As a car owner, taking care of your vehicle is essential. Regular check-ups will ensure your car is running smoothly and will help you to catch any potential problems early on. If you are new to all this, then it may feel overwhelming. However, there is no need to worry, in this guide we will answer key questions around car servicing - from what a service is and how much one typically costs to the types of services available and what each type includes. Keep reading for all the information you need to get started.
A car service is a thorough, routine examination of your vehicle that is performed by a professional mechanic. During a service, the mechanic will inspect various parts of your car to make sure everything is in good working order. This can include checks on the oil, brakes, air conditioning and more. Regular car services are crucial for maintaining the health of your vehicle, and they can save you time and money overall. A complete service history will help with the resale value of your car, as it will demonstrate that it has been well looked after.
A car service can vary based on the type of service and make/model of your car. Some of the most common checks performed during a standard car service are:
· Brake inspection and adjustment
· Steering inspection
· Engine diagnosis
A more thorough (and expensive) car service will check and replace a wider range of components and could include a change of spark plugs and other filters.
There are various types of car services available – ranging from a basic oil change to a comprehensive full check-up. Common options include:
· The most basic type
· Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
· Includes checking lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and fluid levels. May also include oil change, oil filter replacement and inspection of drive belt.
· Next level up from interim
· Standard service that is recommended once a year or every 12,000 miles.
· Will include everything in an interim plus potentially: an air filter change, fuel filter/ spark plug change, inspection of the brake and wheel bearings, testing of electrical components, inspection of air conditioning, and checking of the radiator and coolant.
· Might be recommended after 24 months or 24,000 miles.
· Usually includes all the checks and changes in a full service, plus some extras.
· May include brake fluid replacement, odour and allergy filter replacement etc.
· As per manufacturer service schedule, check your car manual for more information.
Although common to have them at the same time, they are not the same thing.
An MOT is a mandatory, legal requirement in the UK for cars that are over three years old – you cannot drive without a valid MOT. It is a test that checks your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards and focuses on the safety of your vehicle.
A car service on the other hand is a more comprehensive check-up of the overall health of your car. It is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended to keep your car performing at its best, as it will help you to spot and potential future problems early on.
While an MOT does cover several areas that are also checked by a service, it only looks at the minimum requirements for a car to be safely used on UK roads. A car service however will not only check these basics but also check the car is running as efficiently as possible, giving the car longevity and keeping running costs down.
The cost of a car service will depend on the type of service, make and model of car and where you get the service done. Every vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it on the road, and your vehicle handbook or maintenance guide from the manufacturer will detail what your vehicle needs at different stages in its lifetime. On average in the UK at the moment, an MOT is around the £50 mark for most cars and a car service starts from £170, but will differ depending on the size of your car.
At Eurorepar, our qualified technicians can conduct any car servicing requirements – no matter the make or model you drive. We have the latest multi-brand diagnostic tools to understand exactly what is going on and how to fix any faults. We will always let you know what other work your vehicle may need and will make sure that your vehicle is protected by following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Click here to find out more or head straight to our booking page.
And that is our car servicing guide. In conclusion, a car service is a fantastic way to keep your vehicle in top condition. Regular services can help to catch potential problems early – saving you time and money overall. We hope this handy guide has given you a better understanding of car services and what they involve. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
