars with synthetic oil can often go longer between services, sometimes even up to 30,000 kilometers or two years. But this strongly depends on your driving behavior and the manufacturer's specifications.

Not sure when your car is due? We're happy to advise you based on your brand, model and mileage.

Service passport and instruction manual

The service book (also called service passport) states exactly when your car needs maintenance. Keep this book safe, because we stamp each service. This is important for:

• Your factory warranty – regular maintenance is mandatory to keep the warranty valid
• The resale value – when selling, you show with a complete service book that your car has been well maintained, which is favorable for the price
• Your own peace of mind – you know exactly what's been done to your car and when

The instruction manual contains useful information about your car, such as where you can top up which fluids, how to check tire pressure and what dashboard warning lights mean.

What do our mechanics do during a minor service?

What exactly happens during a minor service differs per brand, model and version of your car. Our mechanics work according to the technical checklist prescribed by the car manufacturer. Generally, a minor service includes:

Replace engine oil and oil filter

The most important task during a minor service. Engine oil lubricates, cools and protects the engine against wear. Over time, oil becomes contaminated and loses its effectiveness. The oil filter catches this contamination, but becomes clogged over time. That's why both are replaced.

At Autobest, we use Castrol or another premium oil brand. We have the right oil in stock for every car, whether it's mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil or fully synthetic oil. This ensures your engine is assured of optimal lubrication and protection.

Check fluid levels

We check and top up if necessary:

• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Windscreen washer fluid
• Power steering oil (if applicable)

We also check whether there are no leaks in hoses, lines or seals.

Visual inspection

Our mechanics visually inspect:

• Tires for tread depth, pressure and condition
• Brakes for wear
• Lighting (front, rear, brake lights, indicators)
• Windscreen wipers for condition
• V-belts and auxiliary belts for wear and tension
• Fuel lines for leakage
• Exhaust for leakage and damage
• Chassis for damage or rust

Computer scan

We connect your car to our diagnostic equipment to read any error codes and check the operation of electronics and sensors.

Test drives

After the service, we often take a short test drive to check that everything works properly and there are no unusual sounds or vibrations.

What can you check yourself?

Because your car may only come to our garage once a year, it's wise to check a few things yourself regularly:

Tire pressure
Check tire pressure monthly, especially before long trips. The correct pressure is stated on a sticker in the door or in the instruction manual. Too low pressure increases wear and fuel consumption.

Oil level
Check the oil level regularly with the dipstick. Every engine consumes some oil, including the engine of a new car. Too little oil can lead to serious engine damage.

Coolant
Check whether the level is between the minimum and maximum mark. Too little coolant can cause overheating.

Windscreen washer fluid
Top up regularly, especially in winter. Clean windows are essential for good visibility.

Lighting
Walk around your car regularly and check whether all lights still work. If necessary, ask someone to step on the brake while you stand behind the car.

Can't figure it out with the instruction manual? Our mechanics are happy to show you around under the hood.

Are you free to choose your garage?

Yes, absolutely. You may decide yourself who carries out the maintenance of your car. Even when your car is still under factory warranty, you can have minor (and major) services carried out at Autobest with retention of the factory warranty. This is in accordance with European regulations.

We work according to factory specifications and have:

• Current documentation for all brands
• The right tools and diagnostic equipment with current software
• Excellently trained mechanics who know exactly what maintenance your car needs
• Original parts or high-quality Bosch parts that are as good as original

Your factory warranty simply remains valid, while you benefit from our personal service and transparent prices.

Original or Bosch parts?

Does your car still have factory warranty? Then we install original parts according to factory specifications, so your warranty remains valid.

No more factory warranty? Then we offer you attractively priced, high-quality Bosch parts that are as good as original in terms of quality and lifespan. You save money without compromising on quality.

Why is regular maintenance important?

Even though modern cars need less frequent maintenance, it remains important to adhere to the prescribed intervals. Why?

• Safety – wear on brakes, tires or steering is noticed in time
• Reliability – prevent downtime by replacing wear parts in time
• Value retention – a well-maintained car is worth more when selling
• Warranty – keep your factory warranty through regular maintenance
• Savings – preventive maintenance is always cheaper than repairing afterwards

Tips for carefree driving pleasure

Check yourself regularly
Make it a habit to check lighting, oil level, tire pressure and fluid levels monthly. This only takes a few minutes and prevents a lot of trouble.

Plan in time
Don't wait until the last moment to schedule your maintenance service. Plan well in advance, so you're assured of a spot at a time that suits you.

Keep your service book
Make sure all services are stamped and keep all invoices. This increases the value of your car when selling.

Schedule your minor service

Is your car due for a minor service? Schedule an appointment online via our website or call us at 0499 - 390 475. We're happy to help you, so your car is back in top condition and you can continue driving carefree.