Blog: What Does It Mean To 'Service' Your Car?
Your car is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s an investment that needs regular care to ensure it continues running smoothly and safely.
One of the most important aspects of vehicle ownership is regular servicing, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? In this post, we’ll break down what servicing involves and why it’s essential for both the performance and longevity of your vehicle.
What Does Vehicle Servicing Involve?
At its core, vehicle servicing involves routine checks, maintenance, and sometimes repairs to ensure your car is in good working condition. It’s like a health check-up for your vehicle, where a trained mechanic inspects key components to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
During a typical vehicle service, a mechanic will carry out a series of tasks based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the car's mileage. These tasks can include:
- Oil and Filter Change: Regular oil changes are crucial to keep your engine running smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating engine parts. Changing your oil helps prevent excessive engine wear.
- Brakes Inspection: Ensuring your brakes are in good condition is vital for your safety. A service check will include a thorough inspection of the brake pads, discs, and fluid levels.
- Fluid Levels Check: Fluids like coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are essential to keep your car functioning properly. During a service, these will be checked, topped up, or replaced as necessary.
- Tyre Check: Mechanics will assess your tyres for wear and tear, check tyre pressure, and ensure they are properly aligned. Tyre maintenance is key to fuel efficiency and safe handling.
- Battery Health Check: A mechanic will inspect the battery to ensure its holding charge, as well as check for any corrosion on the terminals.
- Filters and Spark Plugs: Your air and cabin filters, along with the spark plugs, are crucial for your car’s engine efficiency and air quality. These are replaced if necessary.
- Timing Belts and Chains: Depending on your car’s age and mileage, certain components like the timing belt or chain may need to be checked and replaced. These parts are critical to the engine's function, and failure to replace them can result in serious damage.
Why Is Servicing Important?
- Ensures Safety Regular servicing is essential for the safety of you and your passengers. Many aspects of a service directly relate to the car’s performance and how safely it operates on the road. For example, a brake inspection ensures that your braking system is working effectively, while tyre checks ensure that your tyres provide optimal grip, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Improves Vehicle Performance Regular servicing ensures your car runs at its best, offering you improved performance and efficiency. Things like fresh oil, properly maintained tyres, and well-functioning brakes all contribute to a smoother, more responsive driving experience. Servicing can also prevent small problems from escalating into larger, costlier issues. Keeping everything in check, from fluid levels to filters, allows your car to perform at its peak.
- Increases Longevity Just like with anything, maintenance is key to longevity. By servicing your car regularly, you’re helping it run more efficiently and preventing premature wear and tear. This can extend the life of your vehicle and delay the need for expensive repairs or even a replacement car. Regular maintenance helps preserve the parts of the vehicle that might otherwise wear out faster, like the engine, transmission, and suspension system.
- Saves Money in the Long Run While it may seem like an added expense, keeping up with regular servicing can save you money over time. Small, preventive actions—like changing the oil, replacing air filters, or keeping an eye on brake pads—are much less expensive than dealing with larger repairs caused by neglect. A poorly maintained car may lead to engine failure or expensive repair bills down the line. Regular servicing helps identify minor issues before they become costly repairs, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
- Helps Maintain Vehicle Warranty Many vehicle warranties require you to have your car serviced at specific intervals to remain valid. If you miss a service, you could void your warranty, which could result in expensive out-of-pocket costs should anything go wrong. Keeping up with your vehicle’s service schedule is essential to protecting your warranty and ensuring you're covered in case of a major issue.
- Boosts Resale Value A well-maintained car holds its value much better than one that has been neglected. If you plan to sell or trade in your car, a full-service history can be a major selling point. Buyers will be more confident in purchasing a car that has been properly maintained, as it indicates the vehicle has been cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues. A well-documented service history can even allow you to ask for a higher price when it comes time to sell.
How Often Should You Service Your Vehicle?
The recommended service intervals can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving habits. Generally, most cars need to be serviced every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, always check your manufacturer’s manual for the specific recommendations for your vehicle.
Some signs that your vehicle may need attention outside of the usual service schedule include:
- Unusual sounds (squeaks, rattles, or grinding)
- Warning lights on your dashboard
- A decrease in fuel efficiency
- Problems with acceleration or steering
- Visible leaks or smoke from the engine
Regular vehicle servicing is one of the best ways to ensure your car stays safe, efficient, and reliable over the long term. By staying on top of your car’s maintenance needs, you can avoid costly repairs, enhance your driving experience, and keep your vehicle running at its best for years to come.