When it comes to car maintenance, activities could be divided into three categories: those we MUST do, those we SHOULD do, and those we COULD do. For example, MOT testing is something we must do by law, and having a car valeted regularly is something we could do. Servicing your car falls somewhere in the middle: you aren’t obliged to do it, but it is definitely something that you SHOULD do. Here is what you need to know about car servicing.
What is a service?
Before we get started, let’s define exactly what we mean by a service. Just as you go to the dentist regularly to get your teeth checked, or people of a certain age head to their doctors to have a health check up, a service is a check up for your car. Your mechanic won’t just look at the legal safety elements, as they do in an MOT test, they will look at the vehicle’s overall condition. As with many regular check ups, the extent of work needed will very much depend on how long it has been since your last service.
Why is it important to have your car serviced?
It is important that you get your car serviced regularly as it will help maintain the value of your vehicle, help keep you safe, and save you money in the long term as your mechanic will be able to identify most potential problems before they become too expensive (or dangerous).
Are there different types of service?
There are three main types of service, depending on when your last service was, and how much you use your vehicle.
- A full service should be undertaken about every 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first.
- An interim service when you hit either 6,000 miles or 6 months since the last one.
- A regular maintenance service will take place when your oil and filter need to be replaced (although your mechanic will often try to do this at a full or interim service).
Does your car need a service?
If you are super diligent, then a service every six months may be the way forward for you. A full service (either every 12 months or every 12,000 miles) is advisable as a minimum. If you struggle to remember to rebook your service, make a habit of booking it at the same time as your MOT. If you have regular services, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Your local garage may be good, but they are not psychic. If your vehicle is making strange noises, if it feels a bit sluggish, or is juddering, it is worth booking it in for a service ASAP to prevent the inconvenience of braking down.
If you suspect your vehicle could do with a service, check out our directory of rated garages to find one near you. For more detail about what happens in a service, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.