Every car owner should know that your car requires a yearly MOT as this is a legal requirement for checking that your car is safe to be on the roads. A service is often done at the same time as an MOT but they look at different things.
A service looks at the wear and tear of your car and makes recommendations on how to keep your car running at its best. Many manufacturers recommend that you service your car every 10,000 – 20,000 miles, but some service providers say yearly or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is best to book your basic car service in advance so you can identify any issues before they become serious and costly.
Here are some things that your garage will look at during your service.
Lights
Your mechanic will look at all the types of lights associated with your car. Red dashboard lights are usually an indicator that something isn’t working properly, so it is best to get this checked before your service or during your MOT if that is at a different time.
Your car’s headlights will be checked to ensure they are working properly. A dimmed headlight can be dangerous so spotting these early keeps you and pedestrians safe when driving in the dark. They will also check the direction of your lights as they can be blinding to oncoming traffic if they are incorrectly positioned.
Fluids
Many different fluids need to be at the proper levels to keep your car running smoothly. With most services, your mechanic will change your oil. This is to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
You may also find that they ensure your antifreeze is at the correct level and working properly. Lastly, they will do a visual inspection to make sure there aren’t any leaks coming from underneath your car.
Wheels
Getting your tyres checked is an important aspect of service. If your tread wears away it can mean that your wheels cannot grip the road properly, leading to slipping and accidents. By getting them checked and potentially replaced, you are keeping yourself and other road users as safe as possible.
It is also common for your brakes to be checked during a service. Again, this can cause accidents if they are not maintained properly.
Engine
Some checks during a service can be done with a visual inspection, and parts of the engine are included in this. A seasoned mechanic will be able to check various parts of your car’s engine, such as spark plugs, simply by casting an expert eye over them.
As part of the oil change, you will also see them change the filters. This is to keep any impurities from entering the engine as this could cause damage to the internal workings.