How Often Should I Service My Car?
Having a car that works properly is essential to our busy lives. We rely on our cars to get us to work, school, and all of our other appointments. When something goes wrong with our car, it can throw off our whole day. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and service your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Not only does it make the car run smoothly, but it also keeps you and your passengers safe while on the road. That’s why it’s crucial to service your vehicle according to its manufacturer-recommended schedule.
Maintaining your vehicle is important if you want it to last a long time. There are many things you can do to keep it in good condition, but one of the most important is to service it regularly. But how often should you service your car? That depends on a few factors. In this blog post, we will discuss those factors and help you figure out how often you should bring your vehicle in for service.
What is vehicle service and why do we need it?
A car service is a routine maintenance procedure that helps keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. It is a health check on your vehicle performed at specific intervals or after a specific number of miles have been driven. The manufacturer determined the service intervals according to the car’s condition. F&I managers in automobile dealerships offer vehicle service contracts as part of the purchase deal. During a service, various parts of the car are checked and replaced if necessary. This includes things like the oil, air filter, brakes, and tires. Servicing your car regularly can help extend its lifespan and prevent expensive repairs down the road.
By doing vehicle service regularly, you can avoid expensive car repairs down the road.
What are the factors that determine how often I should service my car?
There are a few factors that will help you determine how often you should service your car. They include:
Age of Your Vehicle
The older your car is, the more often you will need to service it. This is because, over time, parts wear down and need to be replaced. For most cars, the manufacturer recommends a service every six months or every 12,000 miles. So if your car is more than five years old, it’s probably a good idea to service it every six months.
Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Some cars require more frequent service than others. For example, sports cars have a lot of moving parts and need to be serviced more often than sedans. If you have a high-performance car, the manufacturer might recommend servicing it every three months or every 5000 miles.
How Many Miles You Drive Each Year
If you drive a lot, you will need to service your car more often than someone who doesn’t. This is because the more you drive, the more wear and tear there is on your car. Most manufacturers recommend servicing your car every 12,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first.
Your Driving Habits
How you drive your car also determines how often you should service it. If you drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, for example, the brakes will wear down more quickly than if you mostly drive on the highway. The manufacturer might recommend servicing your car every six months or every 5000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
How Much Will Vehicle Service Cost Me?
The cost of vehicle service depends on a few things, including the make and model of your car, where you live, and how often you need to service it. For most cars, a vehicle service based on interim, full and major service ranges will cost between £80 to £400. If you have a luxury car or need more frequent service, the costs can go up from there.
Cost is one of the main reasons many people avoid servicing their vehicles, and few would attempt it on their own. Although you are a decent DIYer, getting assistance from a professional is usually a good idea. When you bring your car in for repair, the technician will investigate all of the vehicle’s moving systems. Check the engine, too, even if it runs on petrol or diesel fuel. Dirt, dust are all removed during the process, and old fluids are replaced. The technician will also look for any leaks that could cause problems down the road.
Which type of service is suitable for my vehicle?
The three main types of service are interim, full and major.
Interim Service
An interim service is a basic check of your car to make sure it’s safe to drive and identify any problems that need to be fixed. This type of service is suitable for most cars that run 20,000 miles or more than a year.
Oil change, battery replacement, and exhaust systems are all a part of this procedure. It includes refilling and changing the engine oil, as well as removing any debris that has built up over time. To assess whether certain components are in good working order, they must be visually examined.
Full service
A full service is a more comprehensive check of your car that includes all the items in an interim service and more. This type of service is carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
It includes a check of the engine, gearbox, brakes and steering, as well as the suspension and exhaust system. All the fluids in your car will also be replaced, including the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. During an interim service, a variety of checks and replacement parts are carried out. Other electrical components such as the battery, alternator, and starter motor must be tested; the air conditioning system, radiator, and coolant hose also need to be checked.
Major service
A major service is the most comprehensive type of service available for your car. It should be done every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
This type of service is suitable for high-performance cars and includes a check of the engine, gearbox, brakes and steering, as well as the suspension and exhaust system. All the fluids in your car will also be replaced, including the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. The spark plugs will be replaced and the air filter cleaned or replaced. The technician might also change the timing belt, depending on your car’s make and model.
What are the benefits of servicing your vehicle regularly?
Servicing your vehicle regularly has many benefits. First, it can help to identify any potential problems early on, before they have a chance to cause serious damage. Second, regular servicing can improve your car’s fuel efficiency, saving you money over time. Finally, well-maintained cars tend to hold their value better than those that are not serviced regularly.
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Should I get the service history of a vehicle?
If you’re thinking of buying a used car, it’s a good idea to get the service history from the previous owner after you have run a vehicle check. This will give you an idea of how well the car has been maintained and can help negotiate the price. A service history check is a wise move to make before purchasing any used car.
