What To Check After A Car Service?

 Many people believe that going for a regular car service is enough to ensure the longevity of their vehicles. While they are not wrong, they should know that going to schedule maintenance is only a part of the process. You can go on the internet and find a ton of resources that guide you on what to do before or during a car service. But what about after? Yes, you should not disregard aftercare if you want to ensure your car remains functional and safe. Moreover, it is something that also helps you save money. So, we are here with a blog that talks about the things you should take care of after a car service is concluded. 

Why Do You Need To Check Your Car After A Service?

The thing is, after completing a car service, most car owners relax, thinking that whatever problems their cars had were taken care of, and it's true. However, sometimes there might be an oversight or a chance of overcharging or even fraud. Hence, it's prudent to check after completing a car service, if only to ensure that you were not cheated. You also have to do your due diligence to ensure that every problem has been taken care of as intended. For this, we have included a few things you can check when you are done with your car servicing in Plymouth.

Check The Job Sheet

The first thing you need to do after your car maintenance is completed is to check the job sheet. It is a document that is prepared after service and serves as proof of any work done on your car. In fact, when you try to resell your car, a job sheet will be deemed pretty important. It is also quite critical if you think there has been some mistake made during the service and want to explore any legal options. Moreover, it contains a detailed list of any replacements done or advised, along with the instructions and recommendations from the service provider. Hence, when you take back your car, take time to properly go through the job sheet.

Inspect Engine Oil Level

After making sure everything looks OK, you should start with a manual inspection of your car. And what better place to start than the engine? Although there might be a significant number of car owners who do not know about the engine as extensively. However, even they can check the smaller things, such as the engine oil level. Most car service involves such small maintenance services. And if you are not careful, you can get easily cheated if the auto repair shop claims that your engine oil has been topped up and changes you accordingly. 

Refer to The Itemized Bill

The itemized bill is basically the breakdown of the service provided to you. It has the list of repairs or maintenance done to your car and mentions how much you are charged for it. You need to ensure that the prices mentioned on the itemized bill are the same as the prices you were quoted. Sadly, overcharging is a common occurrence in the automobile repair industry. Hence, it will be prudent of you to be extra careful and make sure that you are not charged for something you did not receive. You can always ask questions and talk to the mechanic if you think there is something wrong with the final bill. 

Check Any Belongings You Left In The Car

Many people have a habit of leaving some of their belongings in the car when they take it for servicing. Although rare, it does happen that when a car owner receives his car back, the items are either missing or damaged. We recommend you take out whatever belongings you have in your car and store them somewhere else before taking your car to an auto repair shop. Also, when taking delivery of your car, ensure that your spare wheels and other accessories are in the car and in the same condition you left them. 

Inspect The Coolant And Brake Fluid

Car servicing is often deemed crucial, especially if you have an MOT coming up. This is because regular maintenance overlaps with your MOT in Plymouth and includes things like coolant checks and top-ups. However, if you are not careful and forget to check your car afterward a service is concluded and take it for an MOT, chances are you might fail the test, especially if you were lied to and no work or maintenance is done for your coolant or brake fluid. We even recommend getting such a service before your own eyes to be extra sure.

Check Your Car Tyres

You should also give your car tyres a proper look, especially after car service. In a garage, your tyres might undergo damage due to the abundance of sharp tools and similar objects. Also, if you have gone for tyre maintenance services such as tyre rotation, wheel alignment, or balancing, then it is prudent that you make sure that everything is done correctly. 

Take Your Car For A Test Drive

And finally, after taking delivery of your car, you should always take it for a test drive to ensure that it is working as it should be. If you still feel something is wrong with your car, do not hesitate to contact the garage and communicate your doubts. If the problem is apparent, then you can also insist on a new service.