Bangalore, India's IT hub, has witnessed unprecedented growth in the past few years, be it in the economy, population, or infrastructure. One outcome of this is the increase in vehicle density, which has led to increased traffic congestion.
If you own a car in Bangalore, you are well aware of the stress the vehicle components endure on the city's jam-packed roads. Hence, regular maintenance and servicing should be your first priority as a car owner. That’s why having a reliable car service centre at your disposal is crucial.
Why Should You Service Your Car Regularly?
As human beings, our health is our first priority, and we take good care of it. Similarly, the vehicle’s health matters the most to deliver good and efficient performance. That’s why servicing the car regularly and carrying out repair work promptly are extremely important. They result in optimal performance and enhanced fuel efficiency, which in turn will also keep the running costs under check. Ignoring the service intervals or not fixing a minor issue can lead to costly repair bills.
Types of Car Services
There are three main types of car services.
- Periodic Service: This type of service must be done regularly. Typically, car manufacturers will provide the service interval for such services. This service includes regular maintenance such as engine oil replacement, air filter replacement, tyre rotation, wheel alignment, checking of all fluids, etc.
- Minor Repair Service: This type of service is required to fix minor issues with your car. It includes brake servicing and repair, replacement or repair of steering system components, tuning or repairing suspension, minor electrical repairs, replacing wipers, etc.
- Major Repair Service: This type of service is essential to fix major issues with the vehicle. It includes engine overhaul, transmission repair, AC or cooling system repair, radiator replacement, bodywork, denting and painting, etc. Major repairs are generally required for old vehicles or when the vehicle meets with an accident.
Types of Car Service Centres
Here are the different types of car service centres you can find to service your car.
- Authorised Service Centres: These are brand-specific authorised service centres. Typically, to keep your vehicle's warranty intact, periodic service ( especially first free services) must be done through these service centres. You can also buy genuine spare parts from these service centres.
- Multi-Brand Service Centres: These are independent service centres that can handle different brands and models. They are capable of handling all types of car services, from periodic maintenance to major repairs, regardless of the brand.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Car Service Centre
Here are a few points to consider when choosing a car service centre.
- Reputation and Reviews: Check for online user reviews to get an idea about the credibility of the service centre. Choosing a reliable service centre is crucial to maintaining your vehicle.
- Infrastructure and Expertise: Ensure that the car service centre has qualified and experienced technicians. Also, check with the service centre if they have the equipment to service or repair your vehicle. Without proper facilities and experienced mechanics, service quality can be compromised.
- Service Cost: A service centre should be transparent about the service cost and offer competitive prices. However, this is not the sole factor to consider. Ensure that the service centre does not upsell services that are not required for your vehicle.
- Genuine Spare Parts: Opt for a service centre that uses OEM spare parts. Using aftermarket parts to lower the repair cost can lead to more problems, as they may have quality issues. Confirm upfront if a service centre used genuine spare parts before taking your car for a service.
- Turnaround Time: This is an important factor if you rely on your car for daily commuting. Check how long it would take to service your vehicle and whether they offer a pick-up and drop-off service. Quick turnaround times can be convenient as you need not wait for days to get your vehicle back.
- Customer Service: Select a service centre that provides excellent customer service. Whether it's communication regarding the vehicle service/repair, the experience they offer at the workshop, or after-service support, ensure you get the best for the money you pay.