If you have never taken your car in for a service before, it could be a potentially daunting task. Mechanics can often use a lot of jargon which you may or may not understand and which could end up leaving you confused if you had no idea what was going to happen in the first place.
Even if you have taken your car in for a service before, it never hurts to refresh your memory about what will happen on the day so that you are fully prepared for what’s in store.
How does a service differ from an MOT?
MOTs are full inspections of your car, but during the process, the workshop cannot take anything apart or strip any components down. It is simply a test to make sure that the vehicle is safe to be on the road. A service, on the other hand, is a much more thorough look at the workings of your car. Garages are allowed to take things apart to be able to access all of the parts of the engine and will therefore be able to give you a much better idea of what is in good condition and what is not.
What will they do to my car in a service?
The service is basically just a thorough check of all of the working parts of your car. Mechanics will check the inside and outside of your car, as well as all of the inner workings to make sure that everything is running smoothly. They will check for parts which may be wearing out so that you have plenty of warning if they need to be replaced. They will also usually perform an oil change and replace the oil filter in your engine. If you are still in doubt about exactly what your car will go through in a service then it is worth having a quick chat with your mechanic when you drop your vehicle off, so that they can put your mind at ease.
How long does a service usually take?
Before taking your car in for a service it is important to know how long you will be without it so that you can make alternative arrangements if necessary. The length of the service will depend on several factors. Firstly, are you taking your car in for an interim service (usually performed every 6 months or 6,000 miles) or a full service (usually carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles)? An interim service usually takes about an hour and a half and a full service is usually completed within 3 hours. Secondly, the length of the service will depend on whether or not there are any problems found. If everything runs smoothly then you should have your car back within 3 hours; if there are issues which need to be resolved, then it could take longer. Your mechanic should inform you if your car will have to remain in the workshop longer than expected.
How much does a service cost?
It is difficult to give a specific price for a service, since there are different services, depending on how old your car is, or how many miles it has driven. If you want to get a specific price for your car, get quotes here on Autobutler and compare them at home - you might be able to save a few bucks.
We have seen that car-owners that compare prices on car servicing on Autobutler, can potentially save 30 percent in average, which equals to 97 pounds.
All about Car Servicing and Inspection
- Get your car inspected by a professional today>
- What should I expect when I take my car to be serviced?
- Why it is important to have your car serviced
- What should be included in your car’s service
- What should I do before I take my car to be serviced?
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