How often should I service my car?
All car owners want their car to last as long as possible, as buying a replacement will almost always be expensive. One way to do this is to ensure that the vehicle is serviced regularly.
What exactly is a service?
A service is a check on the condition of your vehicle performed by a qualified mechanic. It's a bit like a check-up with your GP. Unlike an MOT, a service isn't a legal requirement.
Usually, the service is carried out at a garage but occasionally can be done by an individual mechanic on their own premises.
What is checked during a service?
The number of elements that are checked depends on how comprehensive the service is. An 'interim' service, for example, will check fewer elements than a 'full' one.
An 'interim' car service is recommended every 6 months, or 6,000 miles (whichever occurs first) and should include checks on:
brakes
tyres
steering
suspensions
lights (including warning lights)
fluid levels (including brake fluid)
It may also include an engine oil change, replacement of the oil filter and a drive-belt inspection.
Most car manufacturers recommend that a 'full' service is carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes sooner. A full service should include everything that's in an interim service plus a number of additional extra checks. It will consist of around 80 different checks such as:
a diesel fuel filter replacement
air filter
inspection of the parking brakes and shoes
alternator hose inspection
vacuum hose inspection
removal and rotation of the wheels
If, for whatever reason, your car has not been serviced for more than 18months, it may well need what is referred to as a 'major' service. This includes all the checks in a 'full' service plus some extra checks such as brake fluid replacement or spark plug replacement as well as a battery test.
Should I follow a service schedule/plan?
Your manufacturer will recommend a service schedule for your particular model, this can usually be found in your manual or on their website. In addition to the 'full' service, most manufacturers will recommend the service interval for specific areas, for example a brake fluid change.
Why should I service my car?
Having your car serviced regularly will mean that it is running as safely and efficiently as possible and any issues can be identified before they become troublesome. Cars that are regularly serviced are less likely to break down.
How much does a service cost?
Unlike for an MOT, there is no set cost for a service. However, for a 'full' service you should expect to pay around £150.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
Book with Protyre
All Protyre garages use experienced staff including qualified fitters. We hold in stock a wide range of tyres, including premium tyres from the likes of Bridgestone, Pirelli, and Michelin, as well as budget-friendly options from brands such as Falken, Sumitomo, and Toyo.
Protyre offer a number of free checks for your vehicle to help give you peace of mind motoring. You can book one of our free checks online or call your nearest Protyre garage for further details and advice. To find your closest Protyre garage, simply enter your postcode into our online search tool.
