Why Are Annual Car Services Important?
It might seem like a money pit to own a vehicle, especially when you consider the basics like tax, insurance, and MOTs. That’s why many motorists find it tempting to overlook things that aren’t required by law, such as annual car services.
The problem is, neglecting regular vehicle maintenance could end up costing you a lot more and it’s also potentially dangerous. To some, annual car services may be a cost they don’t want to pay but there are many reasons why it’s important to make sure you do.
Why Do I Need An Annual Car Service?
The smart choice is to have your car serviced on a regular basis as it gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is in working order. Annual car services will not only extend its life but also help to retain its resale value. As part of an annual car service, technicians inspect all of your car’s vital mechanical and electrical components to check whether they are functioning as they should.
On top of this, vehicle service technicians will also perform thorough health checks where they look at the condition of your brakes, suspension, tyre tread and many other critical components that ensure your car is safe to operate. Identifying problems during a car service can help highlight any potential issues quickly. This will allow the garage to repair any minor problems before they become potentially dangerous and expensive.
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What Is Included In A Car Service?
Annual car services vary depending on the age of the vehicle but it typically includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. Some services may also include replacing the spark plugs in petrol cars, antifreeze engine coolant, brake fluid or power-steering fluid. If you would like more information about this, please contact your nearest Elite Garages service centre.
During a car service, if technicians identify any additional issues that require further rectification, we will always contact you first before doing any work. Our technicians never carry out unnecessary work and we will keep all the old parts for your inspection. At Elite Garages, our car service packages are tailor-made and include all the necessary checks you’d expect from a dealership. The Standard Service prices start from £103 while our Premium Service prices are from £180.
How Often Should I Service My Car?
This is one of the most common questions about annual car services our customers ask and the answer is quite simple. Car service intervals mostly depend on the type of car and the service schedule from the manufacturer. When buying a new car, there are fixed-schedule servicing and variable servicing (long-life service plan).
Fixed-schedule servicing requires you to service your car when you reach a set mileage or time limit, whichever comes first. The common interval is 12,000 miles or 12 months, but it can also be 6,000 miles or 6 months depending on how you drive. We recommend that you check your car’s service book to verify.
Variable servicing depends on sensors fitted around the car and the onboard computer that will notify you when something needs attention. Once again, depending on your driving habits, this service interval can exceed 12,000 miles and suits drivers with high annual mileages who often undertake longer journeys.
Does A Full-Service History Really Help Retain Resale Value?
In addition to buying property, a car is a big expense most of us will have at some point in our lives. With the current economic climate, people want to keep their cars for longer which reinforces the value of effective, regular vehicle maintenance. A correctly serviced and tuned engine will be more reliable for longer which also translates into better fuel economy.
Most pre-owned vehicle buyers won’t get a car unless it has a full-service history. They invest a great deal of effort to find a car in great condition both mechanically and bodywork. Annual car services and organised records are essentially evidence that proves your car is in good condition without any major problems.
According to some studies, a full-service history can increase the resale value of a car between 15% and 40%, depending on the age and model. As such, it is clear that cars with a full-service history will most often have a higher resale value.
Have You Booked Your Vehicle Service?
While all of this may seem like a lot of admin just to maintain a regular schedule, the benefits far outweigh the efforts. If you want your car to retain as much value as possible while ensuring a safe, comfortable drive, especially when it’s older, annual car services should be a no-brainer.
Bringing in a vehicle for servicing also gives you the opportunity to talk to a technician about a strange noise you may have heard or explain something that doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s spongy brakes, a noisy exhaust or a clunking sound when turning to one side, telling a technician early on can help get ahead of the problem.
Remember, a well-maintained car will give better fuel economy, a safer driving experience and a reduced risk of unexpected breakdowns or faults. Annual car services can save you both money and time. If you’re unsure about the type of car service you need, we recommend talking to an expert.
