As we approach the end of the year, most people are busy making resolutions for their bodies and lives; to drink or eat less, exercise more, and generally look after themselves better. This year, the same should go for your vehicle. Similar to looking after your body, regularly servicing your vehicle will make it run better and last longer.
Types of service
There are different types of service depending on the number of miles that your car has travelled since the last one. Most people will know about the full service, which should happen every 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first. However, if the oil and filter need to be replaced in the interim, you may require a regular maintenance service. For those committed to vehicle maintenance, interim services happen every 6 months or 6,000 and will help your garage to pick up any potential problems before they become big issues. Finally, some vehicles have a manufacturer service, which is determined by manufacturer guidelines.
Why is servicing your vehicle important?
You are not legally obliged to service your car, however, servicing can help to keep you and road users safe and will probably save you money in the longer term. When your car is serviced, your mechanic will check:
- Electronics – most modern cars are dependent on electronic systems. Some are vital for safety, some are non-essential luxuries. Your garage will check the essential elements to ensure full functionality of your car.
- Tyres – they will look at your tyre pressure and general condition. If the tread is too low, they may recommend new tyres; if they have worn irregularly, changing the tyres around could be enough.
- Fluids – oil and filter, brake fluids, screen wash, coolant, anti-freeze and power steering fluids all play an important role – during your service these will be checked and topped up as needed.
- Spark plugs – in general, it is recommended that spark plugs are changed every 30,000 miles but it is still important that yours are checked at every service as different factors can mean that they need to be changed earlier.
- Air filters – if you have air conditioning, you can ask your garage to re-gas your A/C unit at the same time.
- Brakes – as well as brake fluids, every part of the brakes are checked. Your mechanic will make a note of the condition of brake pads and let you know if they will need changing in the near future.
How do you know if your car needs a service?
In general, it is a good idea to book your car in for a service at least once a year; if you can time it with your MOT test then your life will be a little easier. However, if you notice your car juddering, strange noises or banging, it is a good idea to book your vehicle in sooner rather than later.
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