Do I need to service my car every year?

Monday 17th January 2022

What is car servicing?

A car service is series of checks and tests which are measured against the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. These tests are carried about by a trained mechanic - a service will check over your steering, brakes, suspension, and other mechanical systems.

If you have a car that runs on fuel, the mechanic will change certain fluids in the engine and gearbox to remove any old, dirty fluids and replace it with clean, fresh fluids. The type of servicing you receive depends on whether you choose a full service or an interim one - an interim service includes the service checks of level of fluids, the condition of the engine, batteries, lights, and tyres. Whereas, a full service includes extra checks, such as your steering, the hydraulic fluid and coolant levels, and much more. For an EVS or hybrid car, your service will focus more on tyre wear and tear, brake fluid changes and other aspects.

Servicing your car is extremely important - by missing your car servicing, you could impact the safety, value and performance of your vehicle. Regularly servicing your car could provide the opportunity for expert technicians to find warning signs of potential issues with your car which, when found early enough, can save you money in the long run. 

How will I know if my car needs a service?

There may be many signs that your car needs servicing. For example, most cars will signify the need for a service change by flashing a light on the dashboard of your car. You may also be inclined to have your car serviced if you’ve noticed any issues, for example, grumbling noises, your wheel pulling to one side or more. You can also find out the type of servicing your car needs in our helpful blog. 

Am I legally required to service my car every year?

There is no legal requirement for you to service your car every year, however, it is highly recommended. The general rule of thumb is to service your car every 12 months or every 12,000 miles – whichever milestone your car reaches first. 

Here are some reasons why you should get your car serviced every year:

• Increases your car life span: annual servicing picks up any issues early that your car may have, and will undoubtedly increase the life of your car in the long run.
• You are less likely to break down: servicing your car means you are less prone to break down.
• Your car will run more efficiently: if your car is running more smoothly, you are less likely to waste fuel and drive more efficiently - rather than there being underlying issues with your car affecting your car performance.
• Can help with your warranty: many manufacturer warranties require for your car to be regularly serviced for it to be eligible.
• Your car will be worth more: if you are thinking of selling your car, then having a full-service warranty will increase the value of your car.

If you feel that your vehicle needs car servicing, or you simply want to check everything is as it should be, book a slot with us at a centre near you. You could also book your MOT, tyre services, and other car products. Alternatively, contact our helpful team for more information.