The difference between car repair and car maintenance

What’s the Difference Between Car Maintenance and Car Repair?

It may seem like they’re one and the same, but like apples and oranges, it’s not. It's one thing to go in for a repair and another to have regular service intervals. Simply put, knowing how your car repair differs from car maintenance could help you save time and money in the future.

The difference between the two is really a matter of timing, scope, and circumstance.  

Car Repair and Maintenance Explained

Car maintenance usually goes beyond basic scheduled services set out and performed by an approved OEM repair facility. This may include replacing, maintaining, and repairing wear-and-tear components of your vehicle when needed. 

Whereas, repairing your car may involve replacing or fixing a part of your vehicle that needs attention the moment a problem occurs. However, depending on the nature of repair, it may not always be covered by maintenance.

Know the Difference

The key differences, as well as a few examples, will help you get a better idea of what it means to book your car in for maintenance or bring it in for repair. 

Car Repair

• Any issue or warning that comes up, you’re not going to leave it until you’ve reached your next appointment. You’ll probably bring it in for repair right away, whether sudden electrical or mechanical breakdowns.  
• Car repairs can be quite costly and unexpected, as you might not know about a problem until it is too late. 

Examples of common and obvious signs that indicate the need for repair (and may not be covered by maintenance) include accidental damage, tyre replacements, glass and bodywork repairs, environmental damage, excessive wear-and-tear, etc. 

Car Maintenance

• You don’t need to have any issues just to get a service, it’s an ongoing support system. Car maintenance will be scheduled around intervals that are based on the last service or mileage covered – whichever comes first.  
• The objective is to cover more comprehensive maintenance needs of the vehicle, making sure that it stays in working condition, and reducing the likelihood of unplanned repair costs. 
• There are limitations when it comes to servicing parts or addressing issues, which may fall under another policy or plan.

Be Prepared

If you don’t have a Maintenance Plan in place and you find yourself in a situation where you think you need repairs, be sure to find a good mechanic that you can trust.