When you purchase a new car, it comes with a log book that is provided by the manufacturer. A log book serves as a guide for your vehicle's service intervals, service procedures and inspection points as recommended by the manufacturer. The log book guides your mechanic on exactly what needs attention in your car at specified intervals. Log book service is a preventive service that helps keep your car running optimally as if it was new. It is important for one to familiarize themselves with their car's log book in order to understand the service requirements.

Types of log book services

Log book services are mostly offered at intervals of a month, three months, six months and a year as recommended by most manufacturers. Most dealerships offering log book services will offer the following services:

• Car servicing as per log book requirements.
• Stamping of the log book after servicing.
• Car warranty maintenance.
• Road assistance services.
• Full report of the service offered.

The types of services performed on cars vary from one interval to another. The common schedule for most log books involves the following:

• Once a month, the car's belts and hoses are checked.
• Every three months, the car's coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid are checked to ensure they are within the required levels. The car's battery is checked and the oil changed.
• Every six months, the car's tyres and spare tyre are checked for pressure. The brakes, brake light, shock absorber and spark plugs are also checked to ensure they are functioning properly. Finally, the car's cooling and heating systems are also checked.
• Once a year, the car's tyres are rotated, the engine coolant sensor checked and an engine tune-up performed. During this annual service, the checks performed before are repeated to ensure optimal performance of the car.

Where to have log book service

You do not have to get your car's log book service at the dealership where you bought your car. A new car dealer does not have any right to void your car's warranty if you get your service or repairs elsewhere. You can go to any dealership or mechanic for log book services depending on their location and other preferences. Some dealers offer additional services such as roadside assistance. Look for a dealer with qualified employees and who is conversant with modern vehicle technologies. They should have access to accurate and up-to-date service schedules from the manufacturers so that your car's servicing is always done using the latest information from the manufactures.

For more information, contact local shops like Bridgestone Select.