What is a Service Schedule, and Why Should You Stick to it?

So, you’ve got your next car with Concept Car Credit…but what now?

Whether you’re driving for long distances or just to the shops and back, it’s vital you have a schedule to keep your car looking and driving its best. 

One way you can do this is by servicing your car on a regular basis. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

What is a Car Service?

A car service is when checks on the car are completed, along with the replacement of fluids and small parts, for a smoothly running vehicle. 

You can have an interim service which completes 35 checks, including: 

• Engine oil and filter
• Tyre pressure 
• Brake and clutch fluid 
• Wheel nut torque

A full service includes 61 checks according to the manufacturer’s schedule and covers:

• Coolant or antifreeze strength 
• Battery health 
• Air filter 
• Spark plugs 
• Gearbox oil

It differs from an MOT as any problems will be fixed there and then if it comes under a service check, rather than just telling you what’s wrong with your car. 

Benefits of a Car Service 

Safety is the main factor in a car service. Making sure every part is in working order keeps you safe on the road and avoids breakdowns as much as possible. 

Plus, by replacing filters often, you can improve your fuel consumption, saving you time and money. 

Regular services can also extend the lifespan of your engine, too, meaning you can enjoy your car for longer, without worrying about costly repairs. 

Finally, if you get to the end of your finance agreement and choose to own the car after it, you have much better resale potential if you’ve looked after your car properly, and if you have a full service history for the new driver. 

How Often Should I Service My Car?

The general rule of thumb is that you should service your car every 12 months or after every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first. However, you should refer back to your service book and manufacturer guidelines for bespoke advice. 

An interim service is recommended every 6 months or if you drive more than 2,000 miles a month. 

If you have an older car or drive often for long distances, you may need more frequent checks to ensure everything is in order. 

Signs Your Car Needs a Service

If you’re out of sync with your car service schedule, there are other signs you should get booked in, including: 

• Unusual vibrations and sounds when driving 
• Warning lights appearing on the dashboard 
• The car pulls to one side when driving 
• Loud noises from the engine or brakes 
• Poor fuel efficiency

Don’t Forget…

• Being in the UK means lots of wind and rain, increasing the wear and tear on vital car parts, and therefore the need for regular services
• Make sure to book in every 12 months – combining it with your MOT can make ticking it off the to-do list easier to remember
• If something doesn’t sound right, get it checked. Sadly, cars don’t fix themselves, so it’s best to get it looked at  as soon as you can 

Keep your car up to scratch by learning more on the Concept Car Credit blog – the hub of all things cars