There is a misconception about having your vehicle serviced annually – many people mistakenly assume that it only involves rotating your tyres, checking your oil, and checking that there’s enough gas. But it takes more than this – because if this were the case, you might as well check the car yourself! If you are to have your vehicle checked annually, the service would involve a whole series of checks to ensure that your vehicle is road-worthy – and, more importantly, safe. One thing the mechanic or technician will check is the suspension and brakes, and they will also inspect the car to look for wear and tear or any damage. But what else happens when your vehicle undergoes a yearly checkup? Here are the answers to your top questions.
- What is included with the service?
A complete vehicle service will often include testing or examining your car’s filters, brake pads, oil levels, and other vital aspects. It will also include inspecting your tyres to ensure they are inflated. A complete vehicle servicing will also include testing and analysing your vehicle for any wear and tear or signs of damage from any mishaps or accidents.
- Why you should have your vehicle serviced
Even if you think your vehicle still works well or doesn’t have any issues, you will only know for sure if you have it serviced and checked. Too often, there are no visible signs or any major concerns in sight – and then you suddenly discover a problem with a particular element all along. Also, issues will undoubtedly get bigger if not addressed from the beginning.
The main reason people get their car serviced is to ensure that it’s operating efficiently and there is no unknown issue. Some common problems include the alignment, engine sensors, brakes, or faulty cabling or wiring, as confirmed by RAC garages in Cheshire like Ignition Autos Ltd. And when your car undergoes servicing, you can also check your maintenance schedule and be clear about any further work that needs to be done on the same day or soon.
- How often should it be serviced?
It depends on the vehicle, but most car owners have their vehicle serviced every six months, annually, or another period recommended by the mechanic. Sometimes, it will also be based on the service your car needs and how much you drive it. To know the best time for your car to be serviced, speak to your manufacturer or car mechanic to see what they recommend.
- How long does it take?
The time your car remains in the garage will depend on the work or service that needs to be performed, and the kind of service recommended. Still, generally speaking, a pre-service inspection will be performed on your vehicle first, which takes about 20 minutes to half an hour. After that, full servicing will usually take approximately 15 to 60 minutes, depending on how much work or servicing your car needs.
There are also different vehicle services, including an interim (or pre-service) inspection, a full vehicle service, and more. The type of service you go for and is recommended to you will depend on the mileage of your vehicle and how often you use it.