How Often Does My Car Need A Service?

A car service done regularly can help keep your car running smoothly while identifying any potential problems early on. This greatly reduces the risk of breaking down and avoid more serious and expensive problems in the future. Even though many vehicle owners still take their cars to dealerships, European legislation states that you can have a car service at an independent garage without invalidating your warranty.

It is important to note that all service garages must keep to the manufacturer’s schedule and only use equal quality car parts. This is something Elite Garages offer as we service all vehicle makes and models using genuine manufacturer-approved parts and we can stamp your service book in the process. It’s important to always keep your car service schedule up to date as proof of regular maintenance when selling the vehicle or for warranty purposes.

When Do I Need A Car Service?

Routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s specifications is essential for prolonging your engine life. At Elite Garages, we specialise in servicing vehicles exactly as they should be and giving you peace of mind in terms of any warranty claims.

Not all cars will have the exact same service intervals but most manufacturers recommend a car service should take place every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. While some cars feature a self-diagnostic system that indicates when a car service is due, many drivers choose to ignore it. We strongly recommend that drivers should never ignore any dashboard warning lights even if they occur before the scheduled car service.

If you are unsure which car service you need, we’ve broken them down in a simple list below:

• Regular maintenance includes replacing the oil and oil filter
• Interim Car Service can occur every 6 months or 6,000 miles (whichever comes first)
• Full Car Service is every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
• Manufacturer Service is according to the manufacturer service schedule. You can check your vehicle owner’s manual for more information

Car Service And MOT

It may come as a surprise but there are still many people who think that a service is just an MOT which is the furthest from the truth. Fact is, they both perform very different functions and vehicle owners essentially need both.

An MOT is only a technical vehicle safety inspection where examiners are not allowed to make any changes or repairs. A car service, on the other hand, checks vehicle wear and tear and replaces parts and fluids where necessary. Remember, the primary goal of an MOT is to check vehicle safety and roadworthiness with a big focus on brakes and emissions. An MOT is necessary once a vehicle is three years old and then annually thereafter.

So what happens if you don’t get your vehicle serviced on time? Is there really a benefit to getting your vehicle serviced regularly and what service should you get done?

What Happens If I Don’t Perform A Regular Car Service?

The truth is, there are many issues that could occur if you don’t get your vehicle serviced regularly. The most common include reduced fuel economy, poor driving performance and major mechanical issues.

Even though most engine oils today contain cleaning agents to help keep the inside of the engine in good condition, the oil still deteriorates slowly the longer it is used. Failing to change the oil will cause the parts within the engine to block up with carbon deposits which increases wear on the internal components.

Brake fluid is another essential part of a car service that needs to be checked and replaced regularly. If you don’t, it will absorb moisture from the air and lead to poor braking performance putting you, your family and other road users in serious danger. Most manufacturers recommend that you should flush the braking system every 2 years regardless of how much or how little you drive.

Benefits Of A Car Service

Regular maintenance is what a car service is all about as it checks the core components of a vehicle to ensure everything is running smoothly. It also determines whether your car needs any replacement parts or fluids including brakes, power steering, oil and coolant.

Car parts deteriorate over time which means regular servicing plays an even bigger role with high mileage vehicles. Services can help identify problems before they happen and give you time to think about how to best approach and finance the situation.

While the second-hand car market might still be booming, it is competitive as well and your car needs to stand out. Besides keeping your car’s exterior and interior immaculate, the true value lies in a full-service history or at least evidence of regular car servicing. This will often attract more buyers and a higher selling price at the same time.

Another important benefit of regular servicing is the potential to save big on cost. Fresh oil and regularly changing air filters enable the engine to run smoothly and more fuel efficient. Not only that but it can also help avoid an expensive repair bill on something that a car service could easily have resolved.

Where Should I Go For A Car Service?

While some owners prefer using the dealership where they bought their car, you are not obligated to do so. Just make sure that the service meets the manufacturer’s recommendations and check that they only use manufacturer approved parts.

It is often worth looking around for the best deal as many franchised dealerships offer competitive service packages. Of course, cost is always a big driving factor but it’s also important that you find a garage you can trust. All of our Elite Garages provide dealership quality services with greater value and no hidden costs. Our service packages are tailor-made for you and include all the necessary checks to get you back on the road safely.

We always offer our customers exceptional value wherever we can with no hidden costs or small print. Our staff are reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy, always looking out for you and keeping you informed. If your service is due, get in touch with Elite Garages and for all our loyal customers, here is a discount voucher for £50 off a premium service and MOT when booked together.