The Importance of Regular Servicing

If you’re the type of car owner who avoids paying out for your vehicle whenever possible, you’re not alone, and you’ve probably not kept the best servicing record for your car. Regular servicing is essential, however, to ensure that your vehicle stays in good working order and is safe to drive. Servicing prolongs the life of the mechanical components of the vehicle to help avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs, therefore potentially saving you costly bills in the future. In addition, servicing can help to increase a vehicle’s resale value. Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing after three years, with an oil and filter change every six months to keep the vehicle running smoothly. If your vehicle has air conditioning, most manufacturers recommend servicing air-conditioning units every two years or 30,000 miles. While every car has different service needs, a service should consist of the following minimum elements: engine oil change, engine oil filter replacement and a safety check including the lights operations, tyre and exhaust conditions, steering and brakes operation, seatbelt checks as well as the suspension. Many dealers offer Fixed Price Servicing deals, which allow you to know exactly what you’re going to pay for your vehicle’s servicing. It’s a pre-paid sum which usually covers your vehicle’s servicing needs for a set period of time. Those who struggle to budget for servicing may find it beneficial to choose Fixed Price Servicing. London dealers in particular recognise the increasing costs of car ownership; petrol prices are amongst the highest in the country in the capital. In addition to servicing, it’s important to keep the car clean and wash it frequently to keep the paintwork in good condition. Be aware of where you park; avoid parking under trees and in industrial areas where the car is more likely to get dirty.