'Can I have just the oil changed on my car's PMS?' [Newbie Guide]

Cars are expected to be well-designed and well-built, especially those coming from reputable automakers. Those two traits are not too much to ask for when it comes to something you’ll be spending a considerable amount of money on.

Some car owners are content with just having the oil changed for their vehicle's PMS

Then again, no car is perfect (or stays subjectively so) without the due diligence of observing the periodic maintenance service or PMS that the manufacturer requires. This is to ensure that the car runs as smoothly as possible, for as long as possible.

Consumers can’t really be blamed if they want to look for the best deals when it comes to the vehicle’s upkeep, even if it means cutting certain corners. It’s a consequence of having to deal with rising prices for parts, consumables, and labor, especially in uncertain economic times.  

Your car is a complex mass of different functions

When the car is already due for the next PMS schedule, for example, a car owner might be tempted to just have the oil change done while leaving out the rest. But is this really a healthy practice?

Some might reason out that since the car is new, there aren’t too many things that need to be checked within the unit’s warranty period. The problem here is that the warranty, as an assurance of the car’s build quality and reliability, is dependent on the maintenance items indicated on the PMS checklist.

Neglecting all other maintenance requirements for just one item will prove harmful in the long run

The car’s periodic maintenance goes way beyond just changing the engine oil. It covers practically everything that has to do with the vehicle’s functions. There are checks on the suspension system and brakes, for instance. The electrical system will also be inspected to see if there are short circuits or malfunctioning switches that need to be spotted. Even the vehicle’s rustproofing also needs to be observed if it still holds up.

These things are equally important in the grand scheme of things, all in the name of ensuring that your car won’t give you any problems in the long run. Focusing on just one aspect of car maintenance and neglecting others, even if it’s on a brand-new unit, will not do you any favors. Worse, you might end up with even bigger expenses than the ones you’ve been trying to avoid in the first place.

Find more tips for beginner car owners at Philkotse.com.