When your vehicle needs a service

First rule: whichever comes first

Manufacturers set the service interval two ways — by distance driven and by time. Whichever comes first applies. A vehicle that covers few kilometres is therefore not exempt: oil ages even while the car stands still.

The interval that applies to your vehicle is given in the service book or the owner's manual. Because it differs between makes and engines, we deliberately quote no figures on this page — we will tell you yours when you come in.

Warning lights: red and amber are not the same

A red light means something is wrong now. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as you can and do not drive on until you know what it is — carrying on can turn a small fault into a large one.

An amber or orange light means something needs checking, but not necessarily an immediate stop. You can usually drive on, but a workshop visit should not wait weeks.

What each symbol means on your vehicle is explained in the owner's manual. If you are unsure, call us on 041 341 102 — it is often possible to establish over the phone whether it is urgent.

Signs that make an inspection worthwhile

• The brakes sound different, the stopping distance is longer, or the pedal feels softer than before.
• The vehicle pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-centre when driving straight, or it vibrates at a particular speed.
• The tyres wear unevenly — more on the inner or outer edge than in the middle.
• A stain appears under the parked vehicle that was not there before.
• The engine is harder to start than usual, or runs unevenly when it does.
• The air conditioning cools less well than last season, or there is an unpleasant smell from the vents.

These are general signs, not a diagnosis. What your vehicle actually needs we can only say after inspecting it.

What you can check yourself

• The engine oil level, on the dipstick or via the dashboard display, with a cold engine and on level ground.
• Tyre pressures, including the spare wheel where the vehicle has one.
• Tyre tread depth and any damage to the sidewalls.
• That all the lights work — you cannot see the rear brake lights yourself, so ask someone to help.
• The screenwash level and the condition of the wiper blades.

What a scheduled service covers with us

We carry out scheduled servicing, oil and filter changes and other maintenance work for vehicles of all makes. As we are also a tyre workshop, we can change tyres or align the wheels during the same visit, and inspect and recharge the air conditioning.

For servicing it is best to arrange a time by phone — that way we can take the vehicle in as soon as you arrive. The workshop is open Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 16:00.

Car service and vehicle repairs in Kočevje
Air conditioning servicing and recharging
All driver tips