How Regular Car Servicing Can Save You Money?

Annual car servicing is an easy way to make sure your car runs smoothly and doesn’t experience any major issues down the road. Plus, by having a good service history, you can help retain your car’s resale value while lowering future running costs!

All of our car servicing options include an engine oil change, brake inspection and tyre checks. By making sure some of your vehicle’s most important fluid levels are topped up and that the overall condition is suitable, these checks can help prevent any unpleasant surprises or accidents down the road.

What Is Car Servicing and Why Is It Important?

Car servicing is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance to keep it in a good running condition which results in better fuel economy so your budget won’t be impacted unnecessarily.

Along with an MOT test, a regular service is also the only way to ensure your vehicle remains safe to operate and by keeping a record — as you should — a full service history can help maintain its resale value. The main reason is that buyers will see this as a sign that you have been looking after your car and that you have a record of any work done on your car.

What Happens During A Car Service?

Depending on whether you opt for a full car service or an interim service, the process involves highly trained mechanics or technicians checking certain parts and components and replacing them if needed. As with any reputable MOT and car servicing centre, Elite Garages will always contact you first prior to making any major repairs. Below is a breakdown of what’s included in a full car service and an interim service.

Interim Service

An interim service is recommended for low-mileage drivers; typically for those who travel between 5,000 and 6,000 miles per year. However, it’s also intended to help people who travel more than the average amount as it acts as a service between main services, especially for parts that might be wearing faster than normal. An interim service includes the following:

• A 32-point service inspection
• Drain engine oil and refill (special or synthetic oils subject to additional charge)
• Air filter check
• Oil filter change
• Check and top up brake and clutch fluid
• Engine diagnostics and electronic safety systems test (including warning lights)
• Essential top-ups (screenwash, brake fluid, power steering fluid)
• Tyre inspection and inflating to the correct tyre pressure
• Check the condition, and tension and adjust auxiliary drive belts as required (excluding timing/cam belt)
• It can take up to 90 minutes

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Full Car Service

A full service involves a 46-point check which includes everything from the Interim Service but with a more thorough inspection of additional parts.

• Once a year or every 10,000 miles
• Replace spark plugs
• Check clutch operation
• Check operation of exterior lights and interior lights
• Full brake inspection, clean and adjustment if necessary
• Check and top up automatic transmission fluids where applicable
• Suspension check by inspecting shock absorbers for operation, i.e. the condition of the springs
• Inspect exhaust system for leaks security and noise
• Diesel fuel filter change if required
• Check smoke emissions visually (Diesel)
• Grease steering/suspension and the prop shaft if applicable
• Check for cabin/pollen filter change (report if due)
• Check cambelt replacement intervals (report if due)
• It can take 2-3 hours

For a full overview of what’s included in car servicing at Elite Garages, please refer to our Services Page on the website or contact your nearest branch.

When Should I Service My Car?

Most car manufacturers will recommend that you service your car every 12 months or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it’s always best to check your car’s individual service schedule to be sure.

If you use your car for regular short journeys, you may need to service it more frequently than the recommended car servicing interval. This is because the engine does not have time to reach its optimum operating temperature, which can lead to the build-up of harmful deposits.

If you’re unsure about your car servicing schedule, or the type of service it needs, our team of experts will be happy to assist. We offer a range of car servicing options designed to suit all budgets and requirements. If your car is due for a service, book your car service at Elite Garages today!

How Much Does A Car Service Cost?

The cost of car servicing may vary depending on the type of service you need and the make and model of your vehicle. While a simple oil change and tune-up service can often be enough,, a standard service at Elite Garages starts from £103* and from £180* for our Premium Car Service. Of course, if additional repairs are needed, the costs will be added to the car servicing price. Be sure to ask your mechanic for an estimate before having any work done.

* Prices are accurate as of October 2022

Do I Need To Bring Anything When Servicing Your Car?

With car servicing at Elite Garages, you don’t need to bring anything as our experienced vehicle technicians will complete the work and let you know when the vehicle is ready for collection. All you need is your car service book as it should be stamped to keep your car service history up to date. However, if you have additional paperwork from a previous service centre showing what was done before, you are welcome to show it to us for reference purposes.

Can Elite Garages Service Electric/Hybrid Vehicles?

There has been a significant increase in customer requests to repair and service electric vehicles and Elite Garages swiftly answered the call. Our vehicle technicians have received the necessary Level 2 to Level 4 IMI certification through Autotech Training. We have the equipment, facilities and staff to provide electric or hybrid car servicing at all of our branches.

Our team can take care of just about all makes and models, including Tesla, Volkswagen ID.3, Nissan LEAF, Audi e-Tron and the Hyundai Kona electric among many others. If you own an electric vehicle and are looking for a well-establish and reputable MOT and service centre, book your EV Service at Elite Garages today!

What Is The MOT Test?

The MOT test is an important annual test of a vehicle’s safety, roadworthiness, and emissions. It is a legal requirement in the UK for all vehicles over 3 years old to have a valid MOT certificate. The test checks that your vehicle meets the minimum standards required by law to be safe and roadworthy. If your vehicle fails the MOT test, you will need to have it repaired and retested. At Elite Garages, you can book a free MOT retest if it’s within 10 days. Once passed, the MOT test provides you with the necessary peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe to operate.

What Is Checked During My Annual MOT Test?

It’s important to remember that the MOT test is only a visual inspection and does not entail any repairs or car service activities. During an MOT, technicians look at certain parts or components, including the following:

• seatbelts
• brakes
• steering systems
• exhausts and emissions
• doors
• mirrors
• car tyres (condition, pressure, tread depth)
• shock absorbers
• suspension check
• condition of wheels and wheel bearings
• registration plate
• fuel tank cap

For a more detailed list, additional information and FAQs on what a car MOT entails and MOT retests, please refer to our MOT services page.

How Much Is The MOT Test?

The MOT test fee is currently £54.85 for cars and motorbikes, and £29.65 for scooters and mopeds. The test must be carried out every year, and you will need to renew your MOT certificate if you want to keep your vehicle on the road.

If you are thinking of buying a car, it is important to check its MOT history before you commit to anything. This will give you an idea of how well the car has been maintained, and whether it is likely to need expensive repairs in the future.

Can You Book An MOT Test With Car Servicing?

In fact, many of our customers book their MOT test with a car premium service but it’s not a requirement. If you do need to have your vehicle serviced, we recommend that you only use a reliable and reputable car servicing centre. For a list of our car servicing and MOT test centres across the UK, visit our website and be sure to read some of our helpful articles on vehicle maintenance.

To summarise, regular car servicing not only maximises road safety and performance but can also help you save money in the long term. By allowing experts to inspect your vehicle regularly, you can avoid expensive and dangerous faults as they can identify any potential issues early on. With your car running as it should, your fuel economy should also improve provided you follow good driving habits.

For more information on MOT checks, brake services, clutch replacement, suspension checks and car servicing, contact your nearest branch or visit the Elite Garages website today!