There are many challenges of having a car in Abu Dhabi, due to its extreme climate and varying road conditions. That’s why it is essential to conduct regular car servicing to maintain your vehicle’s performance, safety, and longevity. But how often should you actually service your car? There are many car mechanics in Abu Dhabi who offer proper guidance on frequency of servicing your car based on driving conditions, vehicle type, and mileage. In today’s blog, we will take a look at the common car maintenance intervals, what does each service include, and why regular check-ups with a reliable auto service center in Abu Dhabi is necessary to keep your car in top shape.

1) Manufacturer’s Recommended Service Intervals

The best way to decipher your car’s service requirements is to abide by the service recommended by the manufacturers, available in the car’s manual. Every car model has specific recommendations that says when to conduct routine maintenance. Usually, vehicles should undergo basic servicing every 10,000 to 15,000 km or 6 to 12 months whichever comes first. These intervals ensure your car runs smoothly and stays efficient but extreme weather conditions in Abu Dhabi may affect this timing.

This is because extreme conditions can affect the functioning of car’s components thereby increasing their rate of wear and tear when used in such intense climatic conditions. That’s why many car mechanics in Abu Dhabi recommend frequent services especially if you drive in high heat or encounter frequent stop-and-go traffic. It is recommended to adjust some aspects of the service schedule in compliance with local climate; otherwise, you may face problems such as engine overheating, which is a typical problem in such areas.

2) Understanding different service types

Car maintenance is generally divided into two main types: minor services and major services. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each involves:

• Minor Service: This type of service is normally required after six months or 10,000 km, and consists of basic maintenance functions. A minor service includes an oil change, a change of oil filter, checking all fluids and their refilling, inspecting the brake system and tire pressure. Minor services are routine services meant to keep your car in optimum condition and are characterized by their short time and cheap cost.
• Major services are much more comprehensive and are recommended every 12 months or 30,000 km. However, it varies by manufacturer. This type of service includes everything from a minor service to major replacements. Major service may include replacing the air and fuel filters, checking the timing belt, suspension, and testing the battery. Major service detects potential issues early so that you can tackle them before they become big.

3) Seasonal Servicing Needs

Due to Abu Dhabi’s climate, many mechanics recommend seasonal services to keep your car in good condition. The hot, dry summers and cool winters need different maintenance needs.

• Summer: In summer, your car’s cooling system, battery and the AC should be well checked and maintained. Extreme heat can affect these parts and cause batteries to drain faster that leads to failure of AC systems. Mechanics recommend checking the coolant, refrigerant and battery charges before the onset of summer so that your car doesn’t suffer unexpected breakdown.

• Winter: While the winter temperature experienced in Abu Dhabi may not be as severe as other parts of the world, the cooler months will still impact your car. Our skilled mechanics advise drivers to monitor tire pressure and alignment especially during the winter since these aspects influence fuel efficiency and safety. Hood, Lights and Wipers are other parts of the car that need regular checkups as well since rain and fogging can affect visibility.

4) Service Recommendations based on Car’s Mileage

The service schedules of your car also depend on the car’s mileage. That’s because more the mileage, more frequent it will need service. Here’s a general guideline based on mileage that can help you stay on top of essential maintenance tasks:

• Every 5,000 to 10,000 Kilometers: Oil changes, oil filters replacements, and tire checks. It is important that you regularly inspect your tires or change them during these intervals to avoid uneven wear and increase their durability and safety.

• Every 15,000 to 30,000 Kilometers: Replace air filters and check the battery. Pollen, sand dust combined with hot climate of Abu Dhabi results in faster dust accumulation on your filter, which may lower the performance of the engine, thus be mindful of this timeframe.

• Every 40,000 to 50,000 Kilometers: Check and replace spark plugs. Spark plugs are important for ignition and fuel efficiency, so make sure to replace them periodically for smooth engine operation.

5) Common Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Service

Even though regular servicing is necessary, your car may show signs that it requires attention before its next recommended service. Common symptoms that indicate a visit to an auto service center in Abu Dhabi is overdue include:

• Unusual Noises: Rumble, grinds, squeals, knocking, etc., especially while braking or accelerating are usually a warning sign of problems with brake, suspension or even engine.

• Dashboard Warning Lights: Don’t overlook the warning lights as it can subsequently lead to more severe consequences. Do not take these lights lightly and when they appear, ensure you go to a mechanic as soon as possible.

• Vibrations or Pulling: If your car vibrates or pulls to one side, then it can be a problem of wheel misalignment, suspension issues or brake malfunction.

• Poor Fuel Efficiency: A drop in fuel economy is a sign of dirty air filters or major issues concerning the engine that will need prompt servicing.

• Overheating: If your car engine overheats frequently, it is a signal that something is wrong with the cooling system. Ignoring overheating can result in severe engine damages.

6) DIY Maintenance Tips Between Services

Of course, there are also things that anyone can do at home to keep your car running smoothly between service visits. These tasks are easy and can prevent minor issues from escalating:

• Check Fluid Levels: It is good practice to do an oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering check and fill them up as often as required. These fluids are meant to keep the vehicle running smoothly as they reduce wear and mechanical complications of the engines.

• Inspect Tire Pressure and Tread: It is recommended that tire pressure should be checked at least once in a month as incorrect tire pressure is among the common causes of low fuel efficiency and tire wear. Also, check the tread depth for even wear as uneven wearing indicate bad alignment or suspension.

• Battery health: Check battery performance, especially during summer. Look for corrosion around the terminals and clean them to increase battery life.

• Wash and wax regularly: The unforgiving sun and sandy can ruin your car’s exterior. Make sure to regularly wash and wax your car to protect its paint and prevent rust.

7) Ensuring Safety on the Roads of Abu Dhabi

Stating the obvious, Abu Dhabi roads are heavily congested which requires that all cars on the road; commercial and personal, function efficiently and safely. Frequent servicing ensure that your car will be safe by keeping critical systems properly functioning. Failure to address issues can lead to development of other problems and increase the risk of accidents.

Why choose us?

Drums Auto Services has emerged as the reputable service provider for all car owners in Abu Dhabi because of our professionalism and comprehensive services we offer. When it comes to auto repair in Abu Dhabi, we have a team of professional mechanics who are very well aware of Abu Dhabi’s driving conditions. Our technicians have years of experience on every make and model of cars and can handle any services ranging from a simple oil change to fully blown overhauls for your car. When you decide to hire Drums Auto Services, you are choosing a group of professionals that do their best to provide high quality services within the said period with absolute focus on customers’ satisfaction.

Conclusion

Having a car, especially in Abu Dhabi is not as simple as just refuelling or inspecting the tires once in a while. The weather conditions and the tough road conditions make the servicing highly important and necessary. From following manufacturer-recommended intervals to addressing seasonal requirements, working with a reliable car mechanic in Abu Dhabi will keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Whether you drive short distances every day or travel frequently, the secret lies in regular servicing with expert professionals and where better to get than Drums Auto Services. When you invest in routine checks and services, you are assured of safe ride, better fuel efficiency as well as the assurance that your car is prepared for anything the roads of Abu Dhabi may have to offer. Call us at +971 50 946 6200 or email us at drumsautoservice@gmail.com to know more.