Keeping our cars in their best condition is something we should all be dutifully and diligently attending to. But what does that mean? And when should each step of care happen?
Today, we’re going to talk about what a car service schedule should look like and why it’s so important.
Traditional intervals for a car service schedule
When your brand new car rolls off the forecourt, you’ll be armed with all manner of paperwork. Not only does it dictate what it means to be the owner of your new pride and joy, but also how each manufacturer expects you to take care of your car to get the best from it, and for as long as possible.
Here at Fixter, we promote the three typical levels of car service at the following intervals:
- Interim service – every 6 months or 6,000 miles – for high-mileage drivers whose cars may need a little extra TLC
- Full service – the traditional annual service – or around 12,000 miles for those high-mileage drivers
- Major service – a more thorough and intensive service, ideally every 2 years, or around 24,000 miles – whichever comes first
For what to expect from each service level, we’ve got plenty of information ready for you to dive into – and you couldn’t do much better than heading over to our service interval and classification page that presents precisely that.
How car service schedules work
It’s fairly simple, really; as your car ages, it wears out. Some parts wear out slower than others, and some barely wear at all. The fluids in your car will slowly—or quickly, depending on how much you drive—become infiltrated with elements that will lower their efficiency.
For example, oil becomes darker and dirtier as it continually circulates around your engine. Air filters clog with the dust and dirt that makes its way in through the intakes; and any air or water that makes its way into your brake fluid will cause soft, spongy, less efficient braking.
Such items need checking and replacing reasonably regularly. Yet, other components, such as your tires, exhaust, brake discs, and brake pads, won’t need changing anywhere near as regularly but will still need switching in due course.
A sensible car service schedule allows for the best monitoring of each component and their replacement where necessary. However, if any of these consumables or car parts break without warning or are allowed to become so unhealthy for your car, they’re doing more harm than good, then the lifespan of the vehicle can be seriously reduced. And that’s not good for anyone.
Your new car service schedule
To highlight how important car services are, new cars come with a specific service schedule that often invalidates the new car warranty if the driver doesn’t adhere to it meticulously. This protects the dealership from having to cover costly repairs and replacements if the car in question hasn’t been adequately cared for and maintains a high operation level for the owner.
They’re not another way to squeeze a little more money out of you—as often assumed—as the services are regularly included in the price of the new car, but a better way to protect your investment and keep it roadworthy for as long as possible.
A few tips on car service schedules
The guideline mileages and periods for each service provide a great way to keep on top of the regular car maintenance required to keep it in tip-top running order. However, there are always a few exceptions to the rules.
Take, for example, a car that does a lot of stop-start driving. Imagine those city drivers or school mums whose car barely gets up to the speed limit or never covers a journey of more than a mile or two. Although the driver may think that a car getting so little heavy use will barely need any upkeep, it’s not always the case.
That kind of driving can put different strains on the vehicle than one covering hundreds of miles across motorways. Different cars, driving styles, and conditions will deliver different results. That might mean more checks on particular components or more frequent changes for specific parts or consumables.
Only regular services monitor and check for the types of wear and tear that occur right across the board.
The importance of a full car service history
When the time comes to sell your car and to move onto the next model you’ve fallen head over heels with, being able to provide a full-service history for the next owner pays dividends.
It shows every potential buyer that the car has been lovingly looked after and protected against all the elements that can turn a used car from a healthy acquisition to buying into somebody else’s problems.
Many buyers won’t entertain a used car without a full-service history (marked FSH in the ads). Even if a buyer is prepared to take that risk, they’ll often expect as much as 15 to 20% off the asking price.
Book your latest service today and stick to your new schedule
Fixter is here to find you the best deals for a car service and help protect your car’s operation and value moving forward. Get an instant quote for your car service right now to see how much you can save.
You could save up to 30% on what you’re currently paying.
With your new car service schedule in place, you can relax knowing that your car is getting the love and attention it needs to keep you motoring safe and sound and long into the future. And with a regular car service history to show any potential buyers, you’ll be assured of the most money going towards your next new make and model.
About Fixter
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.