What Type Of Car Servicing Do I Need?

Confused about the various types of car services available? Not sure which type of car servicing is right for your vehicle? You’ve come to the right place.

Spotting issues before they escalate is the key to saving you time, money and stress, and that’s where regular car servicing comes into its own. We’re unpacking the world of car servicing to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.

Understanding Different Types of Car Service

Car maintenance can be confusing. You may have heard various terms floating around – interim, major, full – but determining which one suits you best can be challenging.

Full or Interim Car Service

Full Car Service

A full car service is the go-to choice for most drivers. It’s a comprehensive checkup that covers all major components, including the engine, brakes, suspension, and more.

Typically recommended annually or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), this service is essential for maintaining your car’s performance and safety, ensuring you’re road-ready for the year.

Interim Car Service

The difference between interim and full car services is simple. Interim servicing is essentially a more basic version, focusing on essential components like oil, filters, and brakes. It’s best suited for high-mileage drivers who need more frequent checkups.

Interim services help catch potential issues early, keeping your car running smoothly between your full service.

Major or Minor Car Service

Major Car Service

Going above and beyond a full car service, a major car service provides a comprehensive examination of your vehicle’s major systems and components.

It includes in-depth diagnostic checks and addresses the parts recommended for replacement every 2 years.

Minor Car Service

A minor car service is essentially the same as interim – a routine checkup that focuses on basic maintenance tasks like oil and filter changes, along with visual inspections.

Servicing Your Car Under Warranty

There’s a common misconception that getting your car serviced outside the dealership will void your warranty, particularly if your vehicle is under a PCP agreement.

Well, the good news is that your warranty remains valid even if you choose a non-franchised dealership, thanks to European Block Exemption legislation – even with a PCP vehicle.

Many assume they must return to the manufacturer for warranty service, but that’s not true. If you’re on a PCP agreement, you’re likely familiar with the Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) scheme. It ensures you receive no hefty bills when you return your car, as long as you follow one key rule: “You’ve had the car serviced in line with your PCP contract.”

Typically, this means annual servicing and being repaired with genuine parts matching your vehicle’s model. The specifics matter, too – your mechanic must provide detailed records of the work carried out, right down to the grade of oil used.

In essence, your car doesn’t have to be serviced exclusively at the manufacturer’s facility – you just need a trustworthy garage that performs top-notch car servicing that follows manufacturer’s warranty guidelines.

Optimal Service Intervals: 6 Months vs. 1 Year

When it comes to servicing your vehicle, timing is everything. The big question is whether to stick to a 6-month interval or opt for an annual car service. While both options have their merits, the choice often boils down to your driving habits.

6-month service intervals are often chosen by those who rely on their car for daily commutes, school runs and weekend trips, because they’ll tot up a high-mileage.

Frequent check-ups ensure early issue detection and boost safety. However, it can be costlier, making interim services a cost-effective choice.

Most opt for the traditional annual car service, suitable for the average driver, as well as those with modern cars built to stand the test of time – thanks to improved tech.

However, it’s important to note that regardless of the interval, annual servicing remains crucial to keep your warranty intact. Many opt to do their MOT and service all in one go, to kill two birds with one stone.

Benefits of Regular Car Servicing

Servicing your car is not just a box-ticking exercise; it’s an essential part of car ownership. Here are the key benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: Regular checks identify potential safety hazards before they become critical.
• Improved fuel efficiency: Well-maintained cars operate more efficiently, saving you money on fuel and reducing your carbon footprint.
• Extended lifespan: Regular servicing can prolong your vehicle’s life, preventing costly repairs or early replacements.
• Warranty preservation: Following manufacturer-recommended service intervals at trusted specialists like Vasstech keeps your warranty valid.
• Optimal performance: Routine maintenance keeps your car at its peak, providing a smoother driving experience.

What Car Service Do I Need?

Clearly, one size does not fit all. If you frequently hit the road, interim car services at 6-month intervals might be ideal for you, ensuring your vehicle stays in top shape. But if you’re more of a casual driver, an annual full or major service may be enough for your car performing its best.

At Vasstech, we’re here to assist you in making the right choice. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional driver, our team of experts is ready to provide personalised advice and comprehensive vehicle checkups.

Don’t leave your car’s health to chance – contact us today and enjoy worry-free driving.