Is It Illegal Not To Service Your Car?

Is it Essential for You to Service Your Car?

Having your car serviced regularly is essential for keeping your vehicle in good working order and ensuring it runs safely and efficiently. It’s important that you keep up with your scheduled services in order to prolong the life of your car, as servicing can help to resolve any issues before they become costly problems. Regularly servicing your car also improves fuel efficiency and reduces your car’s emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.

When booking your service, make sure you use an approved garage. An appropriate level of maintenance should be carried out, complete with a full written report so that you can check your car has been cared for properly. If you’re in need of any specific maintenance, like a rear axle replacement, be sure to inform the garage in advance so they can ensure the work is carried out correctly.

Is it Illegal Not To Service Your Car?

It is not illegal for you to not service your car. As long as your car is safe to drive and passes its annual MOT, you are within the law. You may be at risk of damage to your car and/or invalidating your insurance if you choose not to have your car serviced regularly. You could also experience poorer performance and fuel economy, as well as increased emissions from the car if it is not serviced often. 

While it is not against the law to not have your car serviced, you may find that the warranty on your car is affected if you do not adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It is therefore recommended that you have your car serviced as per their advice, or you could find that you have no cover in the event of expensive repairs being required.

What Happens When You Delay Car Servicing?

If you delay servicing your car, you may end up paying more money in the long run. Even when nothing appears to be wrong, regular servicing can help to detect potential issues early and prevent them from escalating further. Without having your car serviced, you could find yourself dealing with much more serious and costly problems with your car. 

In addition to this, delays in having your car serviced mean increased wear and tear on the engine and other components, which will likely lead to the condition of the car deteriorating over time. To maintain your car's performance, safety and reliability, it’s important to stay up-to-date with servicing to avoid unnecessary costs further down the line. 

When is the Best Time to Have Your Car Serviced? 

Servicing your car depends on the individual car’s mileage and age, as well as the manufacturer's recommendations. Generally speaking, cars should be serviced every 12 months in line with the annual MOT or after 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

Mid-week is the best time to have your car serviced, as most garages offer special deals and discounts to attract customers. To save time and money, book your service in advance and ensure all components of the service are carried out. 

Should I Empty My Car Before a Service? 

It’s generally a good idea to empty your car before taking it for a service. This means removing any personal belongings such as coats, bags and rubbish, as well as any items in the boot. Not only will this give the mechanics easier access to the car, but it will also protect your items from any possible damage during the service process. 

You should also check that the relevant fluids are topped up and that the battery is fully charged and connected properly. Doing this in advance can help to speed up the process when dropping your car off for service or MOT, as well as help the mechanics assess the overall condition of your car quickly and efficiently.