The UK government is very strict about car maintenance, and it requires all vehicles to have an annual service and MOT. There are no workarounds to this. Every car owner in the UK must follow these requirements. For years, the UK is in the list of countries with the most well-maintained vehicles.
Aside from the annual MOT vehicle test, every car in the UK should undergo a full car service. A full car service means that the owner should bring their vehicle to a RAC approved garage every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Car service
Aside from being a government regulation, car servicing is vital for various reasons. It spots minor and significant issues in your car and fixes them as needed. The MOT test differs from a car service, and you need both. A car service checks your car’s condition. The garage providing the service will inspect and assess the vehicle for general wear and tear. You can ensure that the garage will check the engine, brakes, fluids, and other parts. Most garages assign the repair or maintenance service depending on the model and brand of the car.
Inclusions in a full car service
A full car service involves inspecting, maintaining, or repairing over 50 car components. It checks and adjusts different systems. Broadly, the service includes:
- Oil filter replacement or engine oil change
- Check tyres, lights, steering wheels, brakes, exhaust system
- Engine tune-up
- Check levels of coolant and hydraulic fluid
- Align steering
- Check suspension
- Check the cooling system, from pumps, hoses, and radiators
- Test the condition of the car battery
The service cost is separate from the cost of replacement or repair of parts. Thus, it is important to find a trustworthy garage to ensure that you get high-quality service from skilled professional mechanics.
Why do you need car service?
Car service provides several benefits, some of which you may realise later.
Savings on repair/replacement
The regular car service ensures that your vehicle is always in good condition. The mechanic can spot issues early. Fixing minor car issues today costs less. The amount you pay today can prevent the problems from getting bigger to halt higher repair costs. Moreover, a car in good condition is fuel-efficient, so you can also save on petrol.
A car service is different from MOT
Many drivers feel they have already done MOT (test), so they do not need car service. However, MOT is different from car service. MOT is an annual technical inspection. A car service repairs or replaces a vehicle’s worn parts, including checking the overall wear and tear of the car.
It improves the car’s lifespan
A regularly-serviced car increases its life expectancy. As a result, you can use your vehicle for far longer than you expect
and have more time to save for a new car.
You should remember not to do the car service yourself. Aside from violating the regulations, more car owners do not have the qualifications of a car mechanic.
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