Choosing The Best Car Service

When should I service my car?

As a good rule of thumb, we suggest you have your car serviced every twelve months or 12000 miles, whichever comes first. Heavy car users, who drive many miles a year, should aim to have an interim service every six months or 6000 miles.

Most modern cars have an in-built computer that issues a warning light, often in the image of a spanner, on the dashboard when your car has reached its service interval.

If your car is still under a manufacturer’s warranty, it is absolutely essential that you follow the guidance in the servicing schedule, which can be found in your car’s manual pack; failure to do so could invalidate your warranty. 

What does a car service include?

The most common bands of servicing are; an Oil and Filter change, a Basic/Interim service & a Full service.

Oil and Filter change

This is the most basic type of service. The oil and oil filter is changed and a visual inspection of the vehicle is undertaken. However no specific safety checks, such as checking the brakes, are made.

Basic/Interim Service

An interim service is the most basic level of car service which will get you a stamp in your service book and the car’s service clock reset, if applicable.

With this type of car service you get the oil and filter changed and additional safety checks are carried out. Typically including the:

• Lights; headlamps, indicators and hazard lamps
• Horn
• Wipers
• Brakes; including servicing of the hardware and connecting
• Fluid levels; for breaks, washer and antifreeze and transmission fluid
• Steering, clutch and tyres
• The exhaust and checking for any leaks

Full service

A full service includes all the same tests as in the Interim service, and an addition 29 points of interest. Some of the main ones worth noting include:

• Pollen filter and air conditioning checks/replacements
• A top up of brake fluid and antifreeze
• A more thorough checks of the brakes, engine, shock absorbers and wheel bearings

Always be sure of exactly what is included in your service. Know what you are getting for your money, so there will be no nasty surprises when you collect the bill.

How much is a car service?

Service costs vary depending on the year, make and model of your car. However, here’s a rough guide of what you can expect to pay:

Oil and Filter Change

You can expect to pay between £80 and £150, depending on your location, the type of oil required and the cost of the filter.

Basic or Interim Service

Can be anything from as little as £80 up to around £180, depending on the cost of the oil and parts for your vehicle, as well as your location.

Full Service

A typical deal will see costs begin at around £175 upwards. However, it depends on the cost of the parts and the servicing schedule of the vehicle.

It is worth noting that 4x4s, prestige cars and sports cars, can bear higher servicing costs than your average family vehicle.

Where can I get my car serviced?

There are three main categories of garages:

Main dealerships
Main dealerships are affiliated with particular car brands. They’ll have all of the bespoke tools and diagnostic equipment required to enable them to deal with your car quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, having main dealer service history can increase the resale value of your vehicle by up to 26%.

Independent garages
An independent garage is a smaller, local garage that is not officially affiliated with a car brand, though may still specialise in certain makes and models.

You’ll usually deal directly with the person who is going to service your car, giving a more personal service.

Fast fit garages
Fast fit garages are usually large, national companies that will often complete the work whilst you wait. They mainly replace tyres, complete MOTs and services, change exhausts etc. Often there are good deals to be had and the added bonus of being able to just turn up without booking.

With MyCarNeedsA.com you can compare all of these with ease online!

Find the right service provider

Vehicles need to be kept in roadworthy condition. Having your vehicle serviced by someone you trust is vital in ensuring that it is operating in optimal condition. Choosing a reliable service provider to do your regular servicing increases the safety, reliability and lifespan of your vehicle.

MyCarNeedsA.com can provide specialist advice on the servicing requirements of your vehicle. This will include specific information from the manufacturer regarding necessary replacement parts in line with the servicing schedule.

Need car servicing in your local area? MyCarNeedsA.com can provide quotes for all levels of servicing, at competitive rates.

Get a quote today!