Why Is Regular Car Servicing Important?
Regular car servicing is one of the most crucial aspects of vehicle ownership that many drivers unfortunately overlook. Here are several compelling reasons why car servicing should be a top priority:
Improves Safety
Perhaps the most important reason to service your car regularly is safety. During a service, technicians identify worn-out components such as brake pads, discs, and tyres that could potentially fail while driving. Brake systems gradually deteriorate through normal use, and without regular inspection, this deterioration can go unnoticed until a critical failure occurs.
A properly maintained vehicle responds better in emergency situations, providing you with the control you need when it matters most. This isn’t just about your safety but also the safety of your passengers and other road users.
Saves Money in the Long Run
While servicing requires an upfront investment, it’s significantly more cost-effective than dealing with major repairs caused by neglect. Regular maintenance allows technicians to identify small issues before they develop into serious problems requiring expensive repairs.
For example, changing oil regularly costs a fraction of what you’d pay to replace an engine damaged by old, degraded oil. Similarly, replacing worn brake pads is much cheaper than having to replace entire brake systems due to excessive wear.
Increases Fuel Efficiency
A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently, consuming less fuel during everyday driving. Regular oil changes, clean air filters, properly inflated tyres, and well-adjusted engine components all contribute to optimal fuel consumption.
Studies show that a properly maintained vehicle can be up to 10% more fuel-efficient than a neglected one. With today’s fuel prices, this represents significant savings over time.
Enhances Resale Value
When the time comes to sell or trade in your vehicle, a full service history significantly increases its market value. Prospective buyers are willing to pay a premium for vehicles with comprehensive service records because these documents provide evidence of proper care and maintenance.
Reduces Breakdown Risk
Regular servicing dramatically reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns by addressing potential issues before they cause failures. Components like batteries, alternators, and cooling systems are checked during servicing, helping to prevent the most common causes of roadside breakdowns.
Want peace of mind every time you drive? Book a car service with Premier Vehicle Care today and enjoy expert support from a trusted local garage.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
Finding the right servicing interval for your vehicle balances manufacturer recommendations with your specific driving habits and conditions:
Mileage-Based Servicing
Many manufacturers recommend servicing your car every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This interval strikes a balance between maintenance costs and vehicle reliability for average drivers. However, this can vary depending on:
- Vehicle make and model: Different manufacturers have different requirements
- Vehicle age: Older vehicles typically benefit from more frequent servicing
- Engine type: Diesel, petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles all have different servicing needs
- Vehicle usage: High-performance driving or towing puts additional strain on components
Always consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations, as deviating from these guidelines could affect your warranty coverage.
Time-Based Servicing
Even if you don’t accumulate many miles on your vehicle, time-based servicing remains essential. Important fluid components like engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant degrade over time regardless of mileage:
- Engine oil oxidises and loses its protective properties even when the car isn’t being used
- Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, lowering its boiling point
- Coolant becomes more acidic over time, potentially causing corrosion
- Rubber components like hoses and belts deteriorate with age
For low-mileage drivers, an annual service is typically recommended regardless of distance travelled.
Types of Car Services
Understanding the different types of car servicing helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s maintenance:
Interim Service
An interim service is recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles, particularly beneficial for high-mileage drivers.
What’s typically included:
- Oil and filter change: Replaces old engine oil and oil filter
- Top-up of essential fluids: Includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, screen wash, and coolant
- Tyre inspection: Checks tread depth, pressure, and condition
- Brake check: Examines brake pads, discs, and calipers for wear
- Lights and wipers inspection: Ensures all exterior lighting and wipers function correctly
Full Service
A full service is typically performed every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What’s covered (in addition to everything in an interim service):
- Air filter replacement: Ensures clean air reaches the engine
- Spark plug check or replacement (for petrol engines)
- Diesel fuel filter check (for diesel engines)
- Inspection of suspension and steering components
- Brake fluid analysis and replacement if needed
- Extensive vehicle check: Approximately 50-70 individual items
Major Service
A major service is typically recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles. It builds upon the full service with additional checks and replacements.
What’s included (beyond a full service):
- Complete brake fluid replacement
- Cabin and pollen filter replacement
- Fuel filter replacement
- Comprehensive battery and alternator testing
- In-depth engine diagnostics
- Timing belt inspection or replacement (if due)
If you’re unsure which type of service your vehicle needs, the professional team at Premier Vehicle Care can advise you based on your specific circumstances, driving habits, and service history.
How Do Driving Habits Affect Service Intervals?
Your personal driving style and the environments in which you typically drive significantly impact how frequently your vehicle requires servicing:
City and Urban Driving
City driving involves frequent stopping and starting, which places additional strain on several vehicle systems:
- Brakes pads wear faster due to constant use in traffic
- Clutch components deteriorate more quickly with frequent gear changes
- Engine oil degrades faster due to more cold starts
Motorway and Highway Driving
Long-distance motorway driving generally places less strain on vehicles since they operate at steady speeds and optimal temperatures. However, high-mileage drivers accumulate wear more quickly and may need more regular servicing.
Towing and Heavy Loads
Regularly towing trailers, caravans, or carrying heavy loads significantly increases stress on your vehicle, especially on suspension components, transmission systems and braking systems.
Short Journeys
Vehicles used primarily for short journeys often need more frequent maintenance:
- Engine oil doesn’t reach optimal temperature, leading to condensation
- Diesel particulate filters may not complete regeneration cycles
- Batteries have fewer opportunities to recharge fully
These factors should be considered when determining your optimal service intervals. A tailored servicing plan from Premier Vehicle Care ensures your car gets exactly what it needs when it needs it, based on your unique driving profile.
What Happens If You Skip a Service?
While skipping a scheduled service might seem like a money-saving measure in the short term, it often leads to significant consequences:
Increased Wear on Components
Regular servicing replaces worn components before they cause damage to other parts. Without these timely replacements:
- Old engine oil loses its lubricating properties, increasing friction and wear
- Clogged filters restrict airflow and fluid circulation
- Worn brake components create uneven wear patterns
Lower Fuel Efficiency and Performance
A poorly maintained vehicle consumes more fuel and delivers reduced performance due to dirty fuel injectors, clogged air filters, worn spark plugs, and incorrect tyre pressures.
Voided Warranty Protection
Most manufacturer warranties include specific requirements for regular maintenance. Missed services can void entire warranty coverage, and using non-approved parts during DIY maintenance may invalidate component-specific warranties.
Diminished Resale Value
Incomplete service records suggest potential hidden problems to buyers and can significantly reduce your vehicle’s market value.
Safety Concerns
Inadequate maintenance can compromise vehicle safety through worn braking components, deteriorated suspension parts, faulty lighting, and worn tyres.
Keeping up with your car’s servicing schedule protects your investment, ensures safe driving, and provides peace of mind.
How to Know When Your Car Needs Servicing
Beyond following the recommended service intervals, your vehicle often provides warning signs indicating that maintenance is needed:
Dashboard Warning Lights
Modern vehicles have sophisticated onboard diagnostics that monitor critical systems. Never ignore illuminated warning lights—they’re designed to notify you of issues before component failure occurs.
Unusual Noises
Unfamiliar sounds often indicate developing mechanical issues:
- Grinding when braking typically indicates worn brake pads
- Knocking or tapping from the engine may suggest oil pressure problems
- Whining from the transmission often indicates fluid issues
- Clunking from the suspension suggests worn bushings or joints
Reduced Performance
Noticeable changes in how your vehicle drives can indicate maintenance needs, including sluggish acceleration, increased fuel consumption, difficult starting, or uneven power delivery.
Unusual Smells
Different odours can indicate specific issues requiring attention, such as burning oil, coolant leaks, fuel odours, or burning rubber.
Handling Issues
Changes in vehicle handling characteristics often indicate steering or suspension problems, including pulling to one side, excessive bouncing, vibrations, or increased steering effort.
Even if your car seems to be running fine, adhering to regular service intervals remains the best strategy for catching hidden issues before they manifest as noticeable problems. Booking a service appointment with Premier Vehicle Care gives you peace of mind that trained technicians will thoroughly inspect all critical systems.
How Much Does Car Servicing Cost?
Understanding the typical costs associated with different service types helps you budget appropriately for vehicle maintenance:
Factors Affecting Service Costs
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury and performance vehicles typically cost more to service
- Engine size and type: Larger engines and diesel powertrains often incur higher costs
- Service type: Interim, full, or major services have different price points
- Geographic location: Labour rates vary significantly between regions
- Garage type: Main dealers typically charge premium rates
Additional costs may arise from replacement parts identified during inspection, fluid replacements beyond those included in standard packages, or diagnostic time for investigating specific issues.
While it might seem like an added expense, regular servicing prevents more expensive repair bills and protects your vehicle’s value. Booking your service with a reputable garage like Premier Vehicle Care ensures transparent pricing, genuine parts, and excellent workmanship without the premium rates often charged by main dealers.
Can You Service Your Own Car?
While DIY servicing is possible for some aspects, it’s important to understand its limitations:
What You Can Do Yourself
Some basic maintenance tasks are well within the capabilities of most car owners:
- Checking and topping up fluids
- Replacing wiper blades
- Changing air filters on many vehicle models
- Replacing bulbs for exterior lighting
- Checking tyre pressures and condition
When Professional Servicing Is Better
For comprehensive servicing, professional maintenance offers several advantages:
Specialised Tools and Diagnostics
Professional garages have access to diagnostic equipment, specialised tools, vehicle lifts, and torque wrenches.
Technical Expertise
Professional technicians offer training and experience specific to your vehicle make and model, knowledge of common issues, and access to technical service bulletins.
Quality Parts and Materials
Professional garages provide manufacturer-approved parts, correct grade oils and fluids, and proper disposal of waste materials.
Documentation and Warranty
Professional servicing includes stamped service books or digital service records, warranty protection for both parts and labour, and documentation to maintain manufacturer warranties.
Car Servicing Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of items addressed during professional servicing:
Engine Systems
- Oil and oil filter change
- Air filter inspection or replacement
- Fuel filter check
- Spark plug inspection or replacement (petrol engines)
- Drive belts and timing belt inspection
- Exhaust system check
- Engine diagnostics
Fluid Systems
- Brake fluid level check and condition assessment
- Coolant level and antifreeze concentration check
- Power steering fluid inspection
- Transmission fluid check
- Washer fluid top-up
Braking Systems
- Brake pad and disc inspection
- Brake caliper operation check
- Handbrake mechanism adjustment
- Brake line and hose inspection
Steering and Suspension
- Shock absorber operation check
- Suspension component inspection
- Steering component examination
- Power steering operation assessment
Electrical Systems
- Battery condition test
- Alternator output check
- Exterior lighting operation verification
- Wiper blade inspection
- Warning light check
Wheels and Tyres
- Tyre condition inspection, including tread depth measurement
- Tyre pressure adjustment
- Wheel bearing check
Every service is tailored to your car’s specific needs, especially at a dedicated service centre like Premier Vehicle Care.
Final Thoughts
While the general rule is servicing once every 12 months or 12,000 miles, your specific circumstances might warrant adjustments to this schedule. High-mileage drivers, those using vehicles in demanding conditions, or owners of specialised vehicles may benefit from more frequent maintenance.
Vehicle maintenance is an investment rather than an expense—one that pays dividends through improved reliability, enhanced safety, better efficiency, and stronger resale value. By establishing a relationship with a trusted service provider like Premier Vehicle Care, you create a partnership focused on keeping your vehicle in optimal condition throughout its life.
Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Prioritise car servicing as part of your car care routine and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your vehicle is receiving the attention it deserves.
For affordable, professional, and friendly service, get in touch with Premier Vehicle Care – your local experts in car maintenance who understand that quality servicing is about more than just changing oil and checking components—it’s about providing peace of mind with every journey.
