Is your car due for a service? Or perhaps your last car service passed you by because you weren't quite sure why or when you should book it. This article will explain exactly what a car service includes and why it’s important so that you can be prepared when the time comes to get your vehicle checked.

What is a car service?

A car service is a health check of your car. It’s an opportunity to check that everything is in working order and nothing needs fixing. It differs from an MOT as a car service is not mandatory, however, it is highly recommended. Regular check ups can help you to keep your car in a good condition, which ensures it is safe to drive and not depreciating too fast in value. Some drivers even book a car service before their MOT to test whether their vehicle will pass or not.

Types of car service:

1. Interim car service - Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles. If you are a frequent driver then you may need an interim car service more often than most to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition. 
    
2. Full car service - Recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles. This is the most standard car service.
    
3. Major car service - Recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles. A major car service includes extra checks like testing the car battery or brake fluid. 
    

How long does a car service take?

A full car service will take no longer than a day. In fact, it normally takes between 1 - 4 hours depending on the garage and condition of your vehicle. Therefore, you do not have to worry about being without a car for too long. Simply drop it off at the garage, go away for a couple of hours, and come back to pick it up again. You’ll have peace of mind that your car is safe to drive all in a day’s work.
 

What does a car service involve?

A full car service can have up to 80 checks. The main components of a car service include: 

1. Oil change or filter replacement 
2. Checking the condition of the tyres 
3. Testing key safety features like the lights, brakes, seat belts and steering wheel
4. Testing the car battery and charging if necessary
5. Checking the coolant levels
6. Lubricating the door hinges and locks if they're squeaking
7. Testing the suspension
    

Why should I get my car serviced?

• To prevent major problems in the future - Continuous maintenance can prevent any big problems from building. This will also save you money in the long run as smaller fixes are much more affordable than big ones.
   
• Helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle - Routine maintenance checks can help prolong the life of your car, including better fuel mileage and longer battery life. Again, this can help you to reduce costs as you will not have to buy a new car or battery anytime soon.
   
• Can help reduce emissions - Regular servicing ensures that fuel is being burned efficiently rather than being wasted through poor running or inefficient maintenance which is better for the environment.
   
• To help keep your insurance or warranty valid - Your service history can help insurance companies evaluate your car before an accident. Furthermore, if you purchased your vehicle from a dealership with a warranty, then you may need to get your car serviced at this dealership as part of the conditions. It is always advised to check the terms of your insurance or warranty to ensure you won’t be left short.
   
• You can get advice on how to improve your car’s performance - Servicing isn't just about maintaining what's already there - it's also an opportunity for you to get advice on whether any upgrades would benefit your car's performance or efficiency. For example, if the weather is getting colder then it may be time to upgrade to some winter tyres.
   

There we have it! Everything you need to know about a car service and what it involves. If your car is due a service then ensure you book a slot with your local garage so that your car is in optimal condition to drive safely and achieve maximum performance.