Do you know how often your car should be serviced?

Do you service it based on when it was last serviced or the mileage you have done?
If you own a car that is less than three years old, does it still need a regular service?
Do you need a service if your car has just passed its MOT test?
If I don’t service my car, does it affect my car insurance?
These questions can be the cause of great confusion amongst car owners. Use the helpful tips below to clear up the confusion around servicing your car.

What’s the difference between an MOT test and a service?
An MOT test and a car service are not the same thing.
An MOT test is a basic car safety check.
A full service covers a range of checks, tests and the replacement of car parts.

Why you need to service your car
You should take your car in for a full service every 12,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first). If you use your car mainly for city driving and/or do higher than average mileage, you should have a full service every six months or 6,000 miles.
Not servicing your car on a regular basis may save you money in the short term. However, you could end up spending more in the long-term. A car that is regularly serviced will be more fuel-efficient and safer. Any faults will be picked up in the early stages and could help prevent breakdowns. It will also keep wear and tear in check, which will help maintain the car’s resale value. On the subject of selling, cars with a full service history are more attractive to buyers and could sell for a higher price. If you own a prestige model i.e. a BMW or Mercedes, you could add between £1,000 and £1,500 to your price with a full manufacturer service history.

What does a service include?
Standard services do not exist. A service is dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. Your vehicle handbook should outline the servicing requirements. Don’t forget to ask for extras that may not be listed in the handbook like replacing anti-freeze and brake fluid (every two years).
Most car services should include:
• Routine lubrication of all working parts, hinges and catches
• Oil change
• Oil filter change
• New spark plugs for petrol cars
• New fuel filter for diesel vehicles
Safety checks should also be carried out on:
• Ball joints
• Tyres
• Steering
• Suspension
• Fan belt tension
• Seat belts
• Wipers
• Fluid levels i.e. clutch fluid
An interim service usually includes an oil and oil filter change and new spark plugs or fuel filter.

Where to get your car serviced
Make sure a professional garage services your car. Before you book your car in, ask if the garage is VAT registered and if they use authentic manufacturer’s parts and fluids.
Be very clear on what you want the garage to do. If there is extra work that needs to be done over and above the service, ask them to contact you for authorisation before they do the work. Always ask for a detailed invoice that lists all parts, labour costs and VAT.

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