How Often Should You Have Your Car Serviced?

When it comes to getting your car’s oil changed, you have probably been taught that every three months or 3,000 miles is the rule to follow. So you have meticulously followed this schedule, keeping your car in the best shape possible, right? Well, what if you found out that this was actually unnecessary and you have been wasting your money all these years. Yeah, you should be upset.

So how often should I get my oil changed?

Fortunately and unfortunately this is not a one size fits all answer. Every car is different. So how do you know what your car needs? Since you are probably not a car expert or a car psychic, there is a handy little thing called an owner’s manual that you should refer to. Yes, some cars will be advised to get service every three months or 3,000 miles, but you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that your car may require service much less often. More is not always better, and you may be spending unnecessary money for your type of car.

What about services other than oil changes?

This information can also be found in your owner’s manual. And it is important to refer to your owner’s manual before you ever take your car in to get any kind of service. You need to know what is recommended for your car’s mileage and what is not. Why? Because the service advisors at the dealership or mechanic usually work on commission. And you thought they were just there to help you out. Not all service advisors are there to take advantage of you, but it is definitely something you need to be aware of. While they may recommend additional services that you really need, most of the time they are just trying to make some extra money. Know what the manufacturer of your car recommends and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion on any non-urgent recommendations.

If you follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual then your car is sure to live a long, prosperous life. And you can rest easy knowing that you are not spending unnecessary money to fix something that isn’t broken.

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