When it comes to car maintenance, it can be tempting to take shortcuts. The MOT is, of course, a legal requirement, without which your insurance will be invalid. However, whether you get your vehicle serviced regularly is up to you. Before you fall into the trap of putting off your service for this month, and next, and the one after that... We look at WHY it is important to get your vehicle serviced, WHEN you should do it and WHAT a service entails.
WHEN should you get your vehicle serviced?
This can vary but, as a general rule, you should service your vehicle either every year, or every 12,000 miles, whichever is soonest. If you drive an older vehicle and you do high mileage, it might be wise to go for a service every 6,000 miles. If you are unsure when your vehicle was last serviced, check your logbook; if you have a newer car, you might have a warning light which alerts you when a service is due.
WHY should you get your vehicle serviced?
Safety – Your safety, and that of your passengers and fellow road users, is the most important reason to take good care of your vehicle. Regular servicing can avoid breakdown and help you to avoid engine failure at a dangerous and inconvenient time.
Value – you might not fancy the thought of paying for a service and any associated work, but it will save you money in the long run. When your vehicle is serviced, your mechanic will pick up any minor issues, and fix them before they become major problems. Not only that, but a regular service history helps you to maintain the vehicle price if and when you come to resell it.
Energy efficiency – a vehicle service includes a range of general maintenance checks and changes which will help to make your vehicle run better and be more fuel efficient. As a result, you will save money and reduce your emissions, too. And, of course, a healthy vehicle will last for longer.
Are you uncertain as to whether your vehicle needs to be serviced? Drop into your local garage; they will be able to tell you if a service is due. And, if in doubt, you are better safe than sorry; start afresh and book your service now (and don’t forget to write in your diary or set a phone reminder so that you know when your next service is due.).
For a full checklist of what your service will cover, keep an eye out for next week’s blog: follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.