A Driver’s Comprehensive Guide to Regular Car Servicing

Having a smooth and safe driving experience comes with a prerequisite of regular car servicing. Especially in the UK, where the driving and automobile rules are strict, it becomes immensely important to drive a safe and well-maintained car. Car servicing ensures that your car is roadworthy, and as a responsible citizen, your priority for safety becomes prominent towards yourself and others. A serviced car also keeps you away from any hefty fines that come with a damaged car. To be able to comply with the regulations of the road, it is essential to drive a car that is functioning at its best. This blog delves deep into the importance of regular car servicing, different car services, the right time to get your car serviced, and finding a reliable car garage for the service. Whether you are a long-time driver or a new one, this blog will guide you on the prominent things about car servicing. 

Importance of Consistent Car Servicing in the UK

There are innumerable benefits of consistent car servicing in the UK. The roads in the UK vary a lot, and for a car to navigate all those roads without breakdowns is essential. There are highways, country roads, potholes, rural roads, and roads affected by unexpected weather. This makes Car Service Newbury a priority for drivers. The major benefits of car servicing include:

• Safety enhancement - The safety of the car is the first and topmost reason for regular car servicing. Driving a safe car ensures the safety of not only the driver but of others as well. Various components of a car, such as brakes, suspension, steering, and tyres, are examined during a car servicing to ensure maximum safety. 

• Cost-Saving - There’s no doubt about the fact that a well-maintained car puts less pressure on the fuel and does not suffer unexpected breakdowns, thereby reducing expenses in the long run.

• Longevity - It is an obvious fact that a well-maintained car has a longer lifespan and an increased resale value. 

Understanding Different Car Services

There are mainly 3 types of car services in the UK, including Interim Service, Full Service, and Major Service. Your car’s age, overall condition, and mileage determine the service it needs. 

• Interim Service - It is usually chosen by regular drivers whose mileage is higher than others. The service includes engine oil change, oil filter replacement, tyre checks, brake checks, fluid top-ups, steering inspection, suspension checks, etc. Full Service - Another highly recommended service is the Full Service, which includes a comprehensive inspection of your car. Some of the Interim service checks are included in Full Service, along with air filter replacement, exhaust checks, radiator checks, and other safety checks. 

• Major Service - One of the most complete and thorough car services is the Major Service. It is carried out to ensure the longevity and long-term safety of the car. Some deep-level checks include spark plug replacement, fuel filter change, complete engine inspection, and other diagnostic checks. 

Right Time to Book a Car Service & MOT

Various car garages offer attractive packages on a combination of car servicing and MOT. Unlike Car servicing, MOT is a legal requirement in the UK. It is done after the car is more than 3 years old, and is carried out annually. MOT is required to ensure the car complies with the safety and environmental standards laid out by the transport ministry. These standards are based on the guidelines of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It is best to schedule MOT along with Car Servicing to ensure that your car passes the MOT test on the first attempt. If the car passes the test, you are provided a VT20 certificate, and then you are allowed to drive your car. In the case of failure, you can apply for a re-test within ten days, which is free of cost. To understand more about the MOT, you can go through the official DVSA website and prepare yourself and the car to pass the test. 

Signs of a Reliable Garage

Choosing the right car garage for car servicing is also equally important. A responsible, authorised centre plays an important role in giving your car what it needs without overcharging you. Look for the following aspects:

• The garage or the service centre has good customer reviews and a long-term retention of its customers. 

• They have transparent and competitive pricing, and there is a clear listing of these prices. 

• They own premium brands and high-quality components of cars and other vehicles. 

• A reliable service centre follows a customer-centric approach. 

• Convenience in the form of mobile fitting and repair services is available with them. 

Conclusion

To continue driving a safe and reliable car, regular car servicing should become your priority. It will keep your car ready for all kinds of terrains, roads, and weather conditions, and moreover, will give you a smooth driving experience. Whether you are driving an old car or a brand new one, servicing is a requirement for all cars to maintain their longevity.