How often should you service your car if it rarely leaves home?

How often should you service your car if it rarely leaves home?

If you have a car that is rarely used and never leaves the safety of your home, you may be wondering how often you should be servicing it. The general rule of thumb is that cars should be serviced every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, if your car is only used infrequently, it can be beneficial to bring this interval forward to 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What is Manufacturer Approved Servicing?

You should also consider Manufacturer Approved Servicing. Manufacturer-approved servicing is when a car is serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using approved parts and lubricants. Vehicles with a manufacturer warranty or extended warranty are usually only supported if an Approved Service Centre services them. That means that any service or repair carried out by a third party could invalidate the agreement, leaving you stranded if something goes wrong.

What are the benefits of a manufacturer's service?

Manufacturer-approved servicing can offer several advantages compared to other garages. Approved service centres have access to the latest technical information from the manufacturer and generally use parts that are made to the original specifications of the vehicle. This helps to ensure that the car's performance remains consistent and ultimately reduces the need for further repairs down the line.

What's more, when a vehicle is serviced at an approved service centre, it will come with a stamp in the service book and a list of any parts that have been replaced, which means that you can rest assured that it has been correctly looked after. Lastly, manufacturer-approved servicing can help to maintain the resale value of the car as it will be seen as better maintained than one serviced by an unauthorised garage.

Should I service my car before a long trip?

When embarking on a long journey, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your car is ready for the trip. Even if your car has just been serviced, there are still some checks you should do before setting off. These include checking the oil, coolant, and brake fluids, as well as checking the tyre pressure and tread. It’s also worth checking that the battery, lights and indicators, and windscreen wipers are all in good working order. 

Additionally, some car seats may not provide good support over long distances, so it can be worth investing in a back support cushion for longer trips. In summary, having a car serviced regularly and checking it before long trips is the best way to ensure reliability and peace of mind in the future.

Are servicing and MOT checks the same thing?

No, a service and an MOT check are two different things. An MOT is a yearly test of your vehicle’s safety, emissions and roadworthiness, while a service is an appropriate number of checks, tests and replacements that should be done every year or according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Both are important, but they don’t usually happen at the same time. 

A service typically involves changing the oil, air filter, spark plugs and other wear-and-tear parts, as well as performing visual inspections. A full service will often consist of various additional checks such as brakes, battery and electrics, steering, suspension and other essential components. An MOT check, however, will not replace any parts, so it only focuses on the conditions of the ones that are already in your car. 

In conclusion, you should service your car at least once a year or every 6,000 miles, whichever comes first, even if you don’t drive it much. Manufacturer-approved servicing is best for cars that are still under warranty, as it can help avoid invalidating the agreement. Before long trips, you should check the condition of certain components, while regular servicing and an MOT check should be conducted separately.