Regular servicing is the simplest way to keep your car reliable, safe and running well. It catches small problems before they become expensive ones, and it keeps the engine, brakes and other key parts in good working order. But how often does a car actually need servicing? The honest answer is: it depends on your car and how you use it.
What Does the Manufacturer Recommend?
Every car has a service schedule set by the manufacturer, usually listed in the owner’s handbook. It tells you when the car should be serviced and what should be checked or replaced at each visit. Following that schedule is the best starting point, and it is also helpful if you ever sell the car.
Once a Year Is a Good Rule of Thumb
For most drivers, a service once a year is a sensible habit. Even if you do not drive many miles, oil and filters age over time, and things like brakes, tyres and lights need a regular check. A yearly service gives a mechanic the chance to look over the whole car and spot wear before it becomes a breakdown.
Mileage Matters Too
If you drive a lot of miles, your car may need servicing more often than once a year. High mileage wears out oil, filters and brakes faster, so it is worth going by whichever comes first — the time or the mileage in your handbook.
Signs Your Car Is Due a Service
Apart from the schedule, look out for warning lights, strange noises, a drop in fuel economy or a change in how the car feels to drive. Any of these are good reasons to book a service or a check, even if the next one is not due yet.
What Happens During a Service?
A routine service usually includes fresh engine oil and a new oil filter, plus checks on the brakes, tyres, battery, lights, fluid levels and suspension. Anything that needs attention is explained to you before any work goes ahead.
Servicing Without the Garage Trip
You do not have to take your car to a garage to get it serviced. Adams Mobile Mechanics carries out servicing at your home or workplace in Romford or Essex. Call 07939 928 121 or send a message through our contact form to book a service at a time that suits you.