How often should you service your car?
Your car is a complex machine, with thousands of moving parts. You will also have spent a good amount of buying it, so the last thing you need is to pay out even more money to fix it if anything goes wrong.
Having your car regularly serviced not only keeps it in good running order, but it can also pick up on any potential issues before they result in expensive repair bills.
In this article we’ll explain what a service is and why it’s important to owners and how often should you service your car.
What is a car service?
Servicing your car involves getting a technician or mechanic to inspect key elements of your vehicle, so that will involve the likes of oil, brakes, filters and the various mechanical and electronic systems, to ensure everything is in full working order.
There may be a fee to pay for having a vehicle serviced, which might also include the cost of replacement oil and filters. Some dealers may offer a number of free services on the purchase of a brand new car.
With a relatively new car, how often your car needs a service will depend on what the manufacturer’s recommended intervals are: traditionally, it’s every 12 months or around 12,000 miles. Some cars these days can determine when they need a service, based on how the car has been driven.
Servicing of older used cars is no different. Irrespective of the number of previous owners and how the vehicle has been serviced in the past, we would recommend you get the car serviced on a regular annual basis. The less your car is checked by a qualified technician, the more likely it is that problems will arise – problems that could end up being very expensive to fix.
After a thorough inspection of your car, the mechanic should point out components that should be replaced before they wear out and/or fail. The cost of any replacement parts may not be included in the price of the service, so you’ll have to pay extra to have any issues fixed.
You may find with new cars that you are able to purchase a fixed price service plan. The price of the services are set at the point of sale, so you don’t have to worry about parts and labour costs increasing.
A service is different to the MOT which the law requires for vehicles over three years old. An MOT is an annual mechanical test that demonstrates that your car is safe and roadworthy, so it can be driven legally on public roads in the UK. The MOT is a snapshot of a car’s condition, while a service is more thorough, designed to identify any mechanical issues at an early stage and before they lead to a major failure.
Unlike an MOT, a service is not a legal requirement, but car companies recommend regular, routine servicing to keep a vehicle running smoothly for as long as possible. It also makes good financial sense to deal with issues when they just involve a replacement part, rather than letting them develop into a bigger issue that could mean a much bigger bill.
When does your car need a service?
New cars will have specified service intervals you need to adhere to in order to keep the warranty valid, all cars should be regularly serviced. You should take your car for a service at your local dealer or independent garage every 12,000 miles or so (manufacturer recommendations vary). It’s best to check the service intervals in your car’s handbook for a guide to when you should book your car in for a service.
Which service your car will need will depend on its age and mileage and often which type of service was carried out the previous year.
When was my car last serviced?
If you’ve just bought a used car and aren’t clear what type of service it needs next, the vehicle service manual should give you an indication. If you don’t have access to the previous services, you may be able to find the information you need by checking the car’s service history online if the manufacturer offers it and the vehicle is new enough. You would need the car’s registration number and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
If online service history isn’t available the local franchise dealership may have digital records. Failing that, you could contact the car manufacturer directly online.
If your car has previously been serviced by an independent garage, it may prove more difficult to get the information you need. Older models, in particular, are less likely to have service records stored online, but it’s still worth checking.
Alternatively, you can request information about your car directly from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This information could include details about previous owners and dealers that have worked on your car in the past. You’ll have to fill out a V888 form and pay £5 for your enquiry
What are the benefits of servicing a car?
There are many reasons why you should have your car serviced regularly.
-
Safety
Sticking to service schedules, will identify any potential defects in your car that may otherwise go undetected. Regular servicing means any issues can be identified and fixed, making your car as safe as possible when out on the road.
-
Lower running costs
Regular servicing of your vehicle, with frequent fluid and filter changes, will help it run smoothly and less likely to experience major issues, minimising the chance of any unexpected costly repairs.
-
Maximise your car’s resale value
Being able to show evidence of your car’s full service history will show any future buyers that your vehicle has been well-maintained, increasing its resale value. A car without service history means that potential buyers have no documentary evidence that a vehicle has been looked after which almost inevitably result in a lower offer.
-
Extend the car’s life
It makes sense that maintaining your car should mean that its usable life will be longer. Regularly changing fluids and filters, and inspecting key components, should help extend the lifetime of your car and keep it running for longer.
-
Protect your warranty
New cars require an annual service to protect the warranty, as per the manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t get regular mechanical checks, the warranty might become invalid.
-
Better fuel efficiency
Ensuring that fluids are topped up, brakes are working correctly and key components are in full working order helps improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
How much does a car service cost?
The cost of a service depends on the car’s condition, any repairs that might need to be undertaken and the hourly labour cost of the garage.
Each Manufacturer will have an itemised list of the required tasks at each service on a car’s service schedule. Some services can be more expensive than others, so the price will vary for the different types of service.
We tend to associate mechanical problems with older cars, but it’s just as important to get newer cars serviced. A manufacturer or leasing company might require you to have your car serviced annually during the term of the deal, to maintain its condition and protect its value.
Car servicing FAQs
Do I need to service my car every year?
As a general rule, your car will need to be serviced at least once within a 12-month period. Check your car’s handbook for exact intervals, though.
What happens if I miss a car service?
Nothing. There are no legal repercussions (unlike with an MOT) for missing a car’s service, as long as your car isn’t still within its new car warranty period – normally at least three years but as many as seven with manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai. However, your car may not be operating in its best condition, leading to potentially expensive failures in the future. If you don’t keep up with the servicing requirements on a new car, the warranty may be declared void if there is a problem.
When should I service a new car?
A brand-new car might need an interim service not long after you buy it. The dealer can advise you when this is needed, but it’s usually within 12 months or a certain amount of miles from new.
What is a car service history?
A service history shows a vehicle has been maintained in line with a manufacturer’s service schedule and includes all the relevant documents as proof.
Taking your car to an approved dealer for each service or for any repairs means the vehicle will have full main dealer service history, helping your car retain its value. Non-approved dealers can also keep the vehicle serviced correctly, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, so the car will still have a full service history. You should try to use a VAT registered garage.
What is a car service book?
The service book is a document used to officially record any and all services, including details of maintenance carried out, along with the date and mileage of the vehicle at the time. Most vehicle manufacturers now operate digital service records where you can access the documents online.
Here at Car Auction Buying Service, we’re dedicated to finding the very best deal at auction for you, attending events arranged by British Car Auctions, Manheim, G3 and Aston Barclay, plus many more. We assist in bidding and provide the support you need to buy successfully from the auction; without the need for you to travel across the country.
Thanks to our multiple trade accounts we pay much lower buyers premiums compared to private buyers. We then pass that saving on to you! We scrutinise the cosmetic reports and mechanical reports that accompany each vehicle. Our team can also provide trade price warranties and deliver your car to any location in the UK. To find out more, or to inquire about buying your next vehicle from a nationwide or local car auctions, please give us a call on 0121 769 1729. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form. Or head over to our website www.carauctionbuyingservice.co.uk for more information.
