CAR SERVICING



CAR SERVICE WHAT TO EXPECT

A car service is usually where a professional mechanic puts your car through a series of checks and tests. These checks and tests go way beyond the MOT, which really only checks to make sure your car is basically safe and road worthy.

A car service probes deeper into a car's working parts and, if done regularly, will prolong the life of the car and its parts, save you money, reduce the risk of breaking down and make your car safer.

All cars have a service schedule - filters, fluids, belts, brakes, pads, spark plugs and many other components need to be changed at specific intervals. Check you car manual for your car's specific service schedule.

Not all car services are the same, you may find the garage you take your car to offers different types of car service such as an interim car service, a full service and a major car service. If you take your car to be serviced annually, or if the car you have bought has been serviced regularly, then a full service will suffice. If your car hasn't been service for over a year then go for a major service.

Be aware that if during the service faults are found or parts are discovered that need replacing it could cost you more money than the stated car service fee. Always instruct the garage to call you before any they do any work that will add to the initial price quoted.

Should you use a local garage or registered dealer? Your car manual will always advise you take your car to be serviced (or for any repair work including an MOT) to a registered local dealer.

Their reasons for this are simple, they claim the dealership will have correctly trained mechanics and only use authorized parts and materials. These claims are no doubt true. However a local garage or, for that matter a national auto centre, is likely to be cheaper than a registered dealer and are just as likely to use properly trained mechanics and use quality parts and materials.

When taking your car to be serviced ask what checks are covered by the service.

A full service should include the following.

Check handbrake for operation and travel

Check operation of exterior lights

Check horn

Check seatbelts

Check ABS warning lights for correct operation

Check heater plug indicator (Diesel)

Check for correct clutch operation

Top up battery if applicable and check security

Check and top up brake and clutch fluid

Check windscreen wipers

Check windscreen washer operations and top up

Check / top-up power steering reservoir where applicable

Check coolant and antifreeze strength and top up

Check condition and tension of fan / alternator belt. Adjust if necessary

Check condition, tension and adjust as required auxiliary drive belts (excluding timing/cam belt)

Replace oil filter

Drain engine oil and refill (special or synthetic oils subject to additional charge)

Check and top up gearbox oil where applicable

Check and top up axle oil where applicable

Check and top up automatic transmission fluids where applicable

Check for general oil leaks

Check wheel bearings for play or noise

Check steering / suspension components for wear and corrosion

Check steering rack gaiters if applicable

Check shock absorbers for operation

Remove front wheels and check discs / drums for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring

Check brake pads for wear or damage

Check callipers for leaks and operation

Remove rear wheels and check drums / discs for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring

Check brake shoes for wear or damage

Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and operation

Visually check brake hydraulic system, pipes and hoses for leaks, chafing and corrosion

Check security of hand brake linkages, lubricate if applicable Adjust handbrake if required

Check propshaft / drive shaft and joints

Check drive shaft gaiters for security and leaks

Inspect exhaust system for leaks security and noise

Check tyre condition, tread depth and record readings (including spare)

Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare)

Check wheels for correct balance (including spare)

Set wheel nut torque to manufacturer’s settings

Reset vehicle service light where applicable

Carry out battery test

Check condition of fuel lines

Visual inspection of HT lead

Visual inspection of distributor cap

Visual inspection of rotor arm if applicable

Replace Spark plugs if applicable (platinum, long life or multi electrode plugs subject to extra charge)

Replace air filter element

Replace diesel fuel filter

Check smoke emissions visually (Diesel)

Lubricate throttle linkage if applicable

Check radiator for leaks

Check condition of radiator cap

Check coolant hoses for leaks and condition

Check expansion bottle and cap for leak

Check electric cooling fan for operation where applicable

Test and report brake fluid boiling point (if applicable)

Lubricate bonnet catch

Lubricate accessible door / hinges if required

Grease steering / suspension and propshaft if applicable

Check fuel cap condition

Check tyres for indications of steering misalignment

Check security of handbrake linkages and travel, lubricate and adjust if required

Check windscreen condition

Check mirror condition. Exterior

Check mirror condition. Interior

Check number plates

Check for timing / cam belt replacement (report if due)

Check for cabin / pollen filter replacement (report if due)

Replace brake fluid and bleed system

Replace petrol fuel filter