Seven Good Reasons to Have Your Car Serviced Regularly

By Nicola Carroll

 

However, these drivers are only delaying the inevitable as a car or van will eventually need attention from a professional garage, often at greater cost than routine servicing. Here are ten good reasons why no-one should overlook regular professional maintenance of their vehicle.

1. Lack of routine servicing can lead to more expensive problems later - Servicing includes an oil and oil filter change. This is generally recommended between 10-12, 000 miles or every 12 months, whichever is sooner. Used engine oil has metal particles which can cause increased wear and tear on engine parts which may in turn increase the likelihood of expensive engine repairs.


2. Maintaining the vehicles value - a regularly serviced vehicle will maximise its future resale value. A full or very good part service history demonstrates to potential buyers that the car has been well looked after and is less likely to incur expensive repair bills to them after purchase.


3. Get more miles for your £££'s - Clogged fuel and air filters can reduce the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and increase your fuel costs. There are many other ways to improve your fuel efficiency such as ensuring your tyres are at the correct pressure and reducing your speed.


4. Avoid unnecessary penalty points - regular servicing will help to make sure that your vehicle stays legal and roadworthy. A tyre with a tread depth of under 1.6mm can not only attract 3 penalty points but also a £2, 500 fine for each tyre. A faulty brake light can also attract 3 penalty points and a £60 fine. These faults will also see your vehicle fail it's MOT.


5. Reduce repair bills - While some routine servicing will amount to only the changing of your oil and filters, at some service intervals you will need to replace parts that are subject to wear and tear, such as brake pads. Whilst this will lead to a more expensive service, replacing these parts before they completely wear out will save you money by avoiding later, more expensive repair bills. For example, allowing your brake pads to wear out completely will destroy your brake discs and may also compromise the brake caliper.


6. Safety - Routine servicing by a professional, skilled mechanic can make sure that your vehicle remains safe. Your service includes a visual inspection of many of the parts of your vehicle's suspension and braking systems which should pick up tell-tale signs of wear and tear before they compromise the safety of your vehicle. Worn brakes or suspension components can significantly reduce your braking distance, whilst a fractured road spring can go unnoticed to the driver but could and can displace from its seat which could cause collapse of the suspension and possibly tear the tyre open.


7. Prevent avoidable (expensive) problems - Routine servicing includes a coolant (antifreeze) check and top up. Lack of antifreeze in the coolant system in freezing conditions can cause rapid and catastrophic damage to the engine, cooling and heating components. It is just as vital to ensure your antifreeze levels are sufficient in the summer months. Lack of antifreeze in warm conditions can lead to slow corrosion within the engine, cooling and heating systems causing premature failure of the water pump, radiator, heater matrix and head gasket. All of which can mount up to pricey repairs or worse! For vehicles with a cam belt it is vital that they are changed at the recommended intervals. Failure to adhere to these intervals can and almost will incur £100's worth of damage to the valve train and associated parts. Speak to your mechanic who will be able to advise you on the cam belt interval for your vehicle.


8. Road handling and performance - Keeping your tyres in tip-top condition is a crucial aspect of your vehicles handling and performance. However, the shock absorbers also play a significant role in this area. A worn shock absorber can dramatically increase braking distance, cause premature tyre wear and cause a rattly, sloppy ride. Regular servicing will include an inspection of your shock absorbers and your mechanic can advise you on the recommended intervals for replacing them.

Whilst many drivers balk at the prospect of a spending their hard-earned cash on routine maintenance of their vehicles, failure to observe even the most basic of servicing can lead to increased repair bills, poor fuel economy and compromised safety. Finding a good local, independent garage will inevitably save you money as opposed to using a main dealer (despite their many 'fixed price' claims). A good reputable garage will be able to give you an accurate service quote and will keep you informed of any additional items they would recommend when they inspect the vehicle.

This article has been written by Nicola Carroll, a garage owner with an interest in the motor vehicle industry. For quality car servicing, repairs and MOT in Redditch visit

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