I’ve spent over ten years working as an automotive technician, and one of the most misunderstood appointments I see is the kleine beurt auto. Many drivers think of a minor service as optional or something to postpone until a warning light appears. From my experience in the workshop, it’s often the exact opposite. A small service done at the right time prevents the kind of wear that quietly turns into expensive repairs later.

Early in my career, I worked on a car owned by a delivery driver who skipped minor services because the vehicle was “running fine.” When it finally came in, the oil was old, filters were clogged, and small leaks had started to form. None of those issues were dramatic on their own, but together they explained why the engine sounded rougher than it should. After the service, the driver was surprised by how much smoother the car felt. He hadn’t realized how much performance he’d been giving up gradually.

One thing only hands-on experience teaches you is how drivers adapt without noticing. I’ve had customers complain that their car feels sluggish or noisy, assuming it’s just age. During a minor service, we replace worn filters, refresh fluids, and check basic components. Afterward, they often say the car feels “lighter” or more responsive. Nothing major changed mechanically. The car simply returned closer to how it was meant to operate.

Oil condition is a big part of this. I’ve seen engines suffer unnecessary wear because oil changes were delayed just a little too often. A customer last spring came in worried about engine noise that had appeared suddenly. In reality, the oil had been overdue for some time. Fresh oil didn’t erase all the wear, but it noticeably reduced the noise. That situation reinforced what I already knew: small delays compound quietly.

Minor services also catch issues drivers rarely check themselves. I’ve found loose hoses, early battery weakness, and uneven tire wear during routine inspections. One driver was convinced his battery was fine because the car started every morning. During the service, testing showed it was close to failure. A few weeks later, after replacement, he avoided being stranded on a cold morning. That kind of prevention rarely feels dramatic, but it matters.

Another common mistake I see is assuming that if no warning lights are on, everything must be fine. Modern cars don’t always alert you early. Sensors are designed to flag failures, not gradual decline. Minor services fill that gap by relying on physical checks and experience rather than dashboard signals.

I also advise against skipping minor services because a major service is scheduled later. I’ve seen cars arrive for a major service with multiple small problems that could have been handled earlier at lower cost. Minor services spread maintenance out, both financially and mechanically, which is healthier for the car in the long run.

That doesn’t mean every minor service needs to be identical. I’ve advised against unnecessary replacements when parts were still in good condition. Good servicing is about judgment, not blindly following a checklist. Experience helps you know when something truly needs attention and when it doesn’t.

After years of working under cars and talking with drivers afterward, my view is consistent. A minor car service isn’t about ticking boxes or spending money for peace of mind alone. It’s about staying ahead of wear you can’t feel yet. When done regularly and thoughtfully, it keeps cars predictable, smoother to drive, and far less likely to surprise their owners at the wrong moment.