How Often You Should Do Car Service in Singapore?

How Often You Should Do Car Service in Singapore?

Singapore car owners should service their vehicles every 6 months or at every 10,000km mileage interval to ensure optimal performance and to avoid potential issues that could arise from neglecting routine maintenance.

8 Benefits of Regular Car Servicing you don’t want to miss

 

You have heard the phrase “Penny wise, pound foolish”. While you might save up on skipping regular servicing, what you are actually doing is incurring cost elsewhere. Let’s explore!

  1. Safety

Regular Car Servicing 1

While there are many reasons behind automotive accidents, a cause of concern is car neglect. This includes faulty steering, braking systems, low level of fluids, worn out windshield and many others which leads to serious accidents on the road. Regular car servicing keeps your car in check, ensuring passengers and other’s safety on the road – be responsible!

2. Boosts Car Performance

Regular Car Servicing 2

Checks on your car fluids, oil and internal mechanics ensures lowers the chance of internal wear & tear and increases your car performance. You can be guaranteed a more responsive, smoother car drive.

3. Increased Fuel Efficiency

Regular Car Servicing 3

Who doesn’t love a fuel efficient car? Regular car servicing of your car along with changing oil ensures a reduced chance on having your car run at a low fuel efficiency. In the long run, you’re bound to save up quite a huge sum from your fuel cost in the long run!

4. Higher Resale Value

Regular Car Servicing 4

Keeping your car in optimal condition will help you fetch a higher resale value for your car. Buyers tend to look for condition & performance of cars before buying them. Your regular car servicing records will not only ensure a higher value fetched but also making it an easier conversation with potential buyers.  

5. Prolong Car’s Lifespan

Regular Car Servicing 5

So far, we’ve talked about increased performance and improved fuel efficiency. Now, these two ultimately leads to lengthening the life of your car! When your car is in top condition, it will last longer, adding more years of use for you. Furthermore, you no longer have to sweat over the issues your car might give you.

6. Reduce Pollution

Regular Car Servicing 6

Your car is having a tremendous impact on the environment. Each time you drive a car, you are contributing to CO2 and CO emissions in the atmosphere. Cars not serviced well can produce harmful and even fatal emissions.

7. Prevent Malfunctioning

Regular Car Servicing 7

No one likes to be in a position where we are found standing at the sides of road in the event of a car malfunction. It sure does costs us not only monetarily but too, our time. Regular car servicing will better be able to allow you to avoid such situations.  

8. Lower the cost of Operation

Regular Car Servicing 8

You may think that servicing your car is an unnecessary expense. Truth is, a well-maintained car actually drive down the cost of driving by avoiding major car problems. Furthermore, mechanics may find problems and have them fixed before they get bigger, sparing you from roadside rescues and accidents.

We understand the jitters about trusting your car to a car workshop. Established in 1986, our team here at Precise Auto strives to deliver reliable, trustworthy and pleasant experience to our customers. You can count on us! – Contact us here.

Precise Auto Service won the Sgcarmart Star Merchant 2020 award under the category “Repair & Servicing”.

Ong.H.Y

 

7 Myths about Car Insurance in Singapore

 

Myth 1: My insurer will cover everything after a car accident

Car Insurance Claim

False. You would have come across “policy excess” or “standard excess” when buying car insurance. The amount you have to pay will be determined by type of excess covered in your car insurance policy. Now, let’s break it down: 

Standard Excess: This is a set amount that you pay out of pocket before your insurer covers the cost of repairs. The typical range for standard excess is between $600 to $1000. This excess is in place to reduce the risk insurers bear in covering your potential losses, handing some responsibility back to the motorist/driver. Note that this excess will be higher for drivers below the age of 25 or has less than 2 years of driving experience. 

Policy Excess: This is the amount that insurers will pay after having you pay the standard excess when making an accident claim. 

Here’s how it works, 

  1. You make an accident claim for $1,000 and your excess amount is set at $600.

You will foot the bill for the first $600 and your insurer will pay the rest of the claim, which in this case is $400.

2. You have an accident and the quote for repairs comes to $500.

You will pay the full total for repairs as it’s still under your excess amount of $600. In this case, there’s usually no need to make a car insurance claim and you get to protect your no claim discount. But remember you still need to report any accidents or scrapes to your insurer no matter how small. If it is found that the car accident isn’t your fault then some insurers will pay the claim in full and waive your excess.

At Precise Auto Service, we specialise in car insurance claims / car accident claims / accident repairs / car body repairs / panel beating / spray paint. Being in the industry for more than 30 years, we have the right knowledge and equipment to fix up your vehicle.

Myth 2: I am covered when driving in someone else’s car

Car Insurance Claim

False. If you take a closer look at the terms and conditions laid out in your car insurance policy, you will notice that you (or additional drivers your policy includes) are insured only when driving your vehicle. To find out if you will be covered when driving someone else’s car would depend on the car insurance plan they have committed to. 

Myth 3: Premiums for older cars are higher. 

Car Insurance Claim

Partly true. However, there are other factors that are considered that will determine your car insurance cost:

  1. Age of driver – Premiums are typically higher for drivers under 30, and of course, for older drivers over 70.

  2. Gender – Industry data shows that women typically pay between $10 to $60 less per year than their male counterparts.

  3. Driving experience – Lower premiums are rewarded to drivers who have many years of driving experience, especially if you have an exceptionally clean record as well.

  4. Type of vehicle – broadly speaking, a bigger car engine translates to a higher premium. Be prepared to pay more if you are driving a luxury car!

  5. Age of car – It seems intuitive to assume older cars will cost more in terms of insurance coverage. All things equal, there is no clear trend in the market, premiums are relatively stable until the 8th year.

  6. Coverage – a more comprehensive coverage warrants a higher premium. 

  7. No-claim Discount – this is a discount give to your premium if you haven’t made any claims on your policy during the period of insurance. 

Myth 4: Comprehensive car insurance is most value for money. 

While the most purchased car insurance in Singapore is the comprehensive car insurance, it might not be the right car insurance for everyone. 

The greatest benefit of the comprehensive car insurance plan is the insurer’s commitment to paying the full cost of repairs after an accident, or paying out the amount of its Open Market Value (OMV) if the cost of repairing is determined to exceed its OMV. However, when your car starts to depreciate over the years, the cost of repairs might exceed the OMV. In this case, the third party only (TPO) or third party, fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance might be a more optimal plan, with a much lower premium. 

Tip: There are a list of coverage under the comprehensive car insurance package. For example, some insurers cover civil riots and acts of God like flooding, or offer it only as an add-on. Also, different policies sold by the same company can offer coverage for different items such as whether a courtesy car will be provided if your car is in the workshop, or whether your personal items are also insured. 

Myth 5: Car Insurance Cost is the Only Thing That Matters

Car Insurance Claim

You bet, who doesn’t look at the annual premium when deciding the right car insurance? It might be foolish to commit to a policy you can’t afford. That being said, the cost shouldn’t be the only consideration.

When considering which policy to get, it’s important to evaluate the coverage that the car insurance offers. You don’t want to be in a situation where you end up losing more money when you meet an accident. When comparing car insurance policies, look not only at the prices but also the types and amount of coverage included, as well as the exclusions and limitations. It’s also important to check how the insurance company handles claims processing request and other customer service-related matters. 

Myth 6: My Personal Items Inside the Vehicle will be Covered

Car Insurance Claim

False. Comprehensive car insurance policies don’t cover valuables such as cash, laptops, and cellphones left inside an insured car that’s stolen or damaged by fire or a fallen tree.

You’ll have to purchase an optional benefit, called the Personal Effects coverage, to insure personal belongings in your car. If you don’t want to pay for that, then avoid leaving your valuable items unattended inside your vehicle.

Myth 7: I can hide my driving history from my Insurers. 

Car Insurance Claim

False. Thinking if you can outsmart insurance companies? Insurance companies run checks with the traffic police when they receive any new car insurance application. Any attempts to cover up or lie about a past traffic accident or insurance claims made previously would be discovered. 

Furthermore, you might risk insurers having to raise the premium or void a policy if you do not declare the truth to them. 

 

Get Your Free Insurance Quotation now!

To find out how much your car insurance will cost, get a quote now or call +65 9489 7930 to find out more.

At Precise Auto, we do not only cover your car insurance. We also care about your personal accident coverage. Hence, we have partnered with one of the largest insurance company in Singapore to extend this offer to all of our clients!!!

From 1st October 2020 to 31st December 2020, we are offering a one year FREE personal accident insurance plan insured by Aviva Financial Advisers to you for any 5-stars review made at Precise Auto! Don’t miss out this limited time offer!


-Ong H. Y.

 

Should I Buy a Used Car or go for Car Leasing from a Car Dealer in Singapore?

Car dealer in singapore

Buying looks to be a first choice among renting, leasing and buying a vehicle in Singapore. Under conditions such as busy schedules or when you have a large group of family members, it is more convenient to move around with a vehicle compared to taking public transport or taxi. However, other expenses like road tax, maintenance, insurance, and service charges should be taken into consideration too.

Hence, before you decide to buy a vehicle, you will need to be able to afford the monthly payments of the vehicle. There are 3W1H that you might consider before buying or renting a vehicle.

  1. “WHY”, Why do you need a vehicle?
  2. “WHAT”, What is your budget for the vehicle?
  3. WHICH”, Which vehicle type do you need? But last but not least,
  4. “HOW”, How frequently you drive?

If owning a vehicle would give you financial burden, car rental will be a good choice for you. Well, renting a vehicle is a good idea for anyone who wants to drive, have a hassle free and less stressful process. It is suitable for those who want to drive but at the same time not needing to own a vehicle. Renting a vehicle is charged at one-time pricing and the costs are a lot more transparent. It would still be more affordable than buying and maintaining a vehicle (applicable for a short period of time). Interested drivers can check with the car rental company for its reputation and customer service before renting a vehicle.

Pros Of Car Rental In Singapore

It is affordable for drivers who use the car occasionally as they just need to pay a comfortable amount of money upfront for that period of usage. On top of that, all-in-one pricing means that the price is including rental, road tax, insurance and maintenance. Also, you have a variety of vehicles to choose from rather than just driving one particular model. You will be able to switch your rental vehicle if you wish to try something different upon contract expiry. Some of the car rental company even have in-house workshop for servicing and repairing. Click here to see the list of available vehicles for rent now!

Cons Of Car Rental In Singapore

If you drive daily, it is less cost-effective in the long run say a period of 5 years. Besides that, some car rental companies might have a limited range of vehicle models. They might not have the model that you particularly like or want. Additionally, you must return the vehicle in the same place where you take it and make sure it is in the same condition.

Pros Of Buying A Used Car In Singapore

It is cheaper in the long period of 5 years if you drive daily. You might be able to sell off the vehicle at a good price. Owning a vehicle would make you feel happy and proud, which leads to greater satisfaction in life. Furthermore, you are able to choose your own car model and vehicle type. Having your own vehicle means you can customize your vehicle (eg vehicle coating, build body kit, adding some accessories). Click here to see the list of vehicles we have for sale!

Cons Of Buying A Used Car In Singapore

Large upfront payment as you might reconsider about buying a vehicle. Moreover, you will have monthly commitment to pay to the finance. You need to bear costs like servicing and maintenance fees. And you might not get a good price for selling it after a few years due to depreciation and current market value of the vehicle.

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong for renting or buying a vehicle. It really depends on your situation. We cannot doubt that buying a vehicle for a few years’ usages is cheaper than renting a vehicle. However, as a smart consumer, we need to consider the large upfront payments, insurance premiums, and other extra costs.

-Kon S.L.

Mercedes Benz CLS350 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change during Car Servicing in Singapore

Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) Car Servicing
Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) Car Servicing
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Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) Car Servicing
Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) Car Servicing
Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) Car Servicing

 

Items being changed in a Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) change during car servicing

- ATF

- ATF Filter

- Gearbox Gasket

 

How often do we need to change the Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) during car servicing?

Most cars are being recommended to change the ATF every 40,000 KM

 

Why do we need to change the Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) during car servicing?

Just like your engine oil, ATF gets 'dirty' after a period of time. Not changing the ATF regularly or not changing the filter might affect the transmission system operation.

 

Some of the symtoms include:

-Gears cannot engage

-Transmission change delayed

-Cannot engage reverse gear

-Shift lever difficult to move

 

It is recommended to check your transmission fluid twice a year to ensure that there is sufficient amount of ATF. Having a low amount or no ATF in the transmission system is very risky and dangerous. Low level of ATF might be caused by leakage from sippage of ATF through the gearbox oil seal or gasket.

Mitsubishi Lancer CS3 GLX Waterpump & Timing Belt Replacement

Mitsubishi Lancer CS3 GLX Waterpump & Timing Belt Replacement

When should you replace your timing belt & waterpump? 

What are the consequences if you do not replace them on time?

Click here to find out!!!