Why is it important to service your car?

Servicing your car is an essential part of car ownership and maintenance. 

It’s tempting to delay a car service to save money, but this approach could actually cost you more in the long run. That’s why it’s important to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. 

In this article, we’ll explore why it’s important to regularly service your car and when it’s time to get your next service booked in. 

Why is it important to service your car? 

A car service will identify obvious and not-so-obvious problems, quickly resolving them so you can be on your way in a safe vehicle. This responsive approach can also prevent problems from worsening and costing you more to fix in the future. 

However, you should not wait for problems to appear before getting your car serviced. It’s highly recommended that a service should be carried out at least once a year or once every 12,000 miles clocked, whichever comes first. Different makes and models of car may come with their own advice, so check this with the manufacturer. 

The benefits of regularly servicing your car include: 

• Identifies hidden or developing problems quickly to prevent them from worsening or becoming a hazard. 
• Saves money in the long run thanks to prompt correction of developing issues. – Provides an essential health check for your vehicle to keep it in roadworthy condition. 
• Key tasks are completed regularly such as brake checks and oil changes. – Suspension, steering and the engine are checked by a professional who can identify issues that an untrained eye might have missed. 

If you delay a service to save money, not only are you putting you and your passengers in danger, but you’re also potentially giving the problems time to worsen, ultimately costing you more money in the future.

It is therefore often more cost effective to get a car serviced at least once a year as a routine check, and also whenever you spot an issue. 

Does my car need a service? 

Car servicing should be proactive, but if you’re unsure here are some common areas to look out for:

1. Time has passed or miles have been clocked

As mentioned above, it is recommended to get your car checked and serviced by a professional at least once a year or after every 12,000 miles.

These recommendations may be different depending on the make or model of your car, so check with the manufacturer’s advice or look through the handbook. 

2. Check your dashboard warning lights:

If your dashboard warning lights are blinking, don’t ignore them. Every car is different, and some vehicles will relay quite complex information on the dashboard, including what the specific issue is or if a service is overdue.

However, if the vehicle is a little more simple than this, you’ll need to take matters into your own hands and acknowledge that leaving problems too long can end up being even more costly to your car.

It is always better to check it out than leave it to chance. 

3. Issues with braking:

Never ignore a change in your braking performance. Whether you’re meeting more resistance from the brake pedal, or you’ve experienced a full brake failure, this is an issue that needs an immediate professional eye.

Possible causes could range from worn brake pads all the way to lack of brake fluid. An expert brakes servicing can swiftly identify and resolve any problems so you can drive with peace of mind. 

4. Unhealthy noises:

Whether it’s a squeak, rattle or hiss, strange car noises need to be addressed. Take note of when these noises start up, whether they are constant or occasional, and what sort of noises they are.

The more information you can gather, the more effectively a technician can diagnose and resolve the issue. Common issues could be low fluid, unbalanced tyres, or loose parts. 

5. Unusual vibrations:

If juddering is spoiling your journeys, it’s time to do something about it. Vibrations can be indicative of a wide range of problems, including loose parts or panelling, which a mechanic will need to pinpoint. 

6. Smoke:

It can be alarming to see smoke coming from your vehicle. If you suspect the reason is a fire, turn off the engine quickly, get everyone to leave the car and retreat to a safe distance before calling 999.

If the reason is not a fire, then take note of the smoke colour, where it appears from, and what driving activities seem to trigger it, passing this information on to your chosen car professional. 

With over 45 years’ experience, trust in Ken’s Autos for your vehicle servicing and repairs, including suspension servicing and timing belt servicing. As a family-run business serving Nottingham, we take a comprehensive and knowledgeable approach to every job. Contact us today and let us resolve your issue.