A properly maintained car is essential to your safety and comfort while on the road. Regular services can help keep any vehicle running at its best, protect passengers from potential mishaps, extend the life of a car, and save money on costly repairs down the line. That’s why it’s so important to get regular check-ups and maintenance done for your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll explore why getting a car service or repair is so beneficial, what types of maintenance need to be performed regularly, and other related tips that will help make sure your car always runs smoothly.
Are you in need of car servicing?
Car servicing is important for running your car smoothly and efficiently. At Sovereign Motor Engineers, we have a team of experienced engineers who provide top-notch service at competitive prices. More than just a regular oil change, our experts will thoroughly inspect and ensure all components work as they should. A full car service covers all essential maintenance tasks for your vehicle, ensuring every critical system is checked and maintained. In addition, we use only OEM parts that guarantee quality wear and tear.
With us on the job, you can drive away worry-free, knowing your vehicle has been well taken care of! You’ll experience improved engine performance due to cleaner oil circulation; smoother transition motions with superior braking capabilities; lower emissions because of enhanced fuel efficiency; and greater safety with better suspension control to tackle those sharp turns without risking an accident!
Choosing a trusted local garage for your car servicing needs also means you benefit from convenience, reliability, and in-person expertise.
Book your service appointment online now with Sovereign Motor Engineers for optimal peace of mind while driving!**
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
Regular servicing is key to keeping your car running safely and efficiently. Most manufacturers suggest that your car be serviced every 12 months or when it reaches every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this timeline does vary by make and model, so you should consult your owner’s manual for more specific service intervals.
Following the manufacturer’s service schedule for your specific vehicle is essential to maintain performance, preserve your warranty, and protect resale value.
Remember that regular car maintenance isn’t just about oil changes; a filter change is a key part of routine maintenance. It would also help if you were getting your brakes, tyres, battery, fluid levels, and other parts inspected regularly. This will help you catch any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Be sure to keep a record of your next service date to ensure you follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
Types of Car Services
Understanding the different types of car services available is essential for keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. Regular servicing helps maintain your vehicle’s performance and plays a key role in improving fuel efficiency and preventing costly repairs down the line.
By choosing the right car services at the right intervals, you can ensure your car remains in optimal condition and continues to deliver reliable performance.
Interim Service
An interim service is designed for drivers who cover a lot of miles or want extra peace of mind between annual services. Typically recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles, this service focuses on essential checks and routine maintenance to keep your car running smoothly.
It includes inspections of key components and helps identify any issues early, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and helping to improve fuel efficiency.
Full Service
A full service is more comprehensive and is usually carried out once a year or every 12,000 miles, depending on your car’s service schedule.
This type of car servicing covers a wider range of checks and maintenance tasks, ensuring all vital parts of your vehicle are thoroughly inspected and maintained.
Regular full services are crucial for maintaining a well-maintained vehicle, enhancing fuel efficiency, and extending your car’s lifespan.
Major Service
A major service is the most thorough type of car service, typically recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles. It includes everything in a full service, plus additional checks and replacements of components that are subject to more wear and tear.
Investing in a major service can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and ensuring your car remains safe and efficient on the road.
By following your manufacturer’s service schedule and choosing the right type of car servicing for your needs, you can enjoy a smoother-running engine, improved fuel efficiency, and greater peace of mind.
Reasons Why Car Servicing is Important
While it may be tempting to overlook the importance of regular car servicing, a well-maintained vehicle can save you from costly repairs and keep your car running safely for years. Scheduling a regular service is essential for keeping your vehicle safe and reliable, as it ensures professionals carry out routine inspections and maintenance.
Here are just a few reasons why car servicing is so important:
1. Your Car’s Health Depends on it
Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle’s systems and components, such as the air conditioning, brakes, and engine, are working correctly and that there are no hidden faults or issues with its performance.
This is especially critical for newer vehicles, as a malfunctioning car’s computer system can adversely affect other vehicle parts.
2. Preventive Maintenance Saves Money
Regular servicing can save you from expensive repairs down the line. By changing the oil and filters on a regular basis, and performing other preventive maintenance tasks, you can keep your car running at peak performance for longer, leading to significant long-term saving on repairs, fuel, and extending your vehicle’s lifespan.
3. Increased Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy and engine performance can be improved with regular servicing, as a well-maintained car is more efficient and runs at optimal performance levels.
Cleaner oil filters, spark plugs, and air filters will all help improve your car’s efficiency while reducing emissions. With enhanced fuel efficiency, you save money and reduce environmental impact, as regular servicing helps your car use less fuel, further reducing costs.
4. Improved Safety
Aside from the legal requirement to have regular safety checks, servicing is important for the general safety of your vehicle and for the safety of all road users.
When components like brakes, steering, and suspension are regularly checked, you can catch any issues early on and ensure your car remains safe to drive, helping to protect other road users by reducing potential hazards.
5. Warranty
Most car manufacturer’s warranty usually requires regular servicing to remain valid. Failing to keep your car regularly serviced may void its warranty, so you must stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing and adhere to your scheduled maintenance plan.
6. Extended LifeSpan
A car’s life span is directly linked to how well it is maintained. Regular servicing helps minimise general wear on your car, ensuring that a car that has been properly serviced will always perform better than one that isn’t, and enjoy more durability.
7. Peace of Mind
Getting your car serviced regularly is always a good idea, as it offers peace of mind knowing it’s in tip-top shape. The peace of mind that comes from servicing your car regularly, whether through interim or full service, ensures you stay confident about your vehicle’s condition. The constant worry and anxiety of driving an unserviced car can affect your mental and physical well-being.
What to Expect During a Car Service
To give you an idea of what to expect during a car service, here are some of the tasks our engineers may perform depending on the type of service:
- Inspect and replace oil filters: The oil filter is checked and replaced to ensure the engine oil remains clean and free from contaminants.
- Check and replenish fluid levels: Fluid levels, such as transmission fluid, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc., are checked and topped up if necessary to maintain proper operation.
- Clean or replace air filters: The air filters are either cleaned or replaced to ensure the engine receives clean air for combustion.
- Examine brakes, brake pads, and tyres for wear and tear: The condition of the brakes, brake pads, and tyres is inspected to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Tread depth is also checked to ensure tyre safety and optimal performance.
- Inspect exhaust system for leaks or damage: The exhaust system is checked as part of the service to ensure there are no leaks or damage, which helps maintain safety and optimal engine performance.
- Perform spark plug replacement or service and check engine light: Spark plugs may be replaced, and the engine light is checked to diagnose any potential issues with the engine’s performance.
- Inspect and replace belts, hoses, and other components needing repair: Belts, hoses, and other critical components are examined, and if necessary, they are replaced to prevent breakdowns and ensure proper functioning.
- Test battery performance and charging system: The battery’s performance and charging system are tested to ensure the electrical system operates correctly.
It’s essential to remember that the specific tasks performed during a car service may differ depending on the service provider, the vehicle’s make and model, its mileage, and any additional issues identified during the inspection. After the service, all work performed should be recorded in the service book as proof of regular maintenance, which can help maintain your vehicle’s value.
The Dangers of Driving a Car That Needs Service
Whether you’re driving a petrol or diesel car, neglecting regular servicing can be dangerous. An improperly maintained vehicle can give rise to various problems and dangers, including:
Lack of Acceleration
When a car’s engine is in need of servicing, its acceleration can be compromised, presenting dangers on highways and busy roads. With impaired acceleration, the vehicle takes more time to achieve the desired speed during manoeuvres like overtaking, significantly elevating the risk of accidents.
Poor Braking Performance
Failure to service brakes regularly can result in wear and reduced responsiveness. When brakes are worn down, they take longer to bring the vehicle to a stop, potentially leading to accidents or hazardous situations, especially in urgent or emergency scenarios.
Neglecting regular servicing can also negatively impact your car’s service history, making it harder to claim insurance or sell the vehicle at a good price.
Poor Handling
When a vehicle receives insufficient maintenance over an extended period, it may result in poor corner handling. An improperly aligned car or worn-out tyres can significantly compromise control, potentially leading to a loss of control during turns.
All these problems are easily avoidable with regular car servicing, so make sure to get your car serviced when it’s due.
The Benefits of Choosing a Certified Technician
Choosing a certified technician like Sovereign Motor Engineers to service your vehicle is wise for many reasons.
Here are some benefits of choosing an experienced technician:
- Expertise and Knowledge: Certified technicians, such as those at Sovereign Motor Engineers, possess specialised training and in-depth knowledge of various vehicle makes and models. Their expertise ensures that your vehicle receives top-notch care and maintenance.
- Quality Assurance: Choosing a certified technician guarantees higher service quality. Professionals adhere to industry standards and best practices, using the latest tools and equipment to accurately diagnose and address any issues.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Certified technicians know the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for servicing your vehicle. They know the specific maintenance schedules and procedures for keeping your warranty valid and preserving your vehicle’s resale value.
- Enhanced Safety: Your and your passengers’ safety is of utmost importance. Certified technicians prioritise safety during maintenance and repairs. They conduct thorough inspections to identify potential safety hazards and address them promptly, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable and secure on the road.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Although you may perceive certified technicians as more expensive, their services often translate to long-term cost savings. Their precise diagnosis and efficient repairs can prevent major issues from escalating, reducing the likelihood of expensive breakdowns and repairs in the future. Understanding car service costs allows you to compare what is included in a full vehicle service and make informed decisions when choosing between providers.
These are just some benefits of choosing a certified technician for your car servicing needs. So invest in professional services from Sovereign Motor Engineers and enjoy a safe, reliable car for years!
Sovereign Motor Engineers
Sovereign Motor Engineers is the leading car servicing company in Tonbridge. We offer a wide range of services, from oil changes to major repairs, and we use only the highest-quality parts. Our mechanics are fully qualified and experienced, and we offer competitive prices.
If you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy car servicing company, then look no further than Sovereign Motor Engineers. We will take care of your car and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Call us today to book your car for a service
Why You Should Choose Sovereign Motor Engineers
At Sovereign Motor Engineers, we strive to provide our customers with the best car servicing experience. We understand that your car is an important part of your life, and you want it serviced quickly and accurately by experienced professionals.
We use the latest tools and technology to diagnose problems and develop solutions quickly. Our team of certified technicians is highly experienced and knowledgeable about all types of cars, from classic models to modern vehicles with sophisticated electrical systems.
A well-maintained car with a full service record is more attractive to potential buyers, helping to increase your vehicle’s resale value and appeal.
Trust Sovereign Motor Engineers for the best service experience when getting your car serviced. Get in touch today, and let us help keep your car running at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full-service history?
A full-service history is a log of all the servicing and maintenance work done on your vehicle over its lifetime. It includes details such as when the last oil change was done, when new brakes were installed, and any other repairs or replacements made to the car. Having a complete service history can increase your car’s resale value and provide peace of mind to future owners.
Does a power steering fluid flush need to be done?
Power steering fluid flushes are recommended every two years or 30,000 miles to keep the power steering system in top condition.
What does a major service include?
A major service includes a range of tasks such as changing the oil and filter, checking brake components, replacing spark plugs, cleaning the fuel injectors, and inspecting belts and hoses. It also involves testing battery performance and charging systems.
Conclusion
So to conclude, a car service is a great way to make sure you have reliable transportation. Not only does it ensure that your ride home is stress-free and convenient, but it also lets you relax knowing that your vehicle is in good hands.
The decision is yours, but when it comes to getting around safely and comfortably, a regular car service is important..
Call Sovereign Motor Engineers today to book your car service and enjoy a safe, reliable ride!