Regular car servicing is essential for keeping your car running safely and efficiently. Although it may seem like a hassle, particularly for new drivers, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about car servicing.
What is a car service?
Remember that a car service provides essential health checks and routine maintenance for your vehicle. It involves comprehensive assessments of the engine’s fluid levels and general wear and tear.
A skilled mechanic typically handles the service, which includes thorough inspections and adjustments to over 50 systems and components, as well as the replacement of any necessary parts.
Why do I need a car service?
Regular servicing will help ensure that your car runs as efficiently and safely as possible. In the long run, regular scheduled servicing can save you money. By getting regular service, you can expect to see improved fuel efficiency, better handling, and a smoother running engine. This will also give you peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is running optimally and decrease the likelihood of your car breaking down either at home or on the road.
Additionally, regular servicing can help you avoid costly repairs by addressing any potential issues early on. Maintaining a full service history will also optimize your car’s market value if you decide to sell it. Furthermore, regular vehicle servicing can extend the life of your vehicle.
Is a car service the same as an MOT?
No, it’s not. Many motorists think they don’t need to get their car serviced because it’s just passed its MOT, but in reality, the routine service and the MOT are different and it’s important to undertake both.
An MOT is an annual inspection that checks the safety and environmental impact of a vehicle and is a legal requirement for almost every vehicle on the UK’s roads. However, while an MOT checks a vehicle’s roadworthiness, it does not delve any deeper than that.
A service does, and will ensure all components of your car are running as safely and efficiently as possible. The difference between an MOT and a service lies in the fact that the MOT checks a vehicle’s roadworthiness, whereas a service ensures that all components of the car are running as safely and efficiently as possible.
What does a car service include?
A car service typically includes inspections, maintenance, and/or repairs to ensure that your car is running safely and efficiently. The specific services provided will depend on the type of service you choose. However, a full service usually involves an engine oil and filter change, a check of all fluids, a comprehensive brake check, and inspections of over 50 other crucial components, including safety-related features.
A more thorough and expensive service may include a wider range of component checks and replacements, such as spark plug and various filter changes, as well as examinations of factors like wheel alignment and suspension.
Car services can also encompass minor adjustments and more extensive repairs. It’s essential to note that a car service should not be confused with an MOT, which is a legal requirement for cars over three years old.
Interim service
This is a less comprehensive version of a full service, designed to be performed by an engineer every six months or 6,000 miles – whichever comes first. It should not substitute a full service and is helpful in addressing any issues before they escalate.
At JR Automotive, an interim service includes a 50-point inspection, an engine oil change, and installation of a new oil filter.
Full service
This is the most comprehensive type of service offered to motorists, and it is crucial for maintaining your vehicle in the best possible condition.
With JR Automotive, this service will include a 77-point inspection and should be performed every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The service will also involve changing the engine oil, oil filters, and air filters.
During a full service, a mechanic will thoroughly inspect all the essential components of the car, as well as the safety and mechanical systems. For both interim and full services, any items with a specific lifespan will be replaced to prevent potential major issues.
Major service
The major service is a comprehensive version of a full service, which includes a wide range of replacements and fixes for the vehicle.
Which type of service should I choose?
The level of servicing required for your vehicle depends on your annual mileage.
| Service Type | Service Interval |
|---|---|
| Regular maintenance | When oil and filter need replacement |
| Interim Service | Every 6 months or 6,000 miles (whichever comes first) |
| Full Service | Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) |
| Manufacturer Service | As per manufacturer service schedule, check your car manual for information |
Frequently asked questions
A full car service is a thorough inspection and maintenance process for a vehicle, encompassing a range of tasks to keep the vehicle in optimal running condition. This service is typically carried out by a certified mechanic, often in conjunction with an oil change and general wear and tear repairs. The full car service entails checking the brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, oil, fluids, and lights, as well as conducting an overall safety assessment. It also frequently includes a comprehensive diagnostic check of the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other components. In some instances, a full car service may also involve the replacement of parts such as spark plugs and air filters. Regular servicing can help to detect and address potential issues before they escalate, thereby saving money on repairs and ensuring the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
When looking to obtain a copy of your car’s service history, you have a few options available to you. Firstly, you can reach out to the dealership or garage where your car was serviced and request a copy. They may be able to furnish you with a record detailing the dates and type of work performed. If you’re unsure about the specific location, consider giving them a call to inquire.
Another avenue to explore is contacting your car manufacturer or utilizing an online resource specializing in car service history. Many car companies offer access to an online version of your car’s service history or can provide a hard copy upon request, potentially requiring some personal information for access.
Lastly, you can refer to your car’s owner’s manual or other provided documentation. Some manufacturers include a service history sheet outlining all maintenance performed on your car, providing a comprehensive list of services completed.
At JR Automotive, we advise getting a full car service either once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is essential for ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition.
A full service typically includes the following:
- Oil and filter change
- Visual inspection of fluid levels and components
- Wheel alignment check
- Brake inspection
- Air filter and other filter inspection
- Tire rotation
- Spark plug replacement
- Fuel filter check
- Cooling system check
- Battery, charging system, electrical connections, and belts check
- Suspension, exhaust system, and steering components check
- Other potential services:
- Transmission service
- Windshield wiper replacement
- Brake, power steering, and cooling system flush
There are typically three main types of car services:
- Interim Service: A basic check-up usually done every 6 months or 6,000 miles. It covers essential maintenance like oil changes, fluid top-ups, and basic safety checks.
- Full Service: A more comprehensive check performed annually or every 12,000 miles. It includes everything in an interim service plus additional inspections and replacements.
- Major Service: The most thorough service, often conducted every 24 months or 24,000 miles. It covers all aspects of a full service plus additional checks and replacements of parts that wear out over time.
Absolutely! A full car service is an investment in your vehicle’s health and your safety. It can:
- Catch potential issues before they become major problems
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Extend your car’s lifespan
- Maintain your car’s value
- Ensure your car runs smoothly and safely
Think of it as a yearly health check-up for your car – it’s always better to prevent issues than to fix them later!
While practices can vary between garages, a brake fluid change is often included in a full service. However, it’s always best to check with your specific service provider. Some may offer it as an additional service. Remember, brake fluid is crucial for your safety, so if it’s not included, consider having it changed separately every 2 years or as recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
A car service book is a small booklet that comes with your vehicle. It’s like a health record for your car, where mechanics stamp and record details of each service. This book helps you:
- Keep track of your car’s service history
- Prove the car has been well-maintained (useful when selling)
- Know when the next service is due
Keeping your service book up-to-date is a great way to care for your car and maintain its value!
Don’t panic if you’ve misplaced your service book! While it’s not ideal, there are steps you can take:
- Contact the dealership where you bought the car – they might be able to provide a replacement
- Reach out to the car manufacturer for a new book
- Create a new service record by gathering past invoices and receipts from services
- Some modern cars have digital service records, which can be accessed online
Remember, while a missing service book can affect your car’s resale value, maintaining a good service history is what truly matters.
