Think twice before skipping your car service!

Some people may think nothing of skipping their annual vehicle service, but the truth is – it’s essential for every vehicle to ensure its safety and longevity. Whether you’re going on a long journey and would like some peace of mind, are up to the 12 month or 10,000 mile limit, or simply recognise the value of regular car maintenance – find out everything you need to know about services; and why you should get one below…

Time vs Miles

You should wait no longer than 12 months, or 10,000 miles (whichever comes first) between services. A basic 12 month service will include all light and air bag checks, as well as an oil and filter change. Your standard 12 month service excludes any concerns you may have about your car or van – which should be checked out by a qualified mechanic straight away, no matter the length of time or miles done since your last service. For problems you’re concerned about, a more in depth service may be required. Read on to find out about the different levels of servicing we offer below…

Maintain your cars value

Regular services help to maintain the value of your car. Each time a service is completed, you’ll receive a stamp in your service book. For new cars or those within their warranty, look to have your car serviced by a certified garage – Vasstech are fully VW certified meaning all Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda or Seat branded vehicles will maintain as much of their value as possible thanks to the use of genuine dealer parts. Any non V.A.S.S. branded vehicles within their warranty will have genuine dealer parts for any replacements, and any outside of warranty will feature quality replacement parts. Any service lapses in the period of time you’ve owned your car could negatively impact the value and in the long run, cost you more money.

Safety

A service within the period above (or as specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer) is designed to ensure the vehicle’s safety. The period or mileage stated between each service relies upon no noticeable issues with the car – any problems; major or minor should be checked out immediately by a qualified mechanic.

See below for the different types of service we offer…

A basic 12 month service:

As part of our basic service, or 12 month service we change your oil, filter, and check the following:

• Front light operation and adjustment
• Rear light operation
• Brake light operation
• Reverse lights
• Fog lights
• Number plate lights
• Interior lights
• Dash lights
• Cigarette lighter
• Hazard warning lights
• Glove box light
• Airbags (visual check)
• Warning lights

Our ‘Intermediate’ or 20,000 mile service covers all of the above, plus:

• Door arrester and securing pins
• Windscreen washer system top up
• Wiper blade damage
• Tyre depth and pressure of all wheels including spare wheel
• Oil and filter replacement

Our Full service covers all of the above, plus:

• Visual checks for leaks and damage
• Condition of belts
• Gearbox checks for leakage and damage
• Condition of bodywork
• Exhaust system
• Track rod ends condition and wear
• Swivel joints for leakage and damage
• Suspension brushes
• Brake fluid level and leaks
• Front and rear brake condition
• Brake pipes
• Visual checks for engine leaks and damage
• Cooling system frost protection
• Power assisted steering
• Air conditioning
• Replace spark plugs (petrol engine)
• Replace fuel filter (diesel engine)
• Replace air filter and clean housing
• Replace pollen filter

For all Volkswagen Group vehicles (VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT), we use genuine dealer parts.

For all vehicles outside of the VW Group, we use quality parts or dealer parts if the vehicle is still within its warranty period.

Following any level of service, we’ll stamp your book and reset your service light. The service regime can be set to the standard 10,000 miles, 1 year or a variable long life service which can run up to 20,000 miles or 2 years (although we’d always recommend one of the first 2 options to ensure yours and your vehicle’s safety).

If you have any further questions regarding servicing, why not give us a call; you can find contact details for our branches here.