Understanding the “Car Needs a Service” Status
That sinking feeling. You’re fully geared, backpack bulging with loot, adrenaline pumping as the clock ticks down on your raid. The extraction point is in sight, freedom almost within your grasp. You sprint to the vehicle extract, ready to secure your hard-earned gains… only to find the vehicle is unusable. The ominous message flashes: “Car Needs a Service.” Your heart sinks. In Escape From Tarkov, knowing how to get your car needs a service resolved is crucial for survival and success. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
The “Car Needs a Service” status in Escape From Tarkov signifies that the vehicle extraction point is unavailable. It can be a frustrating setback, especially after a successful raid. Understanding the reasons behind this status and how to rectify it is paramount if you want to escape with your loot and gear. A functioning vehicle extract often means the difference between a successful raid and a devastating loss. It prevents the potential risk of ambush as you walk towards a non-vehicle extraction.
So, what does it mean when your car needs a service? This is a crucial mechanic, one that players should be well aware of. The status arises for two primary reasons: The vehicle is out of fuel, or the vehicle has suffered damage. Let’s break down each of these:
Firstly, the fuel. Your car, like any machine, runs on fuel. If the fuel tank is empty, or nearly so, the vehicle cannot be used. You will be unable to start the engine, and you’ll be stuck. This can be caused by previous use of the vehicle, but this is often due to it not being repaired at all.
Secondly, vehicle damage. Just as you can take damage in Tarkov, so can the vehicles used for extraction. They can take damage, particularly during raid extractions from the vehicle, and this damage can render them inoperable. Just like your own health, the vehicle needs repair to resume operation. If you’ve suffered damage, the game will tell you that your car needs a service.
Vehicles are located throughout the many different maps of Tarkov, and can be a vital part of extracting from raids and saving all of your gear. Knowing how to find the vehicle is an important aspect of successfully extracting.
The vehicle in Customs is located near the Dorms. This is a popular extraction point, so be aware of the dangers nearby.
On Interchange, the vehicle is on the outer perimeter.
On Shoreline, the vehicle is located near the pier.
Finally, on Woods, the vehicle is located near the outskirts of the area.
The impact of a vehicle’s condition can be massive. Vehicle extracts offer faster and more secure escapes than traditional extraction points. A damaged vehicle means a slower, more vulnerable extraction. You’re left open to more risk from PMCs who might choose to camp the extraction point. Additionally, the vehicle can be the main reason to extract from a raid, and without a vehicle, you might be forced to leave all of your loot behind.
Fueling Your Vehicle
Now that we understand what the status means and why it’s important, let’s explore how to fix it. The first step is fueling the car. Here’s how to approach that:
Where to acquire fuel for the vehicle is a critical step in successfully extracting from the raid. There are multiple ways to accomplish this. You can buy fuel tanks from traders. Fuel tanks come in various sizes, each containing different amounts of fuel to be utilized. When purchasing, ensure you buy the correct fuel tank to prevent any waste.
Another way to obtain fuel is by finding them during raids. Fuel tanks can often be looted from various locations on the map. Search for these items, as they can be a valuable asset during a raid. Some scav bosses have been known to drop fuel tanks, but this can be more hit or miss. This is important to bear in mind for a future raid.
Fuel tanks can be bought, scavenged, or obtained from other players. The ability to acquire fuel efficiently will often mean the difference between life and death.
The most common method of fueling vehicles is Jerrycans. Jerrycans are small containers containing fuel. They can be found in multiple locations on different maps. You can loot them from various places and transfer the fuel to the vehicle. You can find Jerrycans in the following locations:
- FEMA Trailers in Customs
- Gas Stations
- Factory and Warehouse Locations
The vehicle will typically have an option to interact with the extract, which will reveal its inventory. From here, you can add the fuel tank to the vehicle.
Fuel types vary in Escape From Tarkov, and each has its own advantages. Some fuels offer a higher capacity than others, so you may need to choose wisely. Experiment with various fuels to find the best match for your play style.
Repairing Your Vehicle
The second component of getting your car ready for service is repair. The repair mechanic allows you to recover your vehicle and make it suitable for extraction. This system allows you to maintain a safe extraction during raids. To know how to get your car needs a service fixed, you must familiarize yourself with this process.
The most important part of repairing your vehicle is to have the correct materials. You can obtain materials by trading with the mechanics and other traders. The mechanic is the primary trader you would want to visit to acquire your repair materials. The more expensive the parts, the more effective it will be at getting your car back to good working condition.
You can also find these materials while looting. Finding the materials is usually best, as it saves money. These materials can often be found in various locations around the map. The best place to look is in garages and maintenance areas. If you are lucky enough to find these materials during raids, make sure that you don’t miss them.
Now that you have all the materials, it’s time to repair. You can approach the extraction and interact with it. A menu will pop up, which will give you the option to repair it. Select the repair option, and use the needed materials. Once you hit the button, the car is ready to extract!
The process of how to get your car needs a service is simple if you have the correct materials and follow these steps.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Vehicle Maintenance as a Habit
To be a successful Tarkov player, you must know how to keep your vehicles in peak condition. Regularly checking and maintaining your vehicles is essential. Do it after raids, before you head out on your next raid, and make sure you always have enough supplies.
Fuel and Repair Strategies
Fuel and repair strategies can drastically improve your chance of survival. Here are some tips:
- Buy Fuel in Bulk: Purchasing fuel tanks from traders in bulk can be a good way to go. You can save money by stocking up, so you don’t need to make as many runs to get fuel.
- Keep Repair Materials: Keep an ample supply of repair materials on hand. This will allow you to repair your vehicle quickly, without having to go through the hassle of gathering supplies.
Importance of the Vehicle’s Condition
Understanding how the vehicle’s condition directly impacts your extraction is a critical skill. The vehicle’s health determines how long it takes to extract. This can have major gameplay implications. The vehicle extract provides an escape, but at a greater risk. Be aware of your surroundings, and prepare for the fight.
Prioritizing Vehicle Maintenance
Prioritizing vehicle maintenance should be a key element of your raid planning. Taking these measures to get your car ready for service will allow you to have many successful raids.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get your car needs a service resolved is a cornerstone of playing Escape From Tarkov effectively. Now you’re ready to tackle Tarkov’s harsh landscapes, secure those valuable items, and escape with the bounty you’ve earned. Take your time when planning, stock up on the appropriate materials, and make sure your car is ready to take you home.
Stay fueled, stay repaired, and good luck out there, PMC!
