How Often Do You Need A Car Service?

You may think that skipping a car service now will save you time and money, especially if you’re feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis. But this can be counter-productive, as without a service, you may miss hidden car issues and end up needing complex repair work down the road.

So how do you know when you need a car service? There’s no standard answer to this question, since cars vary in age, model, and usage. With that in mind, it’s best to refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations for car servicing, as they’re generally accepted as the standard.

But first, why should you service your car? Aside from being part of regular car maintenance, routine car servicing can prevent your vehicle from unexpected breakdowns. It can also help you avoid potential safety risks, allowing you to have a better driving experience.

In this article, we discuss why car service is mandatory and how often you need to service your car.

When do I need a Car Service?

Responsible vehicle owners consider car servicing more than just a mere maintenance task. Routine check ups allow you to spot common car problems early on and fix them before they escalate into major repairs and component replacements. 

You may think car service is not mandatory when your vehicle is in good condition. However, that isn’t reason enough to ignore your car service schedule. You can follow your manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual or your car’s service booklet to determine when you need a car service. 

Aside from routine servicing, you may need a car service if your vehicle is showing signs of problems such as starting trouble, issues with the brakes, releasing harmful emissions, or improper wheel alignment. Increased fuel consumption or issues with the suspension system may also warrant a car service.

The frequency of services your car requires will vary depending on how often you use it and your driving conditions. Although it’s standard practice to take your car for servicing annually, you can consider an interim service or a major car service for optimal maintenance.

You can easily book a car service online for In Town Automotive’s award-winning garage. Our experienced technicians use modern diagnostic tools to ensure your vehicle’s optimal health and performance. Get in touch or call us at 01604 666 700 today.

What Does a Service Involve?

Vehicle safety and efficiency rank high on every car owner’s wishlist. If you’re not sure if or why you might need a car service, it’s helpful to be aware of what car servicing involves. Maintenance work and inspection, while common, can vary greatly depending on the type of service you choose for your vehicle.

Full car services are detailed, often involving comprehensive checks that include inspections and component replacements. These car services are mandatory and should be done once a year. Some of these service checks include air filter replacements, car battery, suspension and exhaust system checks, and fluid top-ups.

Interim services are often part of routine maintenance and can be done anytime between yearly full-service checks. Frequently used cars will benefit the most from interim checks, which cover all the essential checks your car needs to run smoothly.

Major car servicing is a step up from this and should typically be done every two years or after every 24,000 miles. This is the highest level of car servicing you can get and typically includes all full-service checks plus additional inspections, along with comprehensive diagnostic tests and replacements for brake fluid, fuel filters and spark plugs.

You can refer to a car servicing checklist to help you stay informed about all the car components and systems that need servicing. This will help you determine the service that best suits your vehicle’s needs.

The Difference Between Car Servicing and MOT

Car servicing and MOT tests both help you keep your vehicle road-safe, but they differ greatly in their purpose and requirements. 

Starting with car servicing, this is part of routine maintenance and is essential for your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. You need a car service to extend the life of your car.

Moving on to MOTs, you need an MOT test as it’s a legal requirement for all vehicles in the UK over three years old. Unlike a car service, MOT tests are mandatory for you to be able to drive legally on public roads. The main function of a MOT test is to inspect your vehicle’s safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

While there are no fines or penalties for not servicing your car, driving without a valid MOT can lead to fines of up to £1,000. MOT tests are done annually, while car servicing can be done annually, every six months, or every two years depending on the service type.

Although a car service may not be mandatory, it’s best to do it regularly in combination with the yearly MOT test. This can help extend your vehicle’s lifespan and improve its on-road safety, ensuring it’s legally compliant with environmental regulations.

Use our tips for a stress-free inspection and to pass your MOT test. Our garage in Northampton is fully accredited to provide DVSA class 4 MOT tests with state-of-the-art facilities. To book your MOT, call us at 01604 666 700.

What Happens If I Don’t Perform Car Service Regularly?

Your car’s overall health and condition will determine your driving experience and safety. Regular servicing can help boost your vehicle’s reliability and on-road safety, preventing potential damage and expensive repairs.

Whether you choose a full, interim or major car service, your car will benefit from regular maintenance checks. Skipping a car service or not adhering to your vehicle’s service schedules can prove expensive in the long run and hamper its performance. It can also increase your risk of experiencing breakdowns and needing expensive emergency repairs.

For example, not changing your engine oil regularly can cause wear and tear, leading to overheating. As a result, you might notice increased fuel consumption and even experience engine failure.   

With that in mind, you need a car service not just to avoid expensive repairs but to also stay legally compliant and avoid risky driving conditions.    

Contact In Town Automotive for a Complete Vehicle Service Today 

Now you know the reasons behind why you should service a car, you may be ready to book a car service online today at our award-winning garage. 

At In Town Automotive, we understand that everyone wants a hassle-free driving experience, and we’re committed to providing the best servicing for your vehicle.  We can help you understand when you need a car service and adhere to service schedules for your specific vehicle. 

Regular car servicing can help you fix common car issues quickly and efficiently before they become major repairs. You need a car service to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable to use. 

We use top-of-the-line diagnostic tools to conduct full-service scans. Our technicians are well-equipped to tackle various car issues to support your vehicle’s health. 

To keep your car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and much more.

Consider visiting our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.