Car Servicing
Book your car service with Elite Garages today!
Increase the lifespan of your car and maximise vehicle safety with regular services. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can service your car with original matching quality parts while saving your hundreds on dealership prices.
A regular car service is important, and is not something you should overlook. Many vehicle owners still take their cars to dealerships but European legislation states that you can have a car service at an independent garage without invalidating your warranty. While that is the case, all service garages must keep to the manufacturer’s schedule and only use equal quality car parts.
Routine maintenance to the manufacturer specification is essential for prolonging the life of your engine. At Elite Garages, we specialise in servicing vehicles exactly as they should be, while giving you much-needed peace of mind in terms of any warranty claims.
We service ALL major makes and models including the following:
| Audi | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Mercedes | Jeep | Mitsubishi |
| Bentley | Honda | Mini |
| BMW | Kia | Nissan |
| Citroen | Land Rover | Peugeot |
| Ford | Lexus | Renault |
| Fiat | Skoda | Volvo |
| Seat | Toyota | Volkwagen |
| Suzuki | Vauxhall |
Increase the lifespan of your car and maximise vehicle safety with regular services. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can service your car with original matching quality parts while saving you hundreds on dealership prices. You can also book a car service with your MOT!
How often do I need a car service?
A car service interval will largely depend on the car and the service schedule from the manufacturer. When buying a new car, there are two main types: fixed-schedule servicing and variable servicing (long-life service plan).
Fixed-schedule servicing requires a car service when you reach a set mileage or time limit, whichever comes first. The common interval is 12,000 miles or 12 months, but you still have to check your car’s service book to verify. This is best suited for low to medium-mileage drivers who often take short trips.
Variable servicing depends on sensors fitted around the car and the onboard computer informing 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 take longer trips.
What’s included in a car service at Elite Garages?
Car services will vary depending on the age of your vehicle but it normally 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.
During the service, we also check for any additional issues and if we find that further rectification is needed, we always contact you first. These checks usually apply to safety-critical items such as tyres and brakes. We never carry out unnecessary work and we will keep all the old parts for your inspection.
Our service packages are tailor-made for you and include all the necessary checks you’d expect from a dealership. These include the Bronze Service (Interim), the Silver Service (Premium) and Gold Service (Major).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We have updated our service packages and pricing. See below what each one entails and if you have any further questions about our car services and pricing, please contact your nearest branch.
| DESCRIPTION | Bronze – Lubricant service + health check | Silver – 12,000 miles / 12 months | Gold – 24,000 miles / 24 months |
| LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 1: Check operation of exterior lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2: Check headlight alignment | ✔ | ||
| 3: Check rear reflectors | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 4: Check operation of instrument warning lamps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5: Check illumination of dash and heater control lamps | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 6: Check battery condition and connections | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7: Check horn | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| INTERNAL / VISION | |||
| 8: Test / advise alternator output and security | ✔ | ||
| 9: Check door / bonnet lock operation and lubricate locks, hinges and catches | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 10: Check windscreen wiper and washer condition and operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 11: Top up windscreen washer reservoir with additive if required | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 12: Check / advise pollen filter condition, replace if necessary* | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 13: Check air conditioning system / temperature if applicable | ✔ | ✔ | |
| ENGINE | |||
| 14: Drain engine oil and refill* | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 15: Replace oil filter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 16: Replace air filter | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 17: Replace fuel filter (if fitted and external from fuel tank) | ✔ | ||
| 18: Check / advise general oil leaks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 19: Check / advise coolant level and antifreeze strength | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 20: Top up antifreeze if required | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 21: Check coolant hoses for leaks and condition, incl. header tank | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 22: Check condition and tension of auxiliary drive belts (excl. timing belt) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 23: Spark plugs changed according to mileage* | ✔ | ||
| 24: Check / clean HT leads and components (if fitted) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 25: Visual check of fuel system (incl. tank and cap) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 26: Check timing belt replacement interval & report if due according to mileage / age | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| BRAKES | |||
| 27: Check brake servo operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 28: Check / advise brake fluid level and boiling point | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 29: Top up brake fluid if required | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 30: Visual check of brake pads for wear or damage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 31: Visual check of brake calipers for leaks and security | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 32: Visual check of brake discs, shoes and cylinders for wear or damage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 33: Visual check of brake pipes and hoses | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 34: Check operation of handbrake | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 35: Check security of handbrake linkages and travel and adjust if required | ✔ | ✔ | |
| STEERING / SUSPENSION | |||
| 36: Check condition of road springs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 37: Check power steering fluid reservoir | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 38: Check steering / suspension components for wear and corrosion | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 39: Check steering rack gaiters condition | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 40: Check shock absorber condition and mounting, report any leaks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 41: Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise | ✔ | ✔ | |
| DRIVE SYSTEM | |||
| 42: Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report any leaks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 43: Check gear box fluid level manual / automatic differential (if applicable) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 44: Check / adjust clutch operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 45: Check for transmission oil leaks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 46: Check condition of clutch cable (where visible) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 47: Full car fault code read | ✔ | ||
| EXHAUST | |||
| 48: Check / advise condition of exhaust and mountings | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 49: Check / report on additive levels for Diesel vehicles (where applicable) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| TYRES / WHEELS | |||
| 50: Check tyre condition and tread depth (incl. spare) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 51: Check / adjust tyre pressures (incl. spare) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 52: Remove all road wheels and check flanges and mountings | ✔ | ||
| 53: Check wheel nut torque to manufacturer’s specification | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 54: Expiry date for the puncture repair cannister (where applicable) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| FINAL RE-SET / SERVICE BOOK | |||
| 55: Carry out engine management system scan | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 56: Reset vehicle service light where applicable | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 57: Reset Oil quality counter (Diesel vehicles) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 58: Stamp service book | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
* Additional charges will apply should the vehicle require a pollen filter, special or synthetic oils, platinum or multi-electrode spark plugs.
*Note – Additional service operations may be required for your vehicle make/model and will be an added charge
*Note – Stamp service book as per Elite Service Manual
*Note – WHAT IS A CAMBELT AND WHY DOES IT NEED REPLACING?
Book your car service with Elite Garages today!
Just need your brakes checked? See our Brake Service page
FAQs on Car Servicing
Click the + to read any answer or visit our most FAQ page to review the most frequently asked questions across all our Elite Locations.
If you click on a ‘Category’ or ‘Tag’ link, the page will ‘refresh’ and reload the page showing the top of the page first, you’ll then just need to scroll down to the FAQ section to see the results for the Category or Tag you selected.
Category:
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres provide superior traction and control in cold conditions, especially when temperatures drop below 7°C. They have deeper tread patterns and softer rubber compounds, which allow them to perform better on snow, ice, and wet roads. All-season tyres, while versatile and convenient, don’t match the specialised performance of winter tyres in extreme winter conditions, but they are a good option for milder climates where extreme cold is less common.
Category:
Winter Tyres
Even though the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, it’s recommended to replace tyres once they reach 3mm, especially during winter. A deeper tread provides better grip on wet and icy roads, improving tyre safety. Regular checks at a tyre garage or a free inspection at Elite Garages can help determine if you need a tyre replacement.
Category:
Winter Driving Tips
An emergency car kit should include items such as a first aid kit, flashlight with spare batteries, mobile phone charger, jumper cables, reflective triangles, ice scraper and snow brush, non-clumping kitty litter for traction on icy roads, blanket or sleeping bag for warmth in case of an unexpected breakdown and a shovel.
Category:
Winter Driving Tips
You should avoid leaving items in a car during the winter months, as cold temperatures can damage or ruin them due to freezing. This includes electronics like laptops and cell phones, liquids such as beverages or fluids for your car, medications, food items like fruit and vegetables, and plastic or rubber parts.
Category:
Winter Driving Tips
There are several things you should check on your car before the start of winter to make sure it is in good condition and ready for the colder weather. This includes checking your battery, antifreeze, tyre pressure and tread, car brakes and all your fluid levels (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant and power steering). Book your winter safety check now!
In simple terms, budget tyres are the cheapest and often don’t last as long or hold up as well as mid-range or premium tyres. Mid-range seems to be the happy medium as they provide better grip and longevity which is only superseded by the more expensive, premium tyres that offer even better performance, including Bridgestone.
If the damaged area on the tyre is larger than 6 mm, and on the sidewall, you should not get a repair and rather opt for a replacement tyre.
Rapids are also budget tyres but they are more high-end and rated as premium economy. Whilst they provide more grip than standard budget tyres, Rapids don’t perform as well as a good quality mid-range or premium tyre. However, Rapid tyres do offer a great in-between offering quality and value for money.
No, as part-worn tyres are not safe and there is no guarantee they won’t fail.
We can usually repair punctures if they are on the central part of the tyre (the middle three-quarters). If a puncture occurs outside this area and near the tyre sidewall, a repair is unlikely and you should get it replaced.
We will always try and explain this in detail, providing all the pros and cons. Put simply, budget tyres are the cheapest and often don’t last as long or hold up as well as mid-range and premium tyres. Mid-range seems to be the happy medium as they provide better grip and longevity which is only superseded by the more expensive, premium tyres that offer even better performance.
In the UK and Europe, the legal tyre tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm around the tyre circumference and the central three quarters. However, most tyre experts recommend replacing your tyres when the tread depth is at 3 mm for better braking distances.
In short, you should nearly always fit four of the same tyres to your car. The size will be stated by your vehicle manufacturer.