Your car is not just for getting around. It’s an investment. It needs regular care and maintenance to keep it running well and safely. Regular servicing plays a vital role in prolonging the life of your vehicle and maintaining its performance. However, once your car is back from the service center, don’t just hop in and drive away without a second thought.
Even though professional mechanics perform most tasks with precision and care, human errors can occur. There’s always a chance that something might have been overlooked or done incorrectly. Also, your car might have been scratched or damaged by accident during service or when it was moved in the facility. To make sure your car is truly road-ready and free from issues, it’s essential to perform a few checks before leaving the service center.
Neglecting these checks could lead to a host of problems down the line. For example, missing a fluid refill can cause overheating. Also, ignoring a brake problem can put safety at risk. Taking a few extra minutes to examine your car could save you a lot of time, money, and stress in the future.
In this blog, we will discuss five crucial checks that every car owner should perform after getting their vehicle serviced. These steps will not only give you peace of mind but also help you avoid potential issues that could compromise your car’s performance or safety.
1. Inspect Your Car for Damage and Missing Items
The first and most important step is to carefully inspect your car’s exterior and interior for any visible signs of damage. Service centers often get busy. Your car might be moved or parked in tight spots. This raises the chance of accidental dents, scratches, or scuffs. Even a minor scratch can be frustrating, especially if your car was spotless when you handed it over.
Exterior Check
Walk around your car. Check the bodywork, bumpers, doors, and wheel arches for any new dents or scratches. Pay special attention to the paint job and look for any subtle marks that might not be easily noticeable. Also, inspect the alloy wheels and rims, as they are particularly prone to damage when the vehicle is moved around the garage.
It’s also a good idea to take photos of your car before handing it over for service. This way, you’ll have proof of the car’s condition before servicing. If you notice any new damage afterward, you can show the photos to the service center for quick resolution.
Interior Check
Once you are satisfied with the exterior inspection, move on to the interior. Sit inside the car and check the dashboard, seats, floor mats, and any other areas that might have been tampered with or stained during the service. Make sure that any personal belongings, tools, or accessories you left in the car are still there. It’s not uncommon for items like USB cables, car chargers, or even dash cams to go missing.
Check for Cleaning Quality
If you opted for an interior cleaning or detailing service, ensure that the surfaces are spotless, free of dust, and properly cleaned. If there are water stains on the seats or residue left behind, bring it to the attention of the service manager.
Why This Check Matters
Discovering damage or missing items after you have left the service center makes it much harder to hold them accountable. Tackling the issue now will boost the chances of solving the problem easily. It’s your right as a customer to get your vehicle back in the same or better condition than when you left it.
2. Double-Check the Final Bill
No one likes to be caught off guard by unexpected charges, especially when it comes to car servicing. After your car is serviced, the service center will present you with a bill. Carefully go through each item on the bill and make sure it matches the estimated cost given before the service began.
Common Bill Components to Check
- Labor Charges: Verify that the number of hours billed aligns with the actual time spent on your car. Sometimes, workshops tend to add extra hours to increase the final amount.
- Parts Replaced: Make sure that only the agreed parts are changed. Don’t pay for any extra replacements.
- Fluids and Consumables: Check charges for engine oil, brake fluid, and other consumables. Sometimes, even during a free service, these costs are added separately.
- Additional Services: Be careful with extra add-ons, like wheel balancing or alignment, if you didn’t ask for them.
Be Wary of Hidden Charges
Some service centers might add extra costs. This often happens if they do more work without asking you first. They may add fees for engine flushing or injector cleaning without clear notice. Compare the bill with the initial quotation and question anything that seems unclear or excessive.
Why This Check Matters
Disputing a bill after you have paid is both stressful and time-consuming. Sorting it out immediately ensures transparency and helps you avoid being overcharged. Always keep a copy of the estimate and the final bill for future reference, as they can help you in case of any discrepancies.
3. Verify Fluids and Filters
One of the key aspects of any car service is fluid replacement and filter changes. Though most service centers follow proper procedures, it is always a good idea to double-check the work.
Fluids Check
Open the hood and examine the following fluids:
- Engine Oil: Check the level and color using the dipstick. Fresh oil should be golden or light brown, while dirty oil appears dark and thick.
- Brake Fluid: Make sure the level is correct and the fluid appears clear and amber.
- Coolant Level: The coolant reservoir should be filled to the recommended level and be a bright, transparent color.
- Transmission Fluid: Check the color and level, as it should not appear burnt or discolored.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Ensure that the tank is topped up.
Filter Check
If you requested air or cabin filter replacement, inspect the new filters to make sure they were changed. Clean air filters are white or light gray, while dirty ones are usually dark and clogged with debris.
Why This Check Matters
Driving with low or contaminated fluids can cause severe engine damage and reduce performance. Ensuring fluid levels are accurate will save you from costly repairs down the line.
4. Take Your Car for a Test Drive
A quick test drive after service is important. It helps catch any strange behavior or new problems that may have come up during maintenance.
Key Points to Observe During the Test Drive:
- Braking Efficiency: Ensure the brakes respond well and feel smooth. They shouldn’t squeal or grind.
- Engine Performance: Listen for unusual sounds from the engine or exhaust system.
- Smooth Handling: Ensure the steering is smooth and doesn’t feel stiff or wobbly.
- Clutch and Gear Shifts: Check if the clutch pedal feels comfortable and the gears shift without difficulty.
- Electrical Components: Test lights, indicators, wipers, and horn to ensure they work correctly.
Why This Check Matters
Some issues may only become apparent while driving, such as vibration or sluggish acceleration. Spotting these problems early will help you address them before they worsen.
5. Clear Any Doubts with the Service Center
If you notice any discrepancies or have concerns about the service, don’t hesitate to speak with the service advisor or manager. It’s better to clarify doubts on the spot than deal with issues later.
Important Questions to Ask:
- What parts were replaced, and why?
- Are there any maintenance recommendations for the new parts?
- Why does the car feel different compared to before the service?
- How should I maintain the replaced components for longevity?
Why This Check Matters
Addressing your concerns quickly helps create a clear relationship with the service center. This way, you can leave feeling confident about the work done.
Conclusion
Regular servicing keeps your car in great shape. A post-service check is also key to make sure everything was done right. Doing these key checks keeps you safe from surprises and makes sure your car is ready for the road. Stay vigilant, be proactive, and always advocate for your vehicle’s well-being. Safe driving!
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FAQs: Post-Service Car Checks
Why should I inspect my car after servicing?
Inspecting your car after servicing helps you ensure that the work was done properly and that no damage occurred during the process. It also allows you to verify that all agreed-upon tasks were completed and that there are no unexpected charges.
What are the most important things to check after car servicing?
The most important checks after car servicing include:
Inspecting the car for any exterior and interior damage.
Verifying that the bill matches the estimated cost and contains no hidden charges.
Checking fluid levels and filters to ensure they were replaced or topped up.
Taking a short test drive to check for unusual noises, vibrations, or performance issues.
Clearing any doubts or questions with the service advisor before leaving.
What should I do if I find new scratches or damage after service?
If you notice any new scratches or damage, immediately bring it to the attention of the service center staff. Show them the damage and provide any pre-service photos as proof. Request a resolution, which may include repair or compensation.
How can I check if the fluids were properly replaced or topped up?
Engine Oil: Use the dipstick to check the level and color of the oil.
Brake Fluid: Check the fluid reservoir for the correct level.
Coolant: Ensure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Transmission Fluid: Use the transmission dipstick to verify the fluid level and color.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Make sure it’s filled up. Always compare the appearance of the fluids to how they looked before servicing.
Is it necessary to take a test drive after servicing?
Yes, a test drive is essential to check if your car is running smoothly after servicing. It helps you spot problems like brake performance, steering response, odd noises, or vibrations that might come up during maintenance.
