Everything Your Mechanic Checks During a Car Service

Keeping your vehicle in top condition isn't just about avoiding costly repairs—it's also about ensuring your safety on the road. Regular car service Cranbourne appointments are essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance, reliability, and longevity. But have you ever wondered what your mechanic is actually looking at during a service?

Understanding what’s included in a professional car service can help you make more informed decisions about your vehicle’s maintenance—and help you get the most value out of each visit.

Why Regular Car Service Matters

Whether you're commuting, heading on a road trip, or using your car for day-to-day errands, your vehicle experiences wear and tear. A scheduled car service ensures that worn parts are identified and replaced before they lead to bigger issues. More importantly, it ensures your car remains safe and efficient on the road.

Skipping services might seem like a short-term saving, but it often leads to long-term costs—from engine damage to failed inspections when applying for a roadworthy certificate.

What’s Included in a Standard Car Service?

Every mechanic may have their own service checklist, but a standard car service in Australia typically includes the following inspections and maintenance tasks:

1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Changing the engine oil and replacing the filter is one of the most essential parts of a service. Oil lubricates your engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear. Over time, oil degrades and becomes less effective, so replacing it regularly helps protect your engine.

2. Fluid Checks and Top-Ups

Your mechanic will inspect and top up all critical fluids, including:

• Brake fluid

• Coolant/antifreeze

• Transmission fluid

• Power steering fluid

• Washer fluid

Each fluid plays a specific role in your vehicle’s operation, and low or dirty fluids can lead to performance or safety issues.

3. Brake Inspection

The braking system is vital to your safety. During a car service, mechanics check:

• Brake pads for wear

• Brake discs/rotors for damage

• Brake fluid condition

• Handbrake function

Replacing worn pads early can prevent damage to other brake components and maintain stopping power.

4. Tyre Inspection and Rotation

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Your mechanic will:

• Check tyre pressure and adjust as needed

• Inspect tread depth (1.6mm is the legal minimum)

• Look for uneven wear or damage

• Recommend replacement if necessary

Tyres that are under-inflated, worn out, or incorrectly aligned can lead to poor fuel economy, unsafe handling, or even failure of a roadworthy certificate inspection. If replacement is needed, your workshop may offer tyres sales Cranbourne and fitting on-site.

5. Battery Check

Your mechanic will check the battery’s charge level and overall condition. If your battery is more than a few years old or showing signs of decline, your mechanic may recommend replacement to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

6. Lights and Wipers

Visibility is key to safe driving. During a car service, mechanics check:

• Headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators

• Windscreen wipers for wear

• Washer jets and wiper fluid levels

7. Suspension and Steering Inspection

These systems are checked for wear and tear to ensure a smooth and controlled ride. Loose or damaged components can affect handling and tyre wear.

8. Exhaust and Underbody Check

Your exhaust system is checked for leaks or damage. Any underbody rust, wear, or fluid leaks are also noted, especially if you’re preparing for a roadworthy certificate Cranbourne.

9. Logbook Service (If Applicable)

If your car is still under manufacturer warranty, a logbook service ensures that the car is serviced according to factory specifications. This includes:

• Following the scheduled maintenance intervals

• Using approved parts and fluids

• Recording all services in your logbook

Importantly, you don’t have to go to the dealership—any qualified mechanic can perform logbook servicing and help you maintain your warranty.

10. Road Test

Finally, your mechanic may take the car for a short test drive to ensure that everything feels and sounds right. They’ll check for unusual noises, vibration, and overall driving performance.

What About Interim Services?

Depending on your driving habits, your mechanic might recommend interim servicing every 6 months or 5,000–10,000 km. These smaller services focus on keeping key systems topped up and identifying problems early.

Final Thoughts

A professional car service is far more than just an oil change. It’s a complete health check for your vehicle—one that keeps you safe, improves performance, and saves you money by preventing breakdowns and major repairs.

Whether you're booking a logbook service, checking your eligibility for a roadworthy certificate, or in the market for new tyres, it pays to stay proactive with your car’s care.

For trusted, professional servicing that covers everything your vehicle needs, get in touch with the friendly team at Singh’s Tyre & Auto Centre—your local experts in keeping cars running smoothly and safely.

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