Whether you drive a newer vehicle or a treasured vintage model, the last thing you want is for your car to give out. The best way to ensure your vehicle stays on the road for as long as possible is to give it regular maintenance and periodic inspections.
The professional mechanics at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can give your car the critical repairs and services it needs to stay on the road longer. Learn about the eight categories of car repair services we offer and what each of them involves.
What is an Interim Car Service?
Interim car services are the most frequent type of service you can give to your car. Ensure your car receives interim maintenance between full car repair services; they are essential to keeping it roadworthy and in proper working order.
The average interim car service cost is $95 to $237. Service intervals vary depending on the vehicle but should be done at least once every six months or every 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. The following is an interim car service checklist to ensure every element of your car functions optimally.
Oil Change and Air Filter Replacement
Changing your car’s oil and engine air filters are among the most essential interim car services. Our team of professionals will replace your old oil with fresh motor oil, then swap out your worn-out air filter for a new one. These services help keep your engine lubricated and give it access to clean air. They improve fuel economy, reduce wear and tear, and optimize your engine’s performance.
Serpentine Belt Inspection
A serpentine belt uses engine power to drive multiple parts inside your engine bay, such as your alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor.
Regularly inspecting your engine’s serpentine belt is necessary to verify it is in good condition. If the belt shows signs of wear, cracks, fraying, or looseness, it should be replaced with a new one.
Wiper Blade Inspection
Windshield wiper blades can deteriorate over time, reducing their ability to displace water. A periodic windshield wiper inspection can keep you updated on your blades’ condition. If the rubber elements are worn, cracked, or rigid, a professional mechanic will replace the blade with a fresh one.
Tire Pressure Service
The right time to check your tire pressure is once a month, after long trips, or whenever the check tire pressure light on your dashboard turns on. A professional mechanic can check your tire pressure and refill them with air if they are too low.
What is a Full Car Service?
A full car service goes beyond the basics, from interim check-ups to full-service car washes and detailed inspections of essential items like brake pads and coolant.
Consider having your vehicle fully serviced at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The average cost of full service ranges from $157 to $355 but may vary depending on your vehicle type. For example, full service for luxury cars, SUVs, and larger pickup trucks may be more expensive than for an average sedan or hatchback.
In addition to serpentine belts, wiper blades, tire pressure, and engine air filter replacements, a full car service may include:
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
A mechanic performing this service will inspect and replace your cabin air filters, ensuring your vehicle’s HVAC system produces clean air. On average, cabin air filter replacements cost about $20 to $50. The price for high-end vehicles can reach up to $100 or more.
Car Coolant Replacement
Your engine needs coolant to operate efficiently and avoid overheating on the road. Over time, car coolant may degrade and become less efficient, requiring periodic changes to prevent damage to your engine. During this service, mechanics will drain the old coolant from your engine and replace it.
Full Car Belts and Hoses Service
This service will inspect every car belt and hose in your engine bay, including your serpentine belt, timing belts or chains, V-belts, coolant hoses, fuel lines, and other similar elements. It is a more thorough service than a serpentine belt inspection because more parts need to be inspected. If necessary, this service may include repairs or replacements, such as a timing belt replacement or hose repairs.
Brake Pad Replacement
The more you use your brakes, the more the brake pads wear out over time. If allowed to degrade too much, your brakes risk becoming ineffective, increasing your braking distances and making your vehicle unsafe to drive. A yearly inspection and replacement of your brake pads is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe and preserve its stopping power.
What are Major Car Repair Services?
A major car service involves the most comprehensive inspections, maintenance, and repairs possible for your vehicle. While they are still part of a car’s regular maintenance checklist, they don’t need to be performed as often. On average, major car service intervals should be once every 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The average cost of a major car service ranges from $296 to $474.
A typical major car service checklist includes every service in an interim and full car service, plus the following:
Brake Fluid Exchange
Braking systems use brake fluid in dedicated lines to provide the hydraulic force and lubrication your brakes need to stop your car. Gradually, brake fluid absorbs ambient moisture, increasing the risk of corroding your lines and other components. A brake fluid exchange service bleeds the lines of old, contaminated brake fluid and then replaces it with fresh fluid to keep your braking system in optimal condition.
Spark Plug Replacement
Spark plugs are the most important element of your car’s ignition system, without which the engine wouldn’t be able to start or burn fuel. However, spark plugs can foul up with fuel and oil deposits, reducing their effectiveness and negatively impacting fuel efficiency. Replacing them at regular intervals ensures your engine burns fuel as cleanly as possible, maximizing fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Car Battery Testing
On average, a car battery lasts about 5 years before it needs to be replaced. However, a car battery tester service once every 2 years or 24,000 miles can help you detect early problems with your battery, such as slow charging or failing cells.
Professional mechanics will use equipment such as a battery load tester to determine whether you need a new car battery.
Car Tire Inspections
There is no set replacement interval for car tires due to various driving conditions, mileage, and differences in wear and tear between the front and rear tires. For this reason, the best practice is to schedule a thorough car tire inspection at least once every two years.
If one or multiple tires are too worn out, the service will also include car tire replacement. Tires are typically replaced in pairs (front and rear) or all four simultaneously to keep your vehicle’s handling balanced and avoid instability or damage to your tire alignment.
Get Quality Car Repair Services at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we care about your vehicle as much as you do. Schedule an appointment online or visit us at our location near Albion, MI, to give your car the care and maintenance it deserves. We service all models, whether you drive a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or a car from another automaker.
