Vehicle servicing

For a fleet manager, vehicle servicing is more than routine maintenance. It is a strategic performance lever with a direct impact on employee safety, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of each vehicle, and the continuity of your operations. Well-planned servicing, carried out by experts, is your best insurance against unplanned vehicle downtime and the accelerated depreciation of your assets. This complete guide gives you everything you need for a successful servicing strategy, turning an obligation into a competitive advantage.

What is vehicle servicing?

Definition and why servicing matters

Vehicle servicing is a complete, periodic preventive check-up of a vehicle, carried out according to the manufacturer's precise recommendations. Its purpose is to anticipate breakdowns rather than suffer them. For a company fleet, it matters ten times more: it is the backbone of sound fleet management. Rigorous servicing not only ensures the mechanical reliability of each car and the safety of your teams on the road, it also keeps you legally compliant and protects the value of your fleet. It is a direct investment in the longevity and performance of your work tools.

Servicing vs. oil change

It is essential to tell servicing and an oil change apart. An oil change is just one of the key operations in a service. It specifically means replacing the used engine oil and changing the oil filter. A car service is far more thorough. It includes the oil change and adds a long list of checks and jobs: checking the braking system (pads, discs), checking tire pressure and wear, a full electronic diagnostic, checking the levels of all fluids (coolant, brake fluid), and much more.

When should a car be serviced?

Service intervals by mileage and vehicle age

How often your vehicle needs a service is set by the manufacturer and based on two indicators: the mileage driven and the age of the car. The rule is simple: whichever comes first applies. A service may be recommended every 15,000 km or every 12 months. Even a vehicle that is rarely driven should be serviced once a year, because fluids and some components deteriorate over time, regardless of use. Managing service intervals is crucial for a fleet with varied usage profiles.

Signs that a service is due

Beyond the calendar, the car itself tells you when it needs maintenance. A warning light on the dashboard is a direct alert that should never be ignored. Other signs should also put you on alert: abnormal fuel consumption, unusual noises from the engine or when braking, or deteriorating road handling. Training your drivers to recognize these signs is good practice.

The role of the service book

The service book is your vehicle's passport. It records the history of every service and shows that the manufacturer's recommendations have been followed to the letter. A perfectly kept service book is essential to preserve the manufacturer's warranty, and it becomes a strong selling point that maximizes the car's resale value.

What does a car service include?

Essential checkpoints: engine, brakes, tires, and more

A quality service covers dozens of checkpoints. The essential items include:

• Engine compartment: oil change with oil filter replacement, and a check, possibly a replacement, of the timing belt according to the maintenance schedule.

• Filters: replacement of the air filter, the cabin filter (also called the pollen filter, for the air conditioning), and the fuel filter (gasoline or diesel).

• Brakes: check of brake pad and disc wear, and of the brake fluid.

• Running gear: check of tire pressure and wear, wheel alignment, shock absorbers, and steering.

• Electronic systems: electronic diagnostic through the OBD port to detect error codes, and a software update if needed.

• Other items: check of the battery, the lighting system, the exhaust system, and all fluid levels.

Manufacturer servicing: keeping the warranty

Choosing manufacturer servicing means strictly following the manufacturer's specifications. That is the condition for keeping the manufacturer's warranty, whether the service is done at a dealership or at an independent garage. Any deviation could cost you dearly if a part covered by the warranty suffers a major failure.

How much does a car service cost?

The price of a service varies. It can range from €150 for a basic service to more than €1,000 for a major service that includes replacing the timing belt. For a fleet, anticipating this cost is vital. Several factors affect the final quote: the vehicle model, the type of work, the price of parts, and the labor rate charged by the garage. To keep your budget under control, the best approach is to compare several detailed quotes online.

Where should you get your car serviced?

You can choose between several types of provider:

1. The manufacturer's dealership: guaranteed expertise and original parts, often at a higher price.

2. The independent garage: a local service, often with more competitive rates.

3. Auto centers: these centers offer standardized packages at attractive prices.

Since 2002, you have been free to choose your provider without losing the manufacturer's warranty, as long as it follows the maintenance recommendations in the service book. Online booking has become the norm and is a valuable way to save time.

The risks of skipping a service

Skipping a service exposes your company to major risks:

• Road safety: faulty brakes or worn tires can cause accidents for which you may be held liable.

• Vehicle longevity: insufficient maintenance leads to premature wear, costly breakdowns, and a drastic loss of value.

• Loss of the manufacturer's warranty: the most direct financial risk.

Everyday tips for looking after your car

Between services, a few simple habits extend the life of your vehicles: regular checks of fluid levels (oil, coolant) and tire pressure. Driving smoothly and anticipating also protects the mechanics and reduces wear.

Dadycar: your partner for optimal vehicle servicing and fleet management

Managing fleet maintenance by hand is time-consuming and error-prone. Centralizing every service book, anticipating service due dates, comparing quotes from multiple garages, and making sure each vehicle meets the manufacturer's warranty requirements is a complex challenge.

Dadycar offers its fleet management software, the solution for flawless vehicle servicing and maintenance. Our platform lets you:

• Centralize and automate tracking for every vehicle in your fleet.

• Receive smart alerts so you never miss a service or a roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) again.

• Simplify appointment booking and quote management with garages and auto centers.

• Control your maintenance costs precisely with clear dashboards.

With Dadycar, turn the constraint of servicing into an optimized process that keeps your fleet safe and performing. Request a demo now!