If you have a car, you should be fully aware that you need to have it serviced to function well and be in optimum condition. There’s some debate about how often you should have it checked, but most experts will agree that you should have your vehicle serviced at least once a year (if it doesn’t have any other issue, that is). But it also depends on what kind of servicing you need, and it will be based on your car or vehicle’s model, mileage, and age.
Beyond a doubt, having your vehicle serviced is crucial – it’s all part and parcel of owning a vehicle, after all – but aside from making sure your car runs smoothly, servicing it regularly ensures that your warranty remains intact (and this goes for both your after-market and manufacturer’s warranties). Complete service history also goes a long way when you decide to sell your vehicle, showing buyers that you’ve prioritised your car’s maintenance. But what should you expect from vehicle servicing? Here are your top FAQs now answered.
How many times should your vehicle go for servicing?
Most modern vehicles have a ‘service indicator’ which reminds you when your car is due for servicing. In addition, the details of your vehicle’s recommended schedule for servicing will be in the vehicle’s handbook. Often, garages offer servicing depending on a set period or mileage. You may be familiar with some terms, such as a full service or an interim service – which means they align with what needs to be serviced or changed depending on wear and tear. For instance, an interim service should be every six months or every 6k miles, depending on which comes first. A full service is after every 12 months or 12k miles, whilst a major service refers to service done every 24k miles or 24 months.
Is car servicing different from an MOT?
The short answer is yes, although it can be done at the same time, as confirmed by a RAC-approved garage – and you can now book an appointment at many RAC-approved garages; just type ‘RAC-approved garages near me‘, and it will point you in the right direction.
To be clear, many garages offer both – and they come as part of a package. But there are still certain differences between the two. For example, having your car serviced isn’t a legal obligation, but getting a yearly MOT is, especially if your car is more than three years old. In addition, many vehicle owners opt to get an MOT because it is cheaper – but it’s worth noting that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, so it’s better to have your vehicle serviced rather than have an issue later on – which tends to end up being more expensive to address!
What is included in the service?
It will significantly depend on the garage and the kind of service you request, but servicing includes visual assessments and checks on your gearbox and brakes. It can also include checks on the oil filter, engine oil, tyres, lights, bodywork, fluids and coolants, steering, exhausts, battery, and suspension. The garage may also replace fluids or worn vehicle components, but the number of changes and parts you get will depend on the kind of service you request.
Image attributed to Pixabay.com
