Maintaining any vehicle is essential for its reliability, efficiency, safety, longevity, and low emissions. The provided booklet is a guide to help owners with the upkeep and maintenance of their car.
It contains information on what to do and what not to do to extend the life of your vehicle. The maintenance logbook, which is provided by the vehicle manufacturer,covers all necessary repairs and the regularity of each procedure. The warranty is valid only if these periodic checks are carried out correctly.
Article L.311-1 of the French Highway Code states: “The owner or possessor of a motor vehicle is required to keep it roadworthy and must perform maintenance. They are responsible for any damage caused by a lack of maintenance of their vehicle.” It is therefore important to regularly check your vehicle and repair any defects as soon as they are discovered.
- This vehicle maintenance booklet contains the following information:
- How to check your car’s oil level
- How to check your car’s tire pressure
- How to check your car’s coolant level
- How to check your car’s brake pads
- How to check your car’s windshield wipers
- How to clean your car’s headlights
- How to clean your car’s interior
- How to clean your car’s exterior
- How to start your car
- What to do if you have a flat tire
- What to do if your car runs out of gas
- What to do if your car won’t start
- What to do if your car overheats
- What to do if your car breaks down
- How to use jumper cables
- The dangers of carbon monoxide
- Driving in winter
- Driving in summer
- Taking care of your car battery
- When to have your car serviced
etc…
Service Frequency: Age and Mileage
Your car’s maintenance schedule depends on its age and mileage. For example, the first service on a new car is usually due after 3 years or 30,000 km, whichever comes first. After that, it should be serviced every 2 years or every 20,000 km.
Note that if you mainly use your car for short trips of less than 10 km, you should have it serviced more frequently than if you use it for long trips of more than 20 km.
| Maintenance Log and Manufacturer’s Warranty | The following table indicates the recommended maintenance intervals for different types of cars: | Mileage | 7,500 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 and over | Fluids | Oil Change (Gasoline) | — | R | R | — |
| — | — | — Oil Change (Diesel) | — | — | R | R | R | |
| — | — | Brake Fluid | — | — | — | — | — | |
| R: 2 years | — Coolant | — | — | — | — | — | R: 2-3 years | |
| — Windshield Washer Fluid | S | — | — | — | — | — | — Hydraulic System Suspension | |
| — | — | — | — | — | R | — Gearbox | — | |
| — | — | — | — | S | — Power steering pump | — | — | |
| — | S | — | — | — Filtration | Oil filter (gasoline) | — | — | |
| R | R | R | — | — Oil filter (diesel) | — | — | R | R |
| R | — | — Fuel filter | — | — | — | — | — | |
| R | R Diesel fuel filter | — | — | — | — | — | R | |
| R Air filter | — | — | — | — | — | R | R | |
| Braking | Brake pads Front/Rear | — | — | — | R | — | — | |
| — | Brake Disc | — | — | — | — | — | — | R |
| Drum Brake | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| R | Electrical Components | Lights and Lighting | S | — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | Spark Plugs (Gasoline) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| R | Glow Plugs (Diesel) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| R | Starter | — | — | — | — | S | — | |
| — | Wiring Harness Ignition | — | — | — | — | — | S | |
| — Alternator | — | — | — | — | S | — | — Battery (every 3-4 years) | |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Suspension | |
| Tires | — | — | — | R | R | R | — Rear wheel bearings | |
| — | — | — | — | — | S | — Steering and suspension ball joints | — | — |
| — | — | — | S | — Other | Windshield wipers | — | R: 1 year | |
| — | — | — | — | — | Exhaust | — | S | |
| — | — | — | — | — Timing belt (Gasoline) | — | — | — | — |
| — | — R: 5/10 years | Timing belt (Diesel) | — | — | — | — | — | |
| — R: 6 years | Accessory belt | — | — | — | — | — R: 5/10 years | — Drive shafts | |
| — | — | — | — | S | — | — To be monitored = S | To be replaced = R (part or oil change) | |
| Manufacturer’s warranty and maintenance performed outside the authorized network | In 2002, a law was passed that changed the status of manufacturer warranties. Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1400/2002 of 31 July 2002 prohibits a manufacturer from using repairs performed within the authorized network to void its warranty. | Since the Hamon Law of 2014, every manufacturer is legally required to inform its customers that their manufacturer’s warranty is not linked to services performed at the manufacturer’s premises. This information must be clearly and legibly stated in the service booklet. | The following are therefore not considered grounds for voiding the manufacturer’s warranty: | The use of parts and fluids other than those recommended by the manufacturer. | The use of an independent workshop. | Failure to adhere to the maintenance schedule. | ||
| However, using non-approved parts or fluids can void your warranty in the event of a breakdown. | It is therefore important to keep all invoices and receipts for work carried out on your car, as well as records of the fluids and parts used, and even car maintenance quotes. | Your Car’s History | To ensure safety and warranty coverage, dealerships are now required to provide a complete vehicle history report when selling a used car. | This history must include all information on vehicle inspections, maintenance, repairs, and accidents. |
It must also indicate whether the car has been used as a rental vehicle or for commercial purposes.
You can also request a vehicle history report from an independent organization such as HistoVec.
Is a car service booklet mandatory?
- No, there is no law that mandates a car service booklet. However, it’s always a good idea to have one.
- Is it possible to print a vehicle service booklet online?
Yes, you can print a car service booklet online. You can also find many websites that offer advice on how to maintain your car.
How do I find a car service booklet? The best way to find a car service booklet is to search on the manufacturer’s website. You can also ask the car dealership, or look in the glove compartment or under the seats for documents. If you are buying a used car, it is important to check the service history to ensure it has been properly maintained.Is a service booklet mandatory when buying a used vehicle?
No, there is no law that mandates a car service booklet. Interviews to schedule before going on vacation?
Before going on vacation, it’s important to schedule any interviews you might need to conduct while you’re away. This will help ensure your vacation is as productive as possible and that you don’t miss any important opportunities.
