Vehicle Servicing
Whether you have a high-performance car or commercial van, we can offer comprehensive servicing to ensure that every part is functioning as it should be. Diesel or petrol, we can perform our full service on any fuel type vehicle, because if we can spot a problem before it’s too late, you will save money in the long run.
Your vehicle may be taking you up and down the country on commercial jobs, or simply zipping around your local area to take the family to their various commitments – either way, whatever you use it for and however many miles it covers, regular servicing is an essential part of car maintenance.
Without it, your vehicle could experience wear and tear at a disproportionate speed, or (if left unchecked) little issues could be allowed to develop into bigger, far more costly problems. With a regular servicing schedule in place, you can ensure that your car remains in peak condition for many years to come. We also have a handy servicing checklist for you to take a look at.
How often should you service your vehicle and should you get an interim or a full service?
This largely depends on the timescale. As a full service is a longer, more thorough check, it is required less often. Although the exact time scale will largely depend on your specific vehicle, how often it is used and the distance that it covers, typically, we would recommend that:
- You schedule a full service once a year. Or, every time that it covers 12,000 miles
- You schedule an interim service once every six months. Or, every time that it covers 6,000 miles
If your vehicle regularly covers long distances, then it would be best for you to schedule full servicing. If you would like to find out more about servicing, or how to keep your vehicle running at top condition for longer, our team of experts are on hand to help.
Why should you have your car, motorbike, or van serviced?
Regular servicing, undertaken by a professional:
- Improves resale value – when you do choose to sell it, being able to provide evidence of regular servicing will make it a more desirable purchase. A potential buyer will be able to see that it has been carefully managed, and so, that they are making a dependable investment.
- Saves you money long-term – if you were to leave a minor problem, and not get it fixed in a regular course of servicing, then it would grow and worsen, until you’re left with a far more costly repair job, or even be put in a situation where you have to replace it altogether.
- Reduces the likelihood that your vehicle will break down – not only is this expensive, but it is also highly inconvenient, dangerous and distressing. Regular servicing significantly reduces this risk.
- Improves your carbon footprint – a vehicle that is working correctly and operating as it should will use less fuel, so presents a more eco-conscious (and money saving!) option.
- Makes your car safer – by removing the risk of unexpected or unknown damage, your vehicle will be far safer to drive.
What is Interim Servicing?
Interim servicing is undertaken more regularly than full servicing. An interim service is designed to check over the areas of the car that could be worn down or used up quickly. It involves a careful check over all of these components, in order to proactively prevent any fluids from running out, or any damage from building.
During an interim service, the expert will check your vehicle’s fluid levels (such as brake fluid, coolant and windscreen cleaner). Then, the core elements (including the engine, tyres and batteries) will be tested.
During an interim service, these elements will be assessed:
- ABS
- Air conditioning
- Air filter
- Auxiliary belts
- Axel oil
- Battery
- Brake pads
- Brake pipes
- Bodywork
- Callipers
- Clutch
- Corrosion, any early signs of
- Cylinders
- Drums and discs
- Engine oil
- Exhaust system
- Exterior lights
- Fan belts
- Fluid levels
- Fuel cap
- Fuel lines
- Gearbox oil
- Handbrake operation
- Hoses
- Interior lights
- Leakage
- Mirrors
- Oil filter
- Power steering
- Rear-view mirror
- Seatbelts
- Steering and suspension
- Timing belt interval
- Tyres
- Warning lights
- Washers
- Windscreen wipers
What is a Full Service?
Full servicing is designed to cover a more extensive assessment. It covers a wider range of checks and assessment, including all of the elements of an interim service, plus other checks, including full tyre checks and inspecting the brake.
The additional checks that a full service covers include:
- Air filter – replacement service
- Brakes – checking both the front and back brakes
- Coolant pipes – a visual inspection
- Coolant system – checking for any signs of leaks
- Doors – testing the hinges, locks and catches
- Distributor cap – checking its condition
- Engine cooling fan – testing
- Engine and gearbox mounts – checking for any signs of excessive wear
- Radiator pipes – a visual inspection
- Security tests
- Starter motor cranking tests
- Throttle – checking and testing
- Wheel bearings – checking for noise
- Wheels – assessing the condition of all wheels
Furthermore, once a full service has been completed, the organisation that has completed the service will stamp your vehicle’s service book. This provides you with an official record of your vehicle and its condition over time.
We have several branches across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, so you’ll never be too far from one of our service centres. With over 55 years of experience in the industry, there is no one better to entrust the safety of your car with. We never perform unnecessary repairs and our technicians are highly skilled in both testing and repairing so you get peace of mind when getting a full service with us.
Call or email today for more information about any of our services – our friendly and professional staff are always happy to help. No matter whether you need wheel alignment, an MOT, replacement brakes, exhausts or batteries, we are here for you.
