FAQs

You should schedule a car service at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, the frequency may vary depending on your driving habits, vehicle age, and manufacturer recommendations. Here are some signs that your vehicle needs a service:

• Warning Lights: Illuminated dashboard warning lights indicate that your car needs immediate attention.
• Unusual Noises: Squealing brakes, rattling, or knocking noises can be signs of underlying issues.
• Poor Performance: Decreased fuel efficiency, sluggish acceleration, or difficulty starting can indicate the need for a service.
• Visible Leaks: Any fluid leaks under your vehicle should be inspected promptly.
• Vibrations or Pulling: Unusual vibrations or the car pulling to one side can indicate issues with tyres or alignment.

At Elite Garages Strood, we offer three tailored car service packages:

• Bronze Car Service: This includes a basic lubricant service paired with a comprehensive health check of your vehicle.
• Silver Car Service: Ideal for vehicles that have clocked 12,000 miles or are nearing the 12-month mark, this service includes a more thorough inspection and maintenance routine, addressing common wear and tear issues.
• Gold Car Service: Perfect for frequent travellers, this package covers your vehicle for 24,000 miles or 24 months and includes extensive checks and maintenance to ensure reliability and safety.

Not necessarily. However, it’s advised for optimal car health. Most manufacturers recommend a yearly car service, especially if your vehicle covers more than 12,000 miles within that year. Annual car servicing ensures safety, optimal performance, and can enhance your the resale value of your vehicle.

At Elite Garages, we always try to get your car booked in as soon as possible and our booking system helps. Call your local garage within normal business hours or request a service slot online if after hours.

Some customers will have a bronze car service one year and a silver car service the next so if they’re not doing the mileage, it’s not always advised to book a silver car service every year. Most of our customers book an MOT and service at the same time.

We always explain this in detail, providing a list of what’s included and what is not. If a customer asks what service they need, we can advise depending on the service schedule and the manufacturer’s specification. Click here for more information.

At the time of posting, the price of a bronze car service (standard service) is from £110 and a silver car service (premium service) from £210. The service time will depend on what is being done and if any problems are identified which may require additional work.

The type of car service you need depends on your vehicle’s usage, age, and the miles it has clocked. For a basic check-up, a Bronze Car Service (Lubricant service + health check) might suffice. If you drive frequently and cover approximately 12,000 miles in a year, then a Silver Car Service is advisable. For those who travel extensively, nearing 24,000 miles or more in two years, the Gold Car Service would be the best fit. Always consult with your service centre to ensure the right package for your car’s needs.

While it’s possible to drive without regular servicing, it’s not advisable. Skipping regular service checks might lead to undetected issues which can compromise safety, reduce fuel efficiency, lead to bigger, costlier problems down the line, and even decrease your vehicle’s lifespan. For peace of mind and optimal car health, regular servicing is recommended.

Yes, most garages typically keep service records which holds details of all the maintenance work and inspections during each service. Keeping these records is important as they provide a comprehensive history of the vehicle’s upkeep, which can be valuable for both the current owner and any potential future buyers.

The duration of a car service can vary based on a few factors such as the type of service, the make and model of the vehicle, and the condition of the car. As a general guide, an interim service might take around 1.5 hours, a full service could take about 3 hours, and a major service could extend beyond 4 hours. It’s always best to confirm with your service centre, as some cars may require more time, especially if additional issues are found during the service.

Yes, a brake fluid change is usually included in a full service. Regular replacement of brake fluid is crucial as it absorbs moisture over time, which can affect braking efficiency and potentially lead to system corrosion. Always ensure to confirm what’s included in your service with your provider.

Yes, you certainly can and it’s often something we recommend. In fact, around 95% of the time our customers get a premium or standard service with their MOT. Click these links to find  out what’s included in an MOT and what’s the difference between a Service and an MOT

Depending on the type of service, checks may include the engine oil, oil filter, lights, tyres, bodywork, exhausts, brakes, steering, fluid and coolant levels, suspension and 12V battery. We will always explain this in detail, providing a list of what’s included and what’s not.