Know the Types of Car Services Along with Their Functions and Costs

Owning a car is not just about driving comfort, but also the responsibility of maintenance. Often, new vehicle owners only realize the importance of service when the car starts showing unhealthy symptoms, such as rough engine sounds, heavy acceleration, or suddenly wasteful fuel consumption. In fact, in the automotive world, the principle of "prevention is cheaper than cure" applies absolutely.

Car service has various categories with specific functions. Understanding the difference between periodic service, tune-up, to overhaul will help you allocate your budget correctly and maintain the vehicle's resale value. Here is a thorough breakdown of the types of car services you must know.

1. Periodic Maintenance

This is the most basic type of service and must be done according to the schedule set by the manufacturer (usually based on kilometers or months, whichever is achieved first).

• 1,000 KM Service (Initial Inspection):
  Usually free for new cars. The goal is not to change the oil, but to clean iron shavings resulting from new engine component friction and ensure all bolts and systems are installed perfectly (retorque).
• 5,000 KM Service (Minor Service):
  Focuses on changing engine oil and checking fast-moving components like air filters and brake pads. In this phase, the condition of other fluids (radiator water, wiper fluid, brake fluid) is also checked for levels.
• 10,000 KM, 20,000 KM, etc. Service (Routine Interval):
  This is the standard cycle. Besides changing oil, it usually includes tire rotation, checking the electrical system, and cleaning filters.
• Major Service (Multiples of 40,000 KM & 80,000 KM):
  This is the "big meal" menu for the car. The work is more extensive covering the replacement of transmission oil (automatic/manual), differential oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake fluid, to radiator water (coolant). The goal is to restore the car's performance to like new.

2. Tune Up (Performance Restoration)

Many people equate periodic service with a tune-up, even though the two are different. Periodic service is preventive, while a tune-up is curative (restoring performance) which focuses on the engine sector.

The main function of a tune-up is to ensure the combustion process in the engine chamber runs perfectly. The work includes:

• Cleaning the throttle body and air filter.
• Cleaning fuel injectors (injector cleaning).
• Cleaning the combustion chamber from carbon deposits (carbon clean).
• Checking or replacing spark plugs if the spark is weak.
• Valve gap adjustment (on certain car models).

Perform a tune-up if you feel the car's acceleration starting to "stutter" (brebet), the engine knocking, or acceleration feels slow.

3. Wheel Alignment and Balancing (Undercarriage)

Driving comfort depends heavily on the undercarriage/suspension sector. This service ensures the tires tread perfectly and the steering wheel is straight.

• Spooring (Wheel Alignment): Realigning the wheel angles (camber, caster, toe) according to factory specifications. The goal is so the steering wheel does not pull to the left/right by itself and tires do not wear unevenly.
• Balancing: Balancing the wheel rotation by adding small weights to the rims. The goal is to eliminate vibrations on the steering wheel when the car travels at high speeds (usually above 80 km/h).

4. Overhaul (Engine Teardown)

This is the "nightmare" avoided by all car owners due to the large cost and time involved. An overhaul is the process of disassembling the engine partially (top overhaul) or entirely (general overhaul) to inspect and replace severely damaged internal components.

This service is performed if fatal damage occurs, such as:

• Worn pistons or broken piston rings (leaking compression).
• Bent connecting rods (usually due to water hammer during floods).
• The car emits thick white smoke continuously.
• The engine dies completely due to severe overheat.

Estimated Service Costs (General Range 2026)

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of car (LCGC, MPV, or Premium SUV), type of workshop (Authorized vs General), and location. Here is a rough estimate for your overview:

1. Light Service (Oil Change + Filter):
   • General Workshop: Rp 600,000 – Rp 900,000
   • Authorized Workshop: Rp 1,000,000 – Rp 1,500,000
2. Major Service (Multiples of 40,000 KM):
   • Range: Rp 2,500,000 – Rp 4,500,000 (including automatic transmission flush & brake fluid).
3. Tune Up + Carbon Clean:
   • Range: Rp 350,000 – Rp 750,000.
4. Spooring & Balancing:
   • Range: Rp 250,000 – Rp 450,000 per 4 wheels.

Worry-Free Solution: Chery After-Sales Service

Looking at the details above, maintenance costs are indeed not small. However, for modern vehicle owners, the mental burden regarding these service costs can be significantly minimized through strong after-sales programs from manufacturers.

A real example of this commitment can be seen in the Chery Tiggo Cross. Not only offering efficient hybrid technology, Chery provides peace of mind for its owners through an engine warranty of up to 10 years or 1,000,000 KM and free periodic service labor costs.

With programs like this, you only need to focus on enjoying the drive with your family, without worrying about unexpected spikes in routine maintenance costs. A smart investment for long-term mobility.

Learn more about the specifications and after-sales services of this vehicle on the official page: Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid.

Disclaimer: The cost estimates above are general ranges in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area in 2026 and are subject to change at any time depending on workshop policies and spare part prices.