Regular car servicing is crucial to keeping your vehicle in top condition, ensuring safety, performance, and longevity. But how often should you service your car? At Alan Watkins Motor Repairs in Swindon, we advise vehicle owners to follow a consistent service schedule based on mileage, usage, and manufacturer recommendations. Here's a general guide to help you decide how frequently you should service your vehicle.

1. Interim Service (Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles)

An interim service is ideal for drivers who cover high mileage or want to ensure their vehicle remains in peak condition throughout the year. This is especially important if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, on rough roads, or make short trips where the engine doesn't fully warm up.

What's Included:

• Oil and oil filter change
• Brake, steering, and suspension checks
• Tyre condition and pressure check
• Fluid top-ups (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.)
• Lights, windscreen wiper, and washer check

Best For: High-mileage drivers or those who want to keep their car performing smoothly between full services.

2. Full Service (Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles)

A full service is recommended once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This service is more comprehensive than an interim service and includes a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s critical systems to ensure everything is working properly.

What's Included:

• All the checks from an interim service
• Air filter replacement
• Fuel filter or spark plug replacement (depending on the vehicle)
• Thorough inspection of the suspension, steering, and exhaust system
• Detailed brake inspection
• Battery condition check

Best For: Most drivers who want to ensure their car is thoroughly checked annually.

3. Major Service (Every 24 Months or 24,000 Miles)

A major service is a more extensive inspection that covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance. It is recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles and includes many parts replacements that may not be necessary during a standard full service. This is the most comprehensive service you can schedule for your car.

What's Included:

• All the checks from a full service
• Brake fluid change
• Coolant replacement
• Transmission fluid check and possible replacement
• Comprehensive electrical system check
• Additional checks on items such as cabin filters, spark plugs, and timing belts (if required)

Best For: Vehicles that haven’t had a major service in two years or high-mileage vehicles that require more thorough maintenance.

4. Manufacturer's Service Schedule

Every vehicle comes with its own specific service intervals recommended by the manufacturer. This schedule is usually found in your car’s manual and takes into account the specific requirements of your vehicle’s make, model, and engine type. Following the manufacturer’s service intervals is essential to maintain your car's warranty and ensure optimal performance.

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Service Your Car:

1. Mileage: The more you drive, the more wear and tear your car experiences, which means more frequent servicing may be necessary.

2. Driving Conditions: If you often drive in harsh conditions (e.g., heavy traffic, rough roads, extreme temperatures), your car may need more frequent servicing.

3. Age of the Vehicle: Older cars may need more regular attention, as components wear out more quickly over time.

4. Type of Driving: Short trips where the engine doesn’t reach optimal temperature can lead to increased wear, especially on oil and components like the exhaust system.

Why Regular Servicing Matters:

1. Safety: Regular servicing ensures that critical components like brakes, tyres, and steering are in proper working order, keeping you safe on the road.

2. Performance: Fresh oil, clean filters, and properly maintained systems help your car run efficiently and smoothly.

3. Preventing Costly Repairs: Servicing helps catch small issues before they turn into major (and expensive) problems.

4. Maintaining Resale Value: A well-maintained car with a full-service history is more attractive to buyers and can retain a higher resale value.

Book Your Service at Alan Watkins Motor Repairs

At Alan Watkins Motor Repairs in Swindon, we offer interim, full, and major services to keep your vehicle running at its best. Whether you’re due for your annual service or need a more comprehensive check-up, our experienced technicians can ensure your car is safe, reliable, and performing optimally.

Contact us today to schedule your next service and enjoy peace of mind on the road!