When to Take Your Car for a Service

Regular car servicing is one of the most crucial aspects of vehicle ownership, ensuring that your car remains reliable, efficient, and safe. However, many Kenyan drivers are unsure when they should take their car for service. Ignoring regular maintenance can lead to expensive repairs and even safety risks. Whether you’re driving around Nairobi or venturing upcountry, knowing when to service your car can save you money and prolong the life of your vehicle.

Below are key signs and intervals that indicate it’s time to take your car for a service.

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Service Schedule

Every vehicle comes with a recommended service schedule from the manufacturer, typically based on either time (e.g., every 6 months) or mileage (e.g., every 10,000 kilometers). Sticking to this schedule is one of the best ways to keep your car in optimal condition.

Check your vehicle’s manual for the specific service intervals and try not to skip any scheduled services. For instance, Automotive Doctor Motor Garage Limited provides full-service packages based on your car’s manufacturer recommendations, ensuring all the key components of your vehicle are checked and maintained properly.

To explore our car maintenance services, click here.

2. Look Out for Dashboard Warning Lights

Modern cars come equipped with dashboard warning lights that indicate when something is wrong or requires attention. If you notice a “Check Engine” light, oil warning light, or brake warning light, it’s essential to take your car to a professional mechanic immediately.

Ignoring these signals can cause more damage to your vehicle and end up costing you significantly in repairs. At Automotive Doctor Motor Garage, we offer advanced diagnostics to ensure we get to the root cause of your car’s warning lights and fix them before they escalate.

3. Check Your Oil Levels Regularly

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine, providing lubrication to prevent friction and wear. Over time, your car’s oil becomes dirty, reducing its effectiveness. Low oil levels or dirty oil can lead to engine damage and drastically reduce your vehicle’s performance.

Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but it’s good practice to check your oil levels more frequently, especially if you drive in congested areas like Nairobi. If your oil levels are low or the oil appears dark and dirty, it’s time to take your car for a service.

For oil changes and lube services in Nairobi, Automotive Doctor Motor Garage offers expert assistance.

4. Pay Attention to Strange Noises

Unusual sounds such as grinding, squealing, or knocking can be early signs that something is wrong with your vehicle. These noises can indicate a variety of issues, such as worn-out brake pads, problems with the suspension system, or even engine trouble. The sooner you address these noises, the easier and cheaper the repairs will be.

If you notice any odd sounds, visit Automotive Doctor Motor Garage for a quick inspection and timely repair.

5. Difficulty Starting the Engine

If your car struggles to start or requires multiple attempts, it could be a sign of a weak battery, faulty starter motor, or ignition issues. Rather than waiting for the car to break down completely, it’s wise to have your vehicle checked as soon as you notice this problem.

Automotive Doctor Motor Garage provides professional battery services and diagnostics to ensure that your car remains dependable.

6. Poor Fuel Efficiency

If you notice that you’re making more frequent trips to the fuel station than usual, your car could be in need of a service. Poor fuel efficiency can result from issues such as dirty air filters, under-inflated tires, or engine problems.

By having your vehicle serviced regularly, you can maintain better fuel efficiency, saving money in the long run. Automotive Doctor Motor Garage offers comprehensive checks to help optimize your car’s performance.

7. Vibrations and Pulling While Driving

If your car starts to vibrate or pull to one side while driving, it could indicate several issues, including misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, or suspension problems. It’s critical to have these issues addressed before they become more serious.

At Automotive Doctor Motor Garage, we offer wheel alignment services to ensure your car remains safe and smooth to drive.

8. Brake Issues

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. If you notice that your brakes feel soft, squeak when applied, or if the car takes longer to stop than usual, it’s time for a service. Ignoring brake issues can lead to dangerous driving conditions and costly repairs.

Brake maintenance is one of the key services we offer at Automotive Doctor Motor Garage to keep you safe on the roads.

9. Excessive Smoke from the Exhaust

Visible smoke from your car’s exhaust could be a sign of engine trouble. Blue smoke indicates burning oil, white smoke points to a coolant leak, and black smoke could suggest your engine is burning too much fuel. Any of these issues require immediate attention to avoid more serious damage to your engine.

If you notice excessive smoke from your exhaust, don’t hesitate to visit Automotive Doctor Motor Garage for professional diagnostics and repair.

10. Tire Wear and Tear

Your tires are essential for safe driving, and they wear out over time. If your tires have uneven tread wear, bulges, or bald spots, it’s time to get them checked or replaced. Driving on worn-out tires not only affects your vehicle’s performance but also puts your safety at risk.

Automotive Doctor Motor Garage offers comprehensive tire maintenance services to ensure your car remains safe on the road.

Conclusion

Knowing when to take your car for a service can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and keep your car safe. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly, especially when navigating Kenya’s road conditions.

If you’re looking for reliable car service in Nairobi, Automotive Doctor Motor Garage Limited is one of the top car garages in Kenya, offering a wide range of repair and maintenance services to meet all your automotive needs. From routine oil changes to advanced diagnostics, we’re here to keep your car in the best condition possible.

Book your next service appointment with Automotive Doctor Motor Garage today and ensure your car stays roadworthy!