Vehicle Servicing: Why it’s Important and How Often You Should Do It

Regular vehicle servicing is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your car. Not only does it ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently, but it can also help to prevent costly breakdowns and repairs in the future.

So, why is vehicle servicing so important? Firstly, it allows trained mechanics to inspect your car thoroughly and identify any potential issues before they become major problems. This can include checking the condition of your tyres, brakes, suspension, engine oil, filters, and other key components.

Secondly, regular servicing helps to keep your car running at its best. This means that you’ll enjoy better fuel efficiency, smoother handling and braking, improved safety, and a more comfortable driving experience overall.

So how often should you get your car serviced? The answer depends on several factors such as the age of your car, how often you use it and the type of driving you do. As a general rule of thumb though, most manufacturers recommend getting a full service every 12 months or 12 thousand miles (whichever comes first).

It’s worth noting that some cars may require more frequent servicing depending on their age or mileage. For example, older cars with higher mileage may need more frequent oil changes or brake checks to ensure they remain in good condition.

In addition to regular full services, it’s also important to keep up with routine maintenance tasks such as topping up fluids (e.g. engine oil) or replacing worn-out parts (e.g. brake pads). These tasks can be done by yourself or by a qualified mechanic if you’re not confident doing them yourself.

Overall, vehicle servicing is an essential part of owning a car that should not be overlooked. By keeping up with regular maintenance tasks and getting full services at recommended intervals, you can ensure that your car remains in top condition for years to come while avoiding costly repairs down the line.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Servicing in the UK

1. What does a servicing do?
2. What to do when servicing a vehicle?
3. What needs servicing on a car?
4. What is a full service on a car?

What does a servicing do?

A vehicle servicing involves a thorough inspection and maintenance of various components and systems in your car. The exact scope of the service can vary depending on the type of service (e.g. interim, full) and the make and model of your car.

Typically, a servicing will involve the following tasks:

1. Checking and topping up fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and screenwash.
2. Inspecting the condition of various components such as tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust system, battery and lights.
3. Replacing worn-out or damaged parts such as brake pads or filters.
4. Carrying out diagnostic checks to identify any potential issues with the engine or other systems.
5. Checking for any outstanding manufacturer recalls or software updates that may be required.

By carrying out these tasks regularly at recommended intervals (usually every 12 months or 12 thousand miles), you can ensure that your car remains in good condition and running smoothly. Regular servicing can also help to prevent major breakdowns or repairs down the line by identifying potential issues early on.

In addition to regular servicing tasks, there may be specific requirements for certain makes and models of cars depending on their age or mileage. For example, older cars may require more frequent oil changes or checks on their timing belts to ensure they remain in good condition.

Overall, a vehicle servicing is an essential part of maintaining your car’s health and longevity while ensuring it runs efficiently and safely on the road.

What to do when servicing a vehicle?

When servicing a vehicle, there are several things that should be done to ensure that the car is in good condition and running smoothly. Here are some of the key tasks that should be carried out during a typical vehicle service:

1. Change the oil and oil filter: This is one of the most important tasks in a vehicle service, as it ensures that the engine is properly lubricated and running smoothly. The oil should be drained and replaced with fresh oil, along with a new oil filter.
2. Check and replace other fluids: Other fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid should also be checked and replaced if necessary.
3. Inspect brakes: The brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines should all be inspected for wear and tear. If necessary, parts should be replaced to ensure optimal braking performance.
4. Check tyres: Tyres should be inspected for wear and tear, as well as proper inflation levels. If necessary, tyres may need to be rotated or replaced.
5. Inspect suspension system: The suspension system should be inspected for any signs of damage or wear. This includes checking shocks/struts, springs, ball joints, tie rods etc.
6. Check battery: The battery should be checked for proper voltage levels and overall condition.
7. Replace air filter: The air filter helps keep dirt particles from entering the engine; it needs to be replaced when dirty.
8. Inspect belts and hoses: Belts (such as timing belt) and hoses (coolant hoses etc.) can deteriorate over time; they need to be inspected for wear or cracks.
9. Test drive the car: After all these checks are completed it is important to test drive the car to make sure everything is functioning properly.

Overall, these tasks will help ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and running smoothly after a service has been carried out by a qualified mechanic. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals to keep the car in optimal condition.

What needs servicing on a car?

Several components of a car require servicing to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some of the key areas that need attention during a typical car service:

1. Engine Oil: The engine oil needs to be changed regularly as it becomes contaminated with dirt and debris over time. Fresh oil keeps the engine lubricated, which helps to prevent wear and tear on the engine.
2. Filters: The air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter all need to be checked and replaced if necessary. These filters help to keep the engine running smoothly by filtering out dirt and debris.
3. Brakes: The brake pads, discs, and fluid all need to be checked during a service to ensure that they are in good condition. Worn brake pads or discs can affect stopping distance, while low brake fluid levels can cause braking problems.
4. Tyres: Tyre pressure, tread depth, and general condition should be checked during a service. Underinflated or worn tyres can affect handling and fuel efficiency.
5. Suspension: The suspension system should be checked for wear and damage as it affects ride comfort and handling.
6. Battery: The battery should be tested for charge capacity as well as any signs of corrosion or damage.
7. Lights: All lights including headlights, indicators, brake lights etc., should be checked to ensure they are working correctly.
8. Wipers: Wiper blades should be inspected for wear as well as the wiper fluid level being topped up.

These are just some of the key components that need servicing on a car; however, depending on the make and model of your car other parts may also require attention during a service so it’s always best to consult your manufacturer’s guidelines or speak with your mechanic for more information about what needs servicing on your specific vehicle.

What is a full service on a car?

A full service on a car is a comprehensive check and maintenance procedure that covers all the major components and systems of the vehicle. It typically includes a thorough inspection of the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical system, and other key parts.

During a full service, trained mechanics will perform various tasks such as changing the engine oil and filter, replacing air and fuel filters, checking and topping up fluids (e.g. coolant, brake fluid), inspecting brake pads and discs for wear, testing battery condition and charging system performance, examining tyres for damage or wear and checking their pressure levels.

The exact tasks performed during a full service can vary depending on the make and model of the car as well as its age and mileage. However, most manufacturers provide guidelines on what should be included in a full service to ensure that all critical components are checked.

In addition to addressing any immediate issues or concerns with your car’s performance or safety that may be identified during the inspection process, a full service can help to prevent future problems by catching small issues before they become major repairs.

Overall, getting a full service on your car at recommended intervals – usually every 12 months or 12 thousand miles – is an important part of maintaining your vehicle’s health and ensuring it runs smoothly for years to come.