The Ultimate Guide to Car Servicing
If you’ve never taken a car for a professional service before, it can seem a daunting task. This detailed guide will explain all you should need and expect from a standard garage service.
Why is car servicing so important?
A thoroughly performed car service ensures that your vehicle runs safely, smoothly and efficiently whilst reducing the risk of future break downs and the associated costs of unexpected repair.
How often does a car need to be serviced?
The manufacturer’s service handbook for your car should offer some recommendations on how often the model needs to be serviced, although the age of your car is also an important factor. A modern car will require a service once a year, however older models are likely to need a bit more love and care, with an inspection scheduled every six months.
Also, consider how you use your vehicle — for example, if you make a lot of short journeys where the engine has little time warm, you’ll probably require oil and filter changes more often.
Some garages may offer an interim service that will keep the vehicle road-worthy in the short-term, but a full service will be required at a later date.
How does it work?
When the time comes to organise a check-up for your car, always make sure to establish exactly what a garage offers as part of their service package. Some garages offer a very basic inspection, others will carry out a comprehensive service procedure.
Rest assured, a high quality garage will follow a thorough service checklist which they will present to you once works on your vehicle are completed. Performing a thorough vehicle service usually follows five key stages:
Stage 1: Pre Engine Checks
The opening stage of a service usually tests the general condition of the dashboard and safety features of the vehicle as well as the working order of external fittings such as the doors and suspension. The checklist for this stage should include:
● Check vehicle history
● Check timing belt replacement interval
● Check for damage to bodywork, lamps, trims and oil level
● Fit protective covers
● Check condition and operation of all seat belts
● Check operation of interior and exterior lights
● Check operation of ABS and airbag warning lights
● Check air conditioning operation including bad odour
● Check windscreen washers and wipers
● Check horn
● Check operation of suspension dampers
● Lubricate all door hinges, locks, and bonnet catches.
● Apply any necessary treatments to remove internal contamination
● Check fuel cap
Stage 2: Under the bonnet
The second stage will mainly concern the checking, recording, cleaning and replacement of key components that keep your car running smoothly. This includes inspection of fluid levels, battery life and steering:
● Check cooling system including fan operation
● Check and record Anti-Freeze protection.
● Check and record brake fluid condition
● Check all auxiliary drive belts
● Check engine breather system.
● Check vacuum pipes
● Check power steering operation and fluid condition.
● Check throttle body. Clean if required
● Check battery level and lubricate terminals
● Check and top up all under bonnet fluid levels
● Replace air filter
● Replace spark plugs
● Replace fuel filter
● Replace pollen filter
Stage 3: Vehicle Raised
This is the stage at which a technician will examine the underneath of your vehicle, including an essential review of brake systems, steering and tyres. The checklist for this stage should look a lot like this:
● Change oil, filter and fit new sump plug washer
● Check fuel lines and brake pipes
● Check the condition and security of the exhaust
● Check and top up axle and transfer box oil levels
● Check and top up gearbox oil level
● Check all steering and suspension joints, mountings and gaiters
● Carry out tyre report
● Check all wheel bearings for excessive ‘play’ and noise (adjust)
● Check CV gaiters and joints for wear or splits
● Check clutch cable/cylinder
● Grease all greasing points
● Check operation and condition of front brakes
● Check operation and condition of rear brakes (inc. handbrake)
● Carry out brake report.
Stage 4: Vehicle Lowered
Once your vehicle is back on the ground the technician will refill the engine and complete some checks on the wheel holdings in preparation for the final stage:
● Refill engine with specified grade oil
● Torque wheel nuts/studs
● Locking wheel nut key location
Stage 5: To Finish
On to the last step! Your vehicle will undergo a final diagnostic check, be road tested and cleaned and the appropriate paperwork should be completed:
● Diagnostic check
● Reset service interval indicator
● Road test vehicle and report any findings
● Re-check engine oil level
● Ensure all upholstery, gear lever, steering wheel, etc. are clean
● Stamp service book(s)
Advice on collecting your car
After the service has been conducted make sure to take a look at the parts that have been replaced and check the following:
● The final bill is for the amount agreed, or is not significantly more than any initial estimate you were given.
● The work and parts are fully itemised (this will be proof of purchase if a problem occurs as a result of work or replaced part fails).
● Your service record book has been stamped with an official garage stamp.
NB: A good garage will advise of the parts that need replacing before performing the required works. As detailed above, this decision should be based on the way you use your car.
The Good Garage Scheme
If you’re looking for a local garage that you can trust to perform a car service, MOT or car repair, we recommend the Good Garage Scheme. The Good Garage Scheme works with a network of high quality member garages based nationwide to offer excellent service and value for motorists. Be assured that every garage listed in The Good Garage Scheme platform delivers services in line with a strict Code of Conduct and will always have the best interests of the customer at heart!
