The first notification you will receive that your Mercedes is due for its 10,000-mile oil change is a message on your dash. At that point, you may be wondering whether it's worthwhile to take the car into a Mercedes dealer for the “A Service” or if it would be more convenient to get the oil changed elsewhere.
After all, there are a number of businesses offering Mercedes car oil change services. If you have plenty of options, does it make sense to go to your Mercedes dealer? First, lets look at what Mercedes Service A means and what's done during this tune-up.
What is Mercedes-Benz A Service?
‘Service A' is recommended for your Mercedes vehicle at 10,000 miles or at 1 year. After your initial Mercedes A Service, you should continue to schedule a ‘service A' at every 20,000 mile-intervals thereafter.
What Does Mercedes A Service Include?
When you schedule your Service A appointment for your Mercedes, the technician will perform the following tasks on your car to ensure it is performing well:
- Change Your Oil and Filter
This is one of the most crucial parts of the Mercedes A Service. Chicago dealers and designated repair shops will remove the old engine oil and replace it with fresh oil. This is required at intervals because the moving parts of the car's engine rub together, creating friction and heat. The oil lubricates the moving parts, absorbing the heat the friction produces.Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective at doing this important job. It's important for the oil to be changed so it can continue to lubricate the engine parts effectively.
- Inspect the Warning and Indicator Lamps
The warning and indicator lamps in your vehicle can't alert you to a problem if they aren't functioning properly, so they must be inspected. During this part of the Service A Schedule, the technician will also check your horn to confirm it is functioning well.
- Inspect Windshield and Wiper Blades
The condition of your car's windshield and its wiper blades is an important consideration when you are looking at what it takes to drive safely in wet or snowy weather. The wiper blades should be changed when they no longer sit squarely on the windshield.At that point, their ability to keep water, snow and ice pellets off of its surface will be compromised. The technician will change the wiper blades, if necessary, and top off your windshield wiper fluid if you are running low.
- Make Sure All Seat Belts Are Functioning Properly
Seat belts are a basic safety feature, but they won't protect you and your family if they aren't working properly. Your 10,000-mile inspection includes ensuring all the seat belts are in good working order and inspecting them for damage.
- Check the Tires for Wear Patterns and Signs of Leaks
The air pressure in the tires needs be checked as well. Too much pressure can lead to premature wear in the center of the tire. Too little tire pressure in the tire may result in the edges of the tire wearing down more quickly than normal. Additionally, if the tires are underinflated, your vehicle will also see a reduction in gas mileage.The spare tire will be checked for wear patterns and signs of leaks as well. The air pressure will also be looked at to confirm the spare is inflated to the correct level so it's operational if needed.
- Look at the Brake Pads and the Rotors
Since the brakes on your car are being used every time you drive your Mercedes, it's important to keep them in good working order. The brake pads are equipped with sensors to warn you when they may need to be replaced.The rotors aren't equipped with a similar warning system to let you know they are becoming worn down. They will need to be inspected by a technician to determine whether they are in good shape or need to be replaced.
- Check the Fluid Levels in Your Car
Engine oil and windshield wiper fluid are just two types of fluid your car needs to operate at its best. The technician will also check other fluid levels in the car and correct the levels as needed. The transmission fluid, coolant, brake and power steering fluids will also be checked during this process.
- Reset the FSS Counter
The technician will also reset the Flexible Service System (FSS) counter located in the instrument console of your car.
The Difference Between an Oil Change and Getting Mercedes A Service
There is a pervasive myth that visiting a Mercedes dealer or going to a Mercedes-designated repair shop to look after your vehicle is the same thing is having your oil changed at a drive-up establishment. While the latter type of business caters to a particular segment of the market and offers a particular service that serves its customer base well, it can't rightly be put in the same category as the type of maintenance you can expect from Mercedes service.
Why Take Your Mercedes to a Mercedes Authorized Dealer for Service A Tune-up Appointments?
Your Mercedes isn't just another car, and for that reason, it deserves to have factory-trained technicians performing all service work on it. You chose to buy and drive this type of luxury car because you wanted to own a vehicle that carries the quality associated with the brand.
Over a number of years, the Mercedes name has become associated with both high-quality parts and materials in the manufacturing process and luxury for anyone fortunate enough to travel in one. The person who drives a Mercedes vehicle knows they are behind the wheel of something that was designed and manufactured with superior technology. Taking a vehicle like that to a neighborhood garage for service just doesn't seem to fit with the type of care the company has taken over its history to develop vehicles that drivers not only find visually appealing, but enjoy driving as well.