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7 signs that your car needs a service

We should all book our cars in for a service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, but sometimes we might not get round to visiting a garage for this routine check.

Thankfully, our cars have plenty of ways to let us know when they’re in need of some ‘TLC’. It’s up to motorists to recognise the signs as soon as possible to prevent small faults developing into much bigger problems.

Why is it important to service a car?

During a service, a mechanic will assess everything from your car engine’s fluid levels to general wear and tear. Think of it as a health check for your vehicle that helps it to run as safely and efficiently as possible.

What are the benefits of servicing a car?

Servicing your car comes with some added benefits:

With the help of a trusted mechanic, you can spot faults with your car before they become more complicated. Nipping problems in the bud could mean you avoid expensive repair bills in the long term.

Over time, regular servicing will make your car last longer. By keeping integral parts running in top condition, your car should be roadworthy long after the warranty ends.

Regular servicing in the short term could help you hold on to the resell value of your car in the long term. Car buyers are usually willing to pay more for a car that has been kept in good condition, and routine maintenance could make all the difference. 

What happens if I don’t service my car?

If you don’t service your car, you might find that there are some unexpected drawbacks:

Eventually, your car will become less safe to drive. During a service, a mechanic will flag any safety concerns with your vehicle and may be able to fix them too. The checks could help save you and your passengers from an avoidable accident. 

Routine check-ups ensure that your car runs as efficiently as possible. Without them, you could spend more on petrol and other running costs. For example, if tyres are neglected and run flat, you might have to fill your tank more often.

If small problems are left to develop, they could become damaged beyond economical repair. You might have to sell or scrap your car earlier than you planned.