Why Avoiding Car Servicing Is a Costly Mistake

Keeping your car in the best condition is not really difficult. But the fact is, many people try to avoid car servicing in an attempt to save money, which not only affects the performance of the car but also gradually drains their wallet. Yes, you read that right. When you skip car servicing, you are actually not addressing the minor issues in the car early. And such problems often turn into larger ones in the future, making you spend more money on costly repairs. So, the risk of not having your car serviced regularly can lead to greater problems. Let’s discuss at length what will happen if you skip car servicing.

1. Reduced Safety

 Your safety will be compromised significantly if you skip car servicing. Many times, road accidents occur simply because of poorly maintained cars. Cars that are not properly maintained are difficult to control. It happens because when an issue is left unattended for a long period, the efficiency of the car declines, and often drivers or car owners get used to driving with faulty car parts. This increases the risk of accidents or collisions.

2. Poor Performance and Higher Running Costs

The engine is the heart of your car, and if it doesn’t work properly, the performance of your car will be significantly affected. So, to keep the engine in its best condition, frequent car servicing is non-negotiable. When you don’t service your car often, the worn-out car parts put extra strain on the engine, which forces the engine to work harder than necessary. This can lead to poor performance of your car. Besides, the fuel consumption also increases drastically when the engine doesn’t work smoothly. Such issues can further increase the overall running cost of your vehicle.

4. Shorter Vehicle Lifespan

You are living in a fool’s paradise if you skip car servicing, thinking it will save you money. But the fact is, the lifespan of your vehicle decreases gradually when you do not maintain it properly. Proper maintenance helps the car to remain in its best condition. Car servicing involves examining and resolving all the issues with the car to make it safe and roadworthy. If you skip car servicing, it means all the problems with your car remain unattended, which can lead to complete mechanical failure and breakdown. So, if you want to increase the lifespan of your vehicle, then regular car maintenance is an absolute must.

A Quick Guide to the 3 Levels of Car Servicing

Interim Service - Your car needs an interim service if it is running fine and was last serviced 6 months ago. It is a basic car service that is required every 6 months or after your car covers 6,000 miles (10,000 km), whichever comes first. This service includes oil filter change, changing the engine, and examining tyre condition, brakes, lights and steering. Along with these services, topping up coolant fluids, brake fluid, and washer fluid is also included in an interim car service.

 Full Service - The best time for your car to get a full service is if it has covered around 12,000 miles or 20,000 km. This service is a more comprehensive service. Hence, this service involves all the facilities from the interim service, plus checking and repairing your critical car parts. It includes replacing the air filter and fuel filter, testing the engine, inspecting the suspension and exhaust system, and checking the battery and charging system.

Major Service - If your car has covered more than 24,000 miles or 40,000 km, you must opt for a major car service. This service includes everything from interim service and full service, plus extra replacements and checks. Changing spark plugs (in patrol cars), replacing brake fluid, changing the cabin/pollen filter, inspecting all the belts (if due), and performing a thorough check of the engine, brakes, suspension, and other key parts.

What Is the Difference Between MOT and Car Servicing?

MOT (Ministry of Transport Test)

• MOT is a mandatory requirement for all vehicles that are over 3 years old. In the UK, without a valid MOT for your vehicle, you cannot drive legally.
• MOT is valid for 1 year.
• MOT is just a test that identifies the issue with your vehicle. It doesn’t involve fixing car issues.
• Your car either passes or fails the MOT Preston.

Car Servicing

• Car servicing is highly recommended to keep the car roadworthy. It is not a legal requirement.
• Depending upon the condition of your car and the convenience of the car owner, car servicing can be done once a year, once a month or after driving a certain number of kilometres.
• Car servicing involves replacing and repairing car parts.

Conclusion

Driving a well-maintained car not only provides enhanced performance but also peace of mind due to improved safety. So, if you want a pleasant driving experience every time you hit the road, do not skip regular car service Preston and MOT.