Last Updated on 23rd November 2022
Every car manual, no matter whether for a basic model of the cheapest car in the market, all the way up to the most expensive supercar, has a recommended service schedule noted in it. Many manuals even have a space for the mechanic to note down the details of the service in order to maintain an up-to-date record of the vehicle’s condition. But how often should that service occur? Most manufacturers offer two options – but why are services necessary in the first place? Let’s take a look.
Why Get Services?
Cars are not like human bodies – they have no facility to heal themselves from minor ‘ailments‘. Rather, if something small begins to go wrong with a car, it will continue to go wrong, worsening steadily until a small problem becomes a large, inconvenient and expensive one. Regular services can pick up those small problems, easily sorting them out, and thereby preventing them from becoming those major issues.
But there are other advantages to regular services too. A vehicle in good shape is often more efficient, using less fuel and inflicting much less wear and tear on the various car parts. And this in turn results in a smoother ride, better handling and improved brake performance.
Annually
Car manufacturers tend to advise that people have yearly services, and this is excellent for those who drive moderate distances on reasonably good roads. If let’s say you are in London and you use your car to get to work and school, to activities and social events and only the occasional long drive, then an annual service is ideal. These can often be combined with your annual MOT test, to make sure any potential problems are seen and sorted before the MOT inspector begins his work.
Annual services are recommended for those who drive 1,000 miles per month or less. If you only drive occasionally, you might think that your car can go two years between services, or even three, but this is not recommended, as cars can continue to deteriorate, even when not in use. Moreover, you can consult DAT Tyres which offer car servicing in London at their garage and you can book online in a few easy steps.
Every Twelve Thousand Miles
The second clause offered by car manufacturers in their advice about servicing is ‘or every twelve thousand miles’. This means that if you drive well over 1,000 miles a month, your service will come up much more quickly than otherwise. Services can be full services in which many car parts are checked and tested and all the consumables are checked and changed if necessary, or they can be interim services which is like a ‘service light’ with the consumables checked and changed if necessary, and fewer car parts checked, while still ensuring that the most common points of failure are included. Having your vehicle serviced every twelve thousand miles ensures that your filters are always in good operational condition, which in turn helps your car to run smoothly and efficiently with minimal wear and tear.
More Often
Extreme drivers should service their vehicles on demand, more or less. Rally drivers, off-roaders, and even those who love caravanning, for example, should take steps to have their vehicle checked out after every use (and before the next, if it has been a while!) in order to make sure that their unconventional driving has not caused damage to any of the delicate car parts.
To answer the question how often you should get your car serviced is quite easy. Service it as needed, whether that is monthly, half-yearly, or annually. And don’t skimp on your services, it is money well spent if it keeps you and your car safely on the road.
