Servicing your car not only keeps it in top condition when you are running it, but it will also add value to your vehicle when the time comes should you want to sell it. Even if you are not planning on selling in the near future, it is important to think ahead and keep your service history going, as people are prepared to pay a premium for a car with a full service history.

Why should I bother getting my car serviced?

Car servicing is a very important part of vehicle ownership. Even if you are planning on selling your car in the near future, if you plan on driving it around until you find a buyer it is important to get it serviced regularly for your own safety, as it will check that things like your brake fluid and tyre pressures are OK. Checks on your lights, indicators and tyre tread makes sure that your car is legal to drive; not only keeping you safe, but also making sure you don’t incur any unnecessary fines.

Other checks are for your cars general well-being, so whilst you might not be directly endangering yourself by not having a service done, they will keep your car running at an optimal level, increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing the amount of wear and tear. It is these checks that a future buyer will look for, as a well looked after car is likely to have fewer issues as it gets older. This benefits you, as you will be able to ask a higher price for your car. Make sure that your vehicle log book has been stamped each time it is serviced, as this will be the proof to your seller that your car has been properly maintained.

When should I get my car serviced?

Your vehicle handbook will give you the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for your specific make and model of vehicle. As a general rule of thumb, you should give your car an interim service every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes sooner, and a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Even if you are not a high mileage driver, it is important to make sure you still get your car serviced regularly, as with all things mechanical, things can still go wrong.

What does a service include?

Both interim and full services include the following:

• Oil and oil filter replacement
• Check and top up brake fluid
• Check and top up anti-freeze coolant
• Check and top up windscreen wash
• Check and top up power steering fluids
• Check lights
• Check windscreen wipers
• Check battery condition
• Check charging system
• Check exhaust system
• Check tyre tread
• Check tyre pressure
• Check brakes
• Check steering
• Check shock absorbers
• Check suspension

In addition to these important checks, a full service also includes:

• Auxiliary drive belt check
• Wheel alignment check
• Wheel bearing check
• Wheel balance check
• Brake fluid condition
• Replacement of fuel filter on diesel cars
• Replacement of spark plugs on petrol cars
• Replacement of air filter

One very important thing to remember is that a service does not replace making checks on your own, especially before undertaking a long journey. If you are not comfortable checking your own fluid levels and things like tyre tread and pressure, consider getting an additional service done before setting out on a long trip.

Choosing Universal Tyres

When getting your car serviced, it is important to make sure you are using a company that offer a comprehensive service, playing a close attention to detail in order to pick up any minor defects before they become a big problem. Universal Tyres offer well trained and highly experienced technicians, so you can be sure you are putting your car into a safe pair of hands.