Some people mistakenly think that because servicing their vehicle is not a legal requirement nor a matter that affects their insurance, it is not necessary to invest in regular tune-ups.
However, it’s vital to ensure that your car is running correctly and that any issues are seen to and rectified as soon as possible, as a minor problem may get worse and lead to damage that is expensive to fix, or, more concerningly, an undiscovered fault may cause a major feature of your car to fail while on the road, potentially causing serious injury or death.
That’s why the team at Dronsfields always recommend that you get your vehicle serviced at regular intervals. So how often should you service your car to keep it running properly?
Car Service Intervals
The recommended car service intervals are either:
- Once a year
or
- Every 12,000 miles, depending on which comes first.
However, if you’re noticing a number of issues with your vehicle between these times, you may consider taking your car in before the next interval.
Van and Truck Service Intervals
When it comes to how often you should service your car, van drivers are usually recommended to observe the same servicing intervals as stated above – either once a year or every 12,000 miles.
Commercial trucks and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), on the other hand, tend to require regular checks as well as a full service. A full service still tends to take place annually, but inspections and tests are likely to be undertaken every six weeks or so.
Lorry Service Intervals
Lorries and other Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are usually treated similarly to PSVs in that they are given a full service once a year, but are also subject to six-weekly checks in between.
Fleet Servicing
If your company owns two or more vehicles, a great approach is to opt for fleet servicing. This means that you can get all of your vehicles checked at the same time without having to map out a complex timetable of when each one is due into the garage. Fleet servicing often means that the work is provided at a discounted rate, as you’re having your vehicles maintained “in bulk”, so it’s very likely to save you money.
How Much is a Car Service?
A basic service costs £125 per appointment. However, this depends on what needs to be done and if any additional work or attention is required.
What Does a Full Car Service Include?
Different levels of service are available depending on the needs of your vehicle. These can range from a simple oil and filter change to a basic service – which sees all necessary fluids topped up and your brakes checked as well as other minor inspections and tweaks, to a full service .
Which involves a number of further checks, to a major service – which also includes spark plug and fuel filter changes, to a comprehensive manufacturer’s survey – which includes all checks and the cost of any maintenance required.
The full list of checks and adjustments that a vehicle may require include:
- Oil and oil filter
- Brake fluid
- Anti-Freeze coolant
- Windscreen wash
- Full brakes
- Power steering fluid
- Steering
- Shock absorbers
- Suspension
- Lights
- Windscreen wipers
- Wheel alignment
- Charging systems
- Exhaust
- Battery
- Tyre tread and pressure
What’s the Difference Between MOT and Service?
Only cars that are over three years old require an MOT, and their purpose is to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and that it fulfills all requirements to be safe to drive on public roads, including levels of exhaust emission.
So how often do you need an MOT? This particular type of check is similar to servicing, because your vehicle must undergo one once a year.
The difference, however, is that MOTs are required both by the law and by your insurance company. They are comprised of a series of checks to ensure that it is safe to drive your vehicle, and to inform you of any issues that may need seeing to.
Nothing in your vehicle is changed, adjusted or fixed during an MOT – that’s what you need a service for.
Services are arranged to tune up your vehicle and make any adjustments that are required.
Where Can I Service My Car?
You can arrange to have your car serviced at a service station, a fast fit garage, an independent garage or a car dealership. A quick search will reveal a number of locations offering servicing, but it’s best to shop around for the very best as not every place will have what you require.
For example, not all garages offer fleet servicing, an option that is likely to save you a considerable amount of money.
Dronsfields in Oldham offer comprehensive Mercedes-Benz servicing and repair, along with fleet maintenance. Contact us today for a quote.