Most people dream of owning a Mercedes, but they are unaware of how expensive it can be to maintain one. Having that “Service A1 Due” message appear on your dashboard probably makes you wonder what exactly it entails and how much it will cost.
In this article, I will explain each task that is involved in the Mercedes A1 service and how to perform it. It’s worth doing it yourself in your garage if you know how much it costs and how long it takes.
How Does a Mercedes A1 Service Work?
A1 service is crucial to Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive maintenance program, just like other services. Keeping your new Mercedes running smoothly begins with the very first scheduled service.
With the A1 service, you can customize maintenance based on how much you drive and how much time you have. Your Mercedes will stay in pristine condition with the A1. It checks fluids, replaces parts, and inspects components, making it less robust than a B-service.
What is the best time to perform an A1 service?
During the life of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the A1 service is the first scheduled routine maintenance service. At every ten thousand miles of the vehicle’s life or when it reaches 12 months of its life, this service should be performed. There may be a difference in the timing of the FSS for two different vehicles as it is determined by the FSS.
It is not a problem if you are unable to recall the exact date of your A1 service.
As soon as it is time to perform the A1 service, your Mercedes will display notifications such as “The A1 service is due,” “The A1 service has been completed in X days,” “The A1 service has been completed in X days,” or simply “The A1 service has been completed.” You do not have to keep track of it yourself.
What is included in the A1 service?
There is an additional A1-specific service item included with the Mercedes A1 service in addition to the standard “A” service tasks. These services will be provided along with a description of why they are necessary.
Replace Brake Fluid
A1 service includes replacing the brake fluid, which is a key component. It is possible for brake fluid to degrade over time due to moisture and contaminants. There is a possibility that if you don’t change the brake fluid on a regular basis, your brakes may fail completely, resulting in poor braking and unpredictable pedal response.
The A1 service schedule for your Mercedes includes the replacement of fluids as part of the comprehensive maintenance checkup.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil
It is a given that full synthetic oil is changed as part of any “A” or “B” service. You can safely go 10,000 miles without compromising lubrication with premium synthetics, as they have a much longer breakdown resistance than conventional oils.
Even high quality oils lose some of their lubricating properties over time and are less able to maintain their life-extending qualities if you do not adhere to Mercedes’ specified oil change intervals. The oil requires periodic refreshing as part of routine maintenance even though synthetic oil is much more effective than conventional oil.
Replace Oil Filter
As part of the Mercedes A1 service, a new OEM oil filter will be installed in addition to the engine oil change. By trapping contaminants and debris in the oil, the oil filter plays a crucial role in maintaining the oil’s quality.
The oil circulates unhindered through the engine when the oil filter is fresh. Because of this, synthetic oils maintain their lubricating properties longer between changes, extending their lives.
Check Fluid Levels
As part of the A1 service, fluids such as transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and washer fluid are carefully inspected and topped off. The lubrication and cooling system under the hood is very critical to the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle, so the proper fluid levels must be maintained to ensure the system runs efficiently and safely.
Check Tire Pressure
All of your tires, including your spare, are checked and inflated according to Mercedes’ recommended pressures as part of the A1 service. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to tire failure, fuel economy loss, poor handling, and reduced handling and traction. Proper tire pressure will prevent these problems.
Drivers should still take the time to inspect tires manually with an accurate tire gauge in addition to monitoring tire pressure with a tire pressure monitor system. Check all your tire pressures monthly if you can, in addition to the yearly service.
Check Brake Components
A Mercedes technician will inspect your brakes thoroughly during this service. In order to ensure that your vehicle’s high performance brake system is functioning properly, your mechanic will carefully examine the brake pads, rotors, and calipers.
This brake check is intended to determine if there are any abnormal wear patterns, potential problems, or any other issue that could potentially affect brake performance during this check.
Service cost for Mercedes A1
Suppose you would like to know how much a Mercedes A1 service costs. There are several places that you can get it, and the price may vary. Additionally, you can consult a friend or family member for a mechanic referral in addition to going to the official Mercedes dealer.
On average, A1 services at Mercedes dealerships cost $300-$600. Depending on where you live and which Mercedes you have, you’ll pay different amounts. In order to find the best price, it is recommended that you obtain quotes from several shops.
There is typically a cheaper rate for independent mechanics than for dealers. Choose a Mercedes mechanic who specializes in German or Mercedes cars and is knowledgeable about Mercedes maintenance. It is possible to save money by taking your car to a local shop, but it can void a warranty that requires you to take it to a dealer.
What is the average time for an A1 service?
Mercedes dealerships or independent shops usually offer an A1 service within one hour of an appointment. It depends on several factors, however, how long the process actually takes:
- Location – Independent shops may charge lower rates because of low service volumes, while dealers may be faster.
- Season – A longer wait time can be expected in spring and fall due to the high demand.
- Additional repairs needed – Time is added with every extra task. In this case, additional work is very unlikely since you have only around 10k miles.
- Shop efficiency – It is easier to complete jobs more quickly in shops with a large staff.
In spite of the fact that the A1 service itself only takes about an hour of labor, delays at the shop, busy seasons, and possible additional repairs can all add another hour or two to the process. Your luck with no additional requirements, the time of year, and staffing levels all impact how long you will spend at the service center.
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Mercedes A1 Service Notification Reset
Does your dashboard still display a message that says “A1 Service Exceeded by XX Days”? The shop may have forgotten to reset it or you may have DIY’d the repair.
- Securely park, turn off the engine, and put the car in Neutral (automatic).
- Locate the left arrow button by the steering wheel with the ignition on but the engine off. The A1 notice will appear after you tap it.
- The phone button should be pressed and held for approximately five seconds while you hit OK.
- Upon clicking on the Reset button, the A1 message should be gone and everything should be back to normal.
Unless that works, you will most likely have to use a scanning tool to find out what is wrong. As a result, the old A1 notice is deleted from the system for most vehicles after this little routine is run.
