How often should you service your car?
It doesn’t matter if your car is 10 years old or brand new, every car should be serviced at least once a year to make sure it’s running properly. Whether petrol, diesel or electric, a good rule of thumb is to service it every year or every 10,000km or as per manufactures guidelines (whichever comes first). So, let’s unpack some things to consider when servicing your car.
Why is it important to service your car?
In short, servicing your car regularly is all about avoiding bigger problems down the road. A full service ensures that your car is running smoothly by spotting any potential problems early and dealing with them to avoid potentially bigger problems down the line. Your car is one of the biggest purchases you’re likely to make, so it makes sense to look after it. Think of your annual service as a form of insurance - regular servicing will keep it running efficiently and help maintain its value as much as possible by mitigating long term risks.
On top of all that, most manufactures ask for a service record as one of the terms for keeping their warranty valid.
How to do regular checks yourself between services
A full service might only be needed once a year, but a lot can happen to your car in 12 months. So, carrying out a few simple checks yourself every now and again can give you a good indication of your car’s wellbeing.
Check your oil level
Your oil level can have a big impact on how your car functions. Oil acts as a lubricant, keeping your engine’s parts running smoothly. If the oil level is too low, they can rub against each other, causing increased wear and tear. It also helps to reduce heat from the engine, having very little oil puts your engine at risk of overheating.
Luckily, it’s easy to check and top up your oil. First, you’ll need to take a look in your car’s handbook or check online to find out what type of oil your car needs.
Next, locate your car’s dipstick and give it a wipe. You’ll clearly see a minimum and maximum amount labelled on it. Re-dip the stick and remove it to see exactly what level your oil is at. If you need to top up, just remove the oil filler cap and pour in your oil. Then keep checking your dipstick until you reach the desired fill level.
Check your car’s lights and battery
Having a quick rundown of your car’s lights is simple task, and one made much easier with the help of another person. Just start the engine and move methodically through each of your lights (headlights, fog lights, indicators, rear lights, brake lights) and have a friend outside the car check that each is working correctly. By yourself? Then simply check the lights against a reflective surface, like a nearby wall, and check your rear and brake lights by looking in your rearview and side mirrors.
If your car takes a few turns of the key to “catch” and get started (or outright fails to start), then you probably have an issue with the battery, especially if it’s over 4 years old. We would recommend getting your battery checked at a garage by a professional if this is the case, even if it’s been less than a year since your last service. It’s especially important to check this before winter, as cold temperatures can be tough on battery efficiency.
Check your coolant levels
Although it’s a sealed system (which likely won’t need topping up), it doesn’t hurt to check your car’s coolant from time to time. After all, an engine that’s either frozen or overheating is less than ideal. Check your car’s handbook for the exact location of the coolant. It should look like a white plastic sphere or box under your hood. There should also be a clearly marked maximum and minimum line, so it’s just a case of seeing where your coolant level is and topping up if necessary. Have a quick look in your car’s handbook to identify the correct coolant.
Check your tyre pressure
The correct trye pressure plays a major part in the running of your car, affecting everything from handling to braking distance to fuel efficiency. Most petrol stations have air pumps with built in gauges you can use to check this (though you can purchase a personal one as well).
You’ll first need to find the recommended pressure for your car’s tyres. This will be in your car’s handbook, though it’s sometimes located on the driver’s side door as well. You’ll get the most accurate pressure measurement by checking when the tyres are cold.
Remove the valve cap, then attach the gauge by pressing firmly onto the valve stem of your tyre until the hissing stops and the reading stabilises. If the pressure’s too low, add air by using the pump; too high, simply release air by pressing the small pin in the centre of the valve stem.
Signs you should take your car in for a service
The odd check here and there is a good indicator of your car’s overall health, but if you notice any of the following, it’s wise to head to a garage so a professional can take a look; regardless of whether it’s “officially” time for a service or not.
- Warning lights on your dashboard.
- Unusual sounds, like grinding, squealing or knocking.
- Your car suddenly feeling sluggish, like it has lost a lot of power or efficiency.
- Strange vibrations or pulling to one side. (These can be signs of tire, brakes, or suspension issues).
Ensure you keep moving forwards
A regular service is one way of ensuring your car stays on the road. The right car insurance is another. Luckily, whatever the age of your car, we’ve got a host of options to meet every driver’s needs.
