If you have yet to set foot in a garage, then it's valid that you might have concerns regarding the level of service to expect. Unlike those car owners who go for regular car maintenance, those who have purchased a new vehicle seldom know what to make of car service, as they do not encounter frequent car troubles or the need for repairs. This is why these car owners are the intended audience for the following blog. We have tried to come up with a basic guide that will walk you through how a car repair in Birmingham works and inform you about the services to expect.
First, let us tell you that no matter where you go to get your car inspected or repaired, you will encounter a tier-based service system. This system differentiates the quality of service based on its scope and gets progressively costlier. In simpler terms, the more pay, the more you get. As such, any reputed car garage will offer the following types of car servicing:
The entry-level service is provided by an auto repair shop when you bring your car for an inspection. This covers a basic checkup of the major components of your vehicle, as well as any fluid changes that are deemed necessary. Although it is the simplest service available, you should take note that not all garages offer it.
Next comes the full service, which involves almost everything your car has, including the undercarriage and the inside of your car’s cabin. All in all, your vehicle is subjected to almost 50–60 tests that aim to cover everything, trivial or important. However, other than typical oil changes, filter changes, and basic maintenance work, nothing else is offered. If it's found out that your car needs extra work, then in most cases you might have to pay additional fees.
And lastly, you have the major service, the crème de la crème of car repair. This includes everything perceivable under the roof, even the tiniest of things, while providing additional benefits and maintenance that sometimes extends to the other components of your vehicle.
To learn more about what will be inspected when you bring your car for repair/maintenance work, you can refer to the following checklist:
Engine oil change/top up
Oil filter replacement
Brake fluid top-up and replacement
Power steering hydraulic fluid change/top-up
Transmission fluid replaced or topped up
Engine coolant replaced
Cabin air filters cleaned/replaced
Engine air filters cleaned/replaced
The windscreen is checked for damage and cleaned
Brakes components
The suspension system and shock absorbers are inspected
Car lights, including headlights, tail lights, rear lights, brake lights, cabin lights and indicators
Wheel alignment checked
The exhaust system is inspected, and emission levels are checked
The car’s charging system and battery inspected
In order to get the best car service and ensure its quality, it's better to go to a reliable, reputable, and experienced car repair shop. Finding a suitable garage can be a chore and not something you can do in a hurry. However, it is essential as good car servicing is important to your car’s performance and safety, while also crucial for your MOT in Birmingham. Thus, always try to keep the following in mind when you are looking for an auto repair shop for your car maintenance:
Always try to stay local, as it will save you time and money on travel.
Before deciding on a garage, try asking your acquaintances, friends, and family for recommendations.
Try to read reviews for the auto repair shop, either online, or ask existing customers about their experience.
Always go for garages that are properly certified and house-trained professionals with tons of experience.
Try to get a written estimate before committing and compare prices with other auto repair shops.
Finally, inquire about the warranties and what they cover.
Now that you know what to expect from a car service, you should also try to understand what makes it so important and why regular car repair matters. For this, we have included a few points below; take a look:
Thinking about it objectively, a car service tends to save you more money than it costs. Sure, going for regular car servicing is expensive, but it does help you identify potential problems in your car much earlier, which will save you costlier repairs down the road. Moreover, by engaging in preventative maintenance, your car will be less likely to encounter trouble and breakdown, which will prevent you from going for repairs.
As mentioned earlier, car servicing can be economical, even from your fuel costs point of view. When you go for a car service, you ensure that your vehicle remains in optimal condition, which lessens the burden on your engine. In such conditions, your engine is less likely to burn excess fuel. This is not only helpful to your budget but also to the environment. In fact, car maintenance can contribute to a much greener world by cutting fuel expenditure across the board.
When your car remains in optimal condition, it runs smoothly and there is less wear and tear on the car components. This reduces the stress on your vehicle and allows it to last longer and in good shape. If you love your car and want it to last longer, then you should go for regular car servicing.
As a car in good condition, it's almost given that it will be sought after, especially if you put it up for sale. Unlike poorly maintained cars, when you go for car repairs, you take care of any underlying problems, which improves its resale value.
Finally, regular car maintenance also helps with your insurance policy and allows you to claim assistance from the policy provider. Most car insurance policies require you to go for scheduled maintenance in order for the policy to be valid.