Collaborative Post¦ Think of your car as a buddy that you need to check up on from time to time to ensure it’s doing well. Thankfully, regular checks on them aren’t particularly impactful on the pocket, just a grab to eat (oil and filter changes) and maybe a walk in the park (tyre conditions, fluid top-ups) is all it takes.
However, ignore their texts for too long and you’re inviting trouble. The same goes for your vehicle. Ignoring teeny-weeny problems may seem like no big deal at first, but little problems tend to snowball into something larger and more expensive to fix.
A well-serviced car will outlast one that’s ignored. So, in this blog, let’s talk about how regular car servicing extends your vehicle’s life.
First Things First: Service vs MOT
Let’s start by saying they are not the same, in case anyone is confused between the two. Here’s a quick refresher:
- MOT is a legal requirement, a test that determines the roadworthiness of a vehicle. It looks at safety and emissions.
- A service is maintenance that keeps your car in good condition. You aren’t technically obligated to perform a service, similar to how you’re not obligated to, say, clean your house. However, not doing so will only result in damage to your own property.
If you use a local MOT Centre like GVE London, remember the MOT manual sets the tester’s rules. It does not cover many wear items that a service does, like engine oil condition. That is why pairing your MOT with a proper service at a trusted car service centre works so well. An MOT centre would check if your car passes basic roadworthiness checks; that is it. It isn’t a replacement for car servicing. Ideally, owners ought to do both.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
So, there is a major service and a minor service. Minor service, aka interim service, is performed every 6 months or 8,000 kms, whereas a full or major service is performed every 12 months at 12,000–15,000 kms. These numbers vary largely depending on the type of car in question, as well as driving style.
Manufacturers publish exact schedules in the handbook, and many cars show reminders on the dashboard.
What A Service Actually Does For Longevity
Servicing your car is similar to taking care of your body. You don’t need to hit the gym every day and eat perfectly — basics go a long way. Here is what regular service actually does for the longevity of your car:
- Engine and Fuel Efficiency: With the right fluids, all topped up, heat and friction are reduced inside the engine. Bad or low oil literally can result in your engine grinding itself down. Engine oil prevents that from happening. Furthermore, it results in higher fuel consumption. So, keep all fluids, be it engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, gear oil, steering fluid, etc., topped up.
- Road Safety: A well-maintained car is a stress-free car. When you hit the accelerator, it goes forward. When you hit the brakes, it begins to stop. Those may seem like mundane things, but that’s what a car is supposed to do on a fundamental level, and car servicing ensures that happens.
- No Massive Bills: Imagine you’re in a city like Uxbridge. Stop-and-go traffic, excessive usage of brakes, and clutch — it is bound to take a hit on your car. However, with regular car servicing in Uxbridge, all important parts and components are checked and replaced as and when needed. This form of maintenance is much easier on the pocket than waiting for your car to break down and then paying a car servicing centre to rebuild it.
- Resale Value and Appearance: No one wants to drive a dirty car, sit in it, or purchase it. Cleaning is a part of car servicing and must be taken just as seriously as other, more obvious things like engine maintenance. Take care of detailing, ensuring you’ve got adequate protection to fight against corrosion and interior deterioration. This makes you enjoy your car more and naturally boosts its resale value when it’s time to let go.
Choose The Right Garage For The Job
Pick a garage with clear menus for interim and full services, OEM-spec parts, and technicians who can show you the checklist. Ask for the old parts back if you want reassurance. Keep every invoice. A neat folder of receipts looks great later. If you bundle your MOT at the same MOT Centre that services the car, you save time and often pick up advisory items early.
Bottom Line
Regular car servicing keeps wear under control, protects expensive components, and makes the car nicer to live with. It also helps you arrive for your MOT relaxed rather than crossing your fingers. Whether you use a trusted independent in Uxbridge, a dealer in London, or a mobile technician at home, sticking to the schedule is the simplest way to give your car a long life.