Car servicing essentially means thorough periodic inspection & maintenance which includes a series of maintenance procedures carried out at a set time interval or after the vehicle has travelled a certain distance. Service schedule varies from car to car. The service intervals are specified by the vehicle manufacturer and some modern cars display the due date for the next service electronically on the instrument panel. Maintenance, repairs and washing/ cleaning form the key activities of servicing. Timely service also helps one identify the possible failures in advance.
To maintain a car well and for better performance, one needs to adhere to the specified service intervals by getting the maintenance work done regularly and keep it clean by regular washing.

Periodic Maintenance Service is much beyond wash & polish. During the periodic maintenance, depending upon the mileage the car has clocked, the lubricant is changed, the filter and other vehicle components are checked and replaced if not found up to the specifications. The car is checked for its overall performance on road including the transmission, clutch, suspension and brakes. Apart from these, the car is also inspected for the possible failure in near future due to wear and tear of the engine. Washing and cleaning is an integrated part of service.

The approximate time taken to do a periodic maintenance service only, ranges from 2 to 3.5 hours. However, depending on the mileage and the process that the car goes through from the receipt of the car to delivery to the customer may take longer. The other factors which could affect the duration that the car is in the Hub, also depends on the existing workload, quality checks and criticality of the other jobs identified during the process of inspection of the car.

Basic servicing includes the following activities

- Check and top up of engine oil, brake fluid, steering fluid, coolant, transmission oil, battery water & clutch fluid
- Change the oil, fuel and air filters according to specifications given by the manufacturer
- Check brake shoe & pads. Replace if necessary
- Clean the Spark plugs and replace if required
- Check all electrical systems including lights, blinker, horn and air conditioning system
- Check the performance of alternator
- Check performance of the engine and tune if required
- Inspection of the pressure in the tyres and rotation
- Wheel balancing and alignment is essential for better performance
- Lubricate all doors, hinges and other relevant components
- Replacement of certain components as per the manufacturer's specification
- Inspection of unwanted noise & thorough checkup by doing a road test

Since the manufacturer's service schedule is specially designed based on the certain parameters for that specific model of a brand, it is better and easier to keep to it. Maintenance of cars varies from model to model. Therefore, the performance of a car is better if one keeps to the manufacturer's service specifications and tips.

Since the service schedule is tailor made for that particular model, it just works better if the same is followed. The probability of failure of the components and break down of the car becomes higher if not maintained as per the specified service schedule.

Periodic/ Preventive Maintenance - Periodic Maintenance is done in specific intervals of time. This is usually specified by the manufacturer. This is an area which most of the car owners avoid and later find themselves with a major and expensive vehicle repairs. With periodic maintenance as a habit one can avoid such problems.

Mechanical/ Running Repairs - This involves all the general mechanical repairs (like suspension, brakes, electrical) of the car other than the Periodic Maintenance. This covers even the mechanical breakdown of the vehicle. This also includes engine and transmission overhauls along with all aggregate repairs.

Body Repair - This includes all the work that the car would need during its life cycle to maintain the body. This involves all the work, be it due to accidents or small dents & scratches that happened in day to day driving.

Rapid Repair - Small scratches, touch up paint repairs form a part of Rapid Repair. This can be done in a day and the expense is lesser then the complete body repairs.

Express Maintenance service - This is usually done for all intermediate service within 5000 kms. In this case the customer can avail this service and get his car serviced while waiting.

It is advisable not to attempt working on the car without proper skill and knowledge. However, some basic inspection can be done by the user himself are:

a. Check tyre pressure and condition regularly
b. Check for the functioning of the all lights, particularly the brake lights and horn
c. Check for the functioning of parking brakes which are particularly helpful for an uphill drive
d. Check for the availability of the tool kit, reflectors, extra wheel and jack in the car
e. Fill the windscreen washer fluid container
f. Check the level of engine oil, brake oil and the level of the coolant
g. Check for any rust etc. on the upperbody of the car
h. Keep an eye on any underchassie leakage
i. Must watch for oil pressure indicators and overheating indication which are there at dash board while driving

By default the followed practice is to get the car serviced after 4 months or 50,000 km. However, it is recommended to follow the manual for complete service schedule & specifications.

In modern car entire tuning is controlled electronically by ECM. However, It is essential to get the parameters checked regularly.

Oil change schedule should be followed as per manufacturer's specification. Usually oil and the oil filters are changed during the periodic services.

It is worthwhile to get the tyre rotation done during every 10000kms service so as to enhance the life of the tyres and increase the comfort of driving. Wheel alignment is usually done only in case of any problem related to vehicle pulling to one side

The lubes or any other part have a limited life span only. If these parts are not replaced within the specified time period there is wearing out of metallic parts which may results into break down. Therefore, it is recommended to keep to the service schedule of the manufacturer which has these specifications.

Value Added Services (VAS) includes beautification, performance enhancement and accessories (Tyre and Battery). The car detailing products enhance the looks of the car. Products like the anti-rust coat protect the under body of the car. The performance enhancement products increase the performance of the car.

If vehicle is not aligned appropriately it could cause pre mature wear out of the tyre or the vehicle could get pulled to one side. Lack of balancing leads to vibrations of the car while driving. Balancing must be done before tyre rotation or in case of any vibrations. Wheel alignment is required in case of new tyre change or in case of any complaints of pulling or abnormal wear of tyres.

a. Check the cleanliness of the body, tyres, window & windshield glasses b. Check the Tool Kit
c. Check brake fluid level
d. Check Battery terminal. Petroleum jelly should be there on the terminal
e. Check the coolant level
f. Check for any hanging lead or loose coupler
g. Check under the vehicle for any leakage
h. Check for lubrication of the door hinges