If your car is starting to show its age with that slight grumble of the engine or a little more sway in the suspension then you might need a bit of work. Depending on the garage or dealership you choose, there are different levels of car service available but generally speaking they fall into three categories: Interim, Full and Major. The exact contents of the service will vary, but a standard interim and full service will include an oil and filter change, fluid checks and replacing aging components, such as spark plugs. The more comprehensive Major service will usually involve around 50 or so system and component checks and replacements and could include the brakes, air conditioning, steering and suspension.
Manufacturers publish a service schedule (read your owner’s manual) and it is advisable to follow this to ensure that your car operates reliably for its lifetime. Ideally your car should be serviced once every year or every 10,000 miles to maintain its performance and to avoid unexpected mechanical failure.
When your car needs servicing it will typically be indicated by a service indicator light or you might get a reminder in the dashboard. It is recommended that you ask your mechanic to provide a written log of all works completed so that you are fully aware what has been done to your vehicle and why.
It is important that you take your car for a service when required as this will ensure the longevity of the vehicle and can reduce repair costs in the future. Regularly servicing your car also helps to improve fuel efficiency and can make it easier to drive. It can also decrease the risk of your car breaking down on the roadside or at home and it will often add to the resale value of your vehicle.
What is the cost of a car service?
The price of a car service will vary according to the type of car and the level of service you opt for. Generally, the most in-depth service will be the most expensive and will be undertaken by a specialist who can carry out the major maintenance tasks that your car requires.
The most basic car service will include an oil and filter change, a fluid check including brakes and a visual inspection of the engine and underbody. More detailed services will include replacement of aging parts, such as spark plugs which can last up to 100,000 miles but should be replaced before they start to fail. It is worth remembering that you will need to replace the wiper blades periodically, as they can become damaged or worn out and this could affect visibility on wet roads.
When you are choosing a garage or dealership for your car service, it is helpful to do some research and read reviews from previous customers. It is also worth asking for a quotation before the work is carried out so that you can compare prices and ensure that any charges are made clear to you.
