Car servicing is an important factor in keeping your car running smoothly. It should also help prevent problems from creeping up on you, which would otherwise result in major repairs being necessary down the line. In this article, we will help you understand all the important things to know about car servicing and why it’s necessary.
Why is car servicing important?
Getting your car serviced is important as it highlights, and fixes, safety and efficiency downfalls of your vehicle. Regular servicing will ensure your car is kept in the best possible condition and that problems are dealt with early – in turn, this will prevent them developing in severity and cost to fix. Furthermore, the more efficient your car is, the cheaper it should be to run day-to-day.
What’s involved in a routine car service?
A full car service covers a complete visual inspection of your car and a multitude of checks on key working parts. The visual inspection will allow the mechanic to identify any clear problems with parts. The checks carried out can vary between garages and vehicle make and model but, in a full service, you can expect around 60 factors to be covered. Examples include checking the lighting system, suspension, brakes and brake pads, radiator, locking system and power steering, amongst many others.
If an issue is identified which needs to be dealt with, or your owner’s manual/the manufacturer’s guidelines suggest additional work is necessary, this will result in additional costs. The manufacturer’s guidelines can suggest additional work which may be necessary for safety purposes because your vehicle has reached a certain age or mileage.
The service also includes checks and top ups of all vehicular fluids. These are key for the proper functioning of many parts of your car. For example, engine oil will be changed to ensure there’s clean and sufficient oil present to keep the engine running smoothly. Other examples of fluids included are brake fluid, antifreeze, washer fluid and power steering fluid.
How often should you service your car?
To ensure your vehicle stays in good condition and emerging problems are tackled promptly, an annual service is generally best. You should also make sure you are aware of any milestones set out in your owner’s manual which may cause your car to need work between annual checks. For example, it will tell you how often your oil will need to be changed and what your tyre pressure should be – these could require alterations/top ups in under a year.
How much will it cost?
Costs can be dependent on a variety of factors, including the garage you choose, your car’s make and model, the vehicle’s age and what is included in the service. Some garages offer services which are cheaper, but not as comprehensive as the full service; these could be useful for in between full services or for those who have low mileages.
It is definitely worth comparing a few different quotes from different garages due to the amount of price fluctuation. To spot a trustworthy independent garage, look for ones which offer clear pricing, are open and informative about any identified problems and who carry out timely and quality work. Recommendations and testimonials are also good signs.
As a ballpark figure, the cost of a full service starts from around £150. This can be significantly higher if you get a service from the manufacturer’s dealership, rather than an independent garage. Despite the price, manufacturer’s dealerships are often chosen by customers for servicing due to the mechanics’ specific knowledge on the make and model of the vehicle. With Citroen-Peugeot Specialists, you need not pay out large amounts of money to gain in-depth expertise. Our mechanics are intimately familiar with all the models of major French car brands – Peugeot, Citroen and Renault – and their individual quirks.
Citroen-Peugeot Specialists offer high standard, reasonably priced servicing for all cars; our full service is priced from £160. We have over 34 years experience in the industry and you can rest assured on the quality and reliability of any repairs with our full work guarantee. For a trustworthy garage, look no further than Citroen Peugeot Specialists; get in touch for bookings, quotes and general enquiries.