How often should you service your car and why is it important?

It is recommended by most car manufacturers to get your vehicle checked roughly every 6 months, or before you go over a mileage threshold. Even if you do not use your car regularly, it is important that you still get it serviced, as faults can still occur with lack of use. Cars in Britain are among some of the best kept in the world, so if you’re a new driver or have recently bought your first car, it’s important that you know when exactly to get your vehicle looked at by a professional.

What to look out for

A huge part of successfully maintaining your vehicle is knowing what to look out for. If you are unaware of potential issues, you may find yourself in situations on the road which at best can be a nuisance, or at worst – fatal. It’s therefore vital that you take immediate action when you notice an unusual noise coming from the engine, an odd smell, or a change in the feel of the steering wheel or pressure in the tyres.

Check your car for fluids by using a dipstick, which will indicate the level of liquid in your vehicle and will usually state the optimal amount for each type. This is a quick and easy way to ensure your car drives better and lasts longer.

You can check the state of your tyres easily by looking for any signs of uneven wear, in which the presence of such would mean they have to be realigned. You can also regularly check the pressure of your tyres to ensure they aren’t going flat. A flat tyre will not only make driving much more difficult, but it will also negatively impact your fuel economy. Consider getting high quality tyres (for instance, Roadrubber tyres) from a reliable automotive repair shop in your neighbourhood. Additionally, having clear vision whilst driving is essential, so if you find that your wipers are leaving streaky and dirty marks on your windscreen, it’s time to get them replaced.

Brake pads are a component part of a larger braking system, which work by pressing against the brake discs to create friction and bring the car to a stop. Sometimes these can become faulty, and you could find yourself not being able to break quick enough. To ensure you never find yourself in a situation like that, pay attention to them. Listen out for any noises, and when you’re braking, you should never have to slam down on them to get them to work. If this sounds familiar, you should get them checked out immediately. If you have unhealthy brakes, you may find your steering wheel pulling to one side when you put your foot down. In some car models, you may not have to go through all this trouble as sometimes there will be a sensor which notifies you when there is a problem with the brake pads. However, if you don’t have that luxury and really suspect that something is up with your brake pads, you can always do a visual check by assessing how worn they are – if they are less than inch in thickness, it’s time to enlist the help of a mechanic. When it comes to selecting car repair services, do check the reviews and see how good the customer experience feedbacks are. People who run an auto repair shop successfully would prioritize customer service before anything. So, select the car repair service professional with utmost care.

Finally, ensure that your mirrors, seatbelts, and airbags are all in working order as these are vital pieces of equipment which protect the safety of not only the driver, but the passenger and any other potential victims in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Getting your car serviced

A lot of people may feel that they can fix many of the above problems by themselves at home. However, if you are not as confident (or simply do not have the time), there is no shame in booking a car service from a professional. You don’t have to stress as your car cannot fail a service and will put your car in an excellent position for its MOT. If you suspect any problems with your car, do not hesitate to find your local garage online and get the ball rolling!