Feb 26, 2020
When it’s your time to service your car, there are lots of points of confusion as it’s hard to know if you need the service of if you can hold out until payday. The best way to protect your vehicle is to maintain it properly at regular intervals and this can be a challenge for those who are not mechanically minded. So, here are 10 answers to questions related to car servicing.
It is recommended that a driver should get an oil change between every 3000-7000 miles, or every three months, whichever comes first. Check your owner’s manual to see which covers the recommended oil change interval for your specific make and model. Many will tell you that it’s when your car needs its next service.
When your engine light comes on, it can be due to many issues. It can be a minor issue or something serious, and the best way to ensure you’re always safe behind the wheel is to bring your car in for a check.
It is important to have your brakes checked regularly, as they are essential for maintaining stopping power, so be sure to have them checked every chance you can.
Brake pads should be replaced when they are worn down, and if you don’t replace them in a timely fashion it will reduce your stopping power which puts you and other road users in danger. Not replacing your pads can affect the wear on your brake discs.
Aside from engine oil, other fluids need to be checked, such as brake, engine, coolant and transmission fluids. These are all vital for the health of your vehicle. All fluid levels will be checked in a service.
Batteries are expected to last anywhere between 4 to 7 years, however, it will all depend on how you drive. It’s best to keep an eye out for your battery losing power, headlights and dashboard lights dimming, or if your car is having difficulty starting these are clues your battery needs a replacement.
This will all depend on the make of tyres and vehicle; optimum air pressure will be printed on the side of the tyres or in your owner’s manual.
Ignoring this light can result in uneven wear on your tyres, resulting in one tyre wearing faster than the others and will require you to replace all your tyres sooner. Low tyre pressure can all also cause tyre blowouts.
Coolant is designed to help prevent your car from overheating. Just like oil, it can break down and cause sludge, which causes your car to overheat. Coolant flushes allow you to get rid of all that broken-down coolant and replace it with clean coolant.
There are two types of filters in a vehicle, one is for the engine and one is for the cabin. A dirty filter prevents air flow, limiting the engine’s ability to expend hot air and inhibiting clean air to pass through. The recommended time frame is around 30,000 miles.
Manufacturers recommended that you have your car serviced every 10,000 miles, and by doing this, it ensures that most of the elements listed above are addressed and checked. If you need to have your car serviced, the average cost can be anywhere from £100 - £300 depending on what your car needs. Find a reputable mechanic in your area and quotes for car servicing with MyCarNeedsA.com!
