How Often Should I Service My Imported Car?

People frequently ask “how often should you get your imported car serviced?”. Being aware of your car service needs for an import or domestic is an important step for any car owner. Like domestic, import auto care is very similar and many of the same rules apply. There are considerations to make as well as common sense that can help you keep your foreign automobile running in top shape.

Consult Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual is filled with great information such as operation guides, standards, and notifications. While there are norms for import car service, nothing will beat reading the manual. For example, many domestic manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every 8,000 miles while many foreign auto service guides recommend a tire rotation every 6,000 miles.

Your vehicle is potentially filled with all kinds of warning lights from needing an oil change, air pressure low and many more. Reading your manual allows you to know what each warning means and what warning signs you need to look out for on your own.

Considerations for How Often to Service Car

Before getting into specifics and guidelines, it is import to understand circumstances that impact the recommended service schedule. These driving habits or situations put the most stress on your vehicle and requiring more frequent car service. They include:

  1. Primary short distance – driving short distances of 5 miles or less.
  2. Extreme hot, cold or dusty environments
  3. Sustained stop and go traffic – ex: bumper to bumper traffic
  4. Carry heavyweight or towing heavyweight

If you are driving under these conditions, it is important to strictly follow your owner’s manual instructions to ensure your vehicle is operating properly. Servicing your import may be expensive but will always be cheaper than repairing your import.

Suggestions for How Often to Service Car

Under “normal” circumstances, or in other words not as described above, there are general suggestions for how often you should get your imported car serviced. The consensus is that you should service your import car every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is in addition to a regular oil change and tire rotation. If you frequently drive under stressful situations, 6 months or 6,000 miles is a better schedule to follow.

When you are getting your foreign vehicle serviced, it is important to get a full service which consists of everything from oil top off, oil filter replacement, air filter replacement, battery checkup, brake pad cleaning and inspection, coolant top off and more. You can ask your shop in advance what is included with a full service and it should include these basic services.

By performing regular oil changes and full service on your vehicle you can improve the performance and longevity of your vehicle while also making your vehicle safer for yourself, passengers and others on the road. If you are ready for your next service, call us or schedule an appointment online.

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