Over half of UK drivers are unaware of when their next car service is due, meaning they could be driving around with minor defects which could become major problems in the future.
To help prevent this, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, has outlined the importance of regular services and when they’re required.
Costly Repairs
“Skipping your car’s servicing can lead to costly repairs further down the line. For example, ignoring that your brake pads are worn can lead to broken brake rotors, or discs, which can be extremely costly to replace. More importantly, failing to regularly check oil and coolant fluid levels can lead to catastrophic engine damage, which could cost many thousands of pounds to rectify.”
Safety Risks
“Some car maintenance checks, in particular, are crucial to your safety on the road and will form part of a regular servicing routine. A good example of this is servicing your brakes so that you can detect issues like worn brake pads,or even leaking brake fluid, that can lead to incredibly dangerous brake failure. Regular servicing will also identify tyres that need to be replaced, saving you from both hefty fines and points on your licence, as well as the threat posed by a tyre blow-out on the road.”
Reduced Performance
“Failing to regularly service your vehicle can lead to the deterioration of components in your car and can, therefore, decrease the performance of your vehicle. From air and oil filters that need replacing to worn tyres, neglecting your car’s service can significantly affect the drivability – and overall enjoyment – of your vehicle.”
Decreased Resale Value
“When it comes to selling your vehicle, failing to have a well-documented service history can significantly reduce the price that you can expect to get for your car. If a car doesn’t have a complete service history – maintained in line with a manufacturer’s service schedule – then it can typically be worth 20% less than the same car with a full service history. Also remember that if you lease a car, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is fully serviced, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, for the duration of your contract.”
Voided Warranty Coverage
“If you’ve bought your car brand new from a dealership, or you lease a new car, it will come with a warranty that covers the outlined repairs and replacements for a set period or mileage. However, if you fail to keep up with the regular maintenance services for your vehicle, this can lead to the warranty being void and the costs of repairs falling on yourself.”
How often should your petrol car be serviced?
The frequency that your car should be serviced largely varies based on the age of the vehicle, its mileage, the manufacturer’s recommendations and the driving conditions the car is subject to. Below, Select Car Leasing outlines some general time frames around servicing:
Annual Servicing
“It is highly recommended to have your car serviced at least once a year, to ensure that all of its components can be checked, potential problems can be identified, and necessary maintenance is performed, for optimum performance and safety on the road.”
Mileage-Based Servicing
“Most manufacturers recommend a service schedule based on mileage intervals. For example, every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. This should be followed for routine maintenance tasks like inspections, regular oil changes or filter replacements.”
Special Considerations
“It’s important to consider that certain driving conditions may warrant more frequent servicing. For example, if you frequently drive in stop-and-start traffic, drive in extreme weather conditions or often tow heavy loads – then your car may require more frequent maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.”
Callum Butler from ALA Insurance added, “Many people unknowingly void warranties by neglecting manufacturer guidelines. Simple errors like improper oil changes or using incorrect oil grades can jeopardise your claims.
“This is because policyholders are expected to follow basic manufacturer guidelines and exercise caution while doing so.”
He went on, “While it may seem like a simple task, checking oil levels with the engine running can pose significant risks to both the vehicle and its owner. It’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations and ensure the engine is off before conducting maintenance.”
Listen to Your Car
“There is no better indication that your car needs to be taken to a garage than unusual sounds, vibrations, warning lights, or changes in performance. If this is the case, listen to the warning signs and visit your nearest garage – don’t wait until your next scheduled service.”
Electric car servicing
“When it comes to electric cars, the service schedule is a little different as, often, EVs have fewer moving parts, fewer fluids and simple drivetrains – which all require less regular maintenance.
“It is still typically recommended that the vehicle is serviced annually, or every 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. As electric cars have large battery packs, most manufacturers also recommend checking the battery, coolant and filters every 2-3 years.”