Is it time you serviced your vehicle? A service is a routine check-up of your vehicle carried out by a mechanic. It’s not legally compulsory like an MOT, but is still highly recommended, because it involves the inspection of many parts of your vehicle not covered in a MOT inspection.
Manufacturers typically recommend getting your vehicle serviced every 12 months or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). This post delves more into the benefits of servicing and some of the things to consider when getting your vehicle serviced.
What are the benefits of servicing your vehicle?
Servicing your vehicle regularly can help you to detect faults early that might not be picked up by an MOT. The clutch, gearbox and many engine parts are not inspected during an MOT, but are covered in a service. This allows you to check for any hidden damage to these parts and schedule repairs early before damage gets worse.
A service is also a chance to top up fluids like coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Necessary replacements of small parts like oil filters, air filters and spark plugs can also be made during service. An oil change is also typically included – which can help to replace dirty oil with clean oil in order to provide better lubrication of parts and better fuel efficiency.
Some mechanics and repair centres may be able to offer other maintenance tasks as part of a service such as an aircon regas or rotating tyres. However, these typically cost extra.
Who should you choose to service your vehicle?
It’s important that your vehicle is thoroughly inspected in order to detect all potential problems. Therefore, you should choose a reputable mechanic with positive online reviews who comes recommended by friends or family.
Make sure that a mechanic is qualified to work with your type of vehicle. A van or a lorry may require a specialist mechanic with experience of these vehicles, rather than a mechanic who has only worked with cars. You can also find mechanic services catered to specific manufacturers such as Land Rover servicing.
Different mechanics will charge different fees for a service. It can be worth shopping around in order to find the lowest price (although it’s also important to double-check the reputation of the mechanic).
What are some signs your vehicle needs servicing?
Booking a service could be worthwhile if you notice problems with your car that cannot be easily pinpointed. Such problems may include:
- Strange noises
- Vibrations
- Pulling to one side
- Leaks
- Reduced performance
- Frequent stalling
- Ignition issues
- Burning smells
A full inspection of your vehicle will allow you to identify the cause of the problem and determine whether it warrants repairs or not.
As already mentioned, you should otherwise book a service every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. Vehicles that are regularly driven over rough terrain or that are used for motorsports purposes may need to be serviced more regularly than this. Older vehicles may also benefit from more regular servicing.
