How To Check If Your Car Needs A Service?

by SWB Autos SWB Autos LTD - MOT Centre Sutton

Regular car maintenance is crucial for running smoothly and efficiently on the road. Not only that regular vehicle maintenance is also important for passenger safety. However, many car drivers or owners often struggle to figure out the right time to get their car service Southampton. In this detailed guide, I’ll help you with your problem and tell you how to determine when to schedule your next car service in Southampton.

Regular car services also play an important role when you are getting your four-wheeler MOT done. Passing an MOT is crucial in the UK as it is illegal to drive without an MOT certificate. So here are the few signs you should look out for in your car, before its next service.

Signs Your Car Needs A Service

Checking The Car Manual

First and foremost, it is best if you start by thoroughly reading the owner's manual, which you might have received when you bought the car. The car manual contains a detailed list of all the maintenance schedules, typically telling an owner who went to get their car oil changed. Replace the various filters and check the brakes. These maintenance checks are generally based on your car mileage or a specific period after you bought the car

Warning lights on the dashboard

Most cars nowadays come with plenty of warning lights that appear on the dashboard each time something is wrong with the car. Mostly, these warning signs are for the check engine light, the oil pressure, the battery change alert, and the brake warning light. If you’re confused about the lights, you can refer to the owner's manual for guidance and schedule a car service accordingly.

Unusual Noises

While you’re driving your car, pay attention If there are any new or unusual sounds in the car. These unusual noises may include squealing, grinding, rattling and thumping. Each of these noises is mostly associated with break problems, low components or tyre tread issues.

Engine Performance

If you’re having difficulties starting your car engine in the mornings, facing poor fuel efficiency, and stalling, it is often a sign that your car needs servicing.

Fluid Leaks

Keep a regular check on your car for any unusual, fluid leaks, and always monitor the fluid levels in your car. A few common fluids used in the car are engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. If you’re encountering any unusual decrease in the fluid levels or any unexpected leaks it, it is time for you to schedule a car service appointment.

Tyre Check

Another important component that you should always check is the tyres of your car for any irregularity. If there is any uneven be or gap in your tire, it can indicate alignment issues or buckled alloy errors. If you encounter any of these, it is best to book your car for servicing ASAP.

Unusual, smells, or smoke

If there are any unusual smells or smoke coming from your car, they can either be an indicator for a coolant leak, burning oil, or problems with the fuel system. If ignored these errors can pose a serious threat to your safety, so it is important to take your car for servicing.

Temperature warnings

Temperature warnings, such as an overheating engine is often the biggest indication to book your car service appointment. An overheating engine can easily be determined if the temperature goes is higher than the usual, or if the temperature warning lights are blinking on your dashboard. If this ever happens while you’re driving the car, stop your vehicle at the earliest and immediately immediately check the coolant levels.

Different Types Of Car Services

Getting your car serviced timely is a crucial part of the vehicle maintenance system and should be followed strictly to adhere to the safety rules. Following your vehicles maintenance, share the different types of car services that you can book, depending on the requirements your car may have.

Interim Service

Interim car services are usually ideal for vehicles that cover a large distance annually which is approximately more than 20,000 miles. The interim service for such vehicle should be performed in every six months or after each 6000 miles the car covers. Interim service generally includes oil change, oil filter replacement, tyre pressure check, wiper, check, light, and washers, and fluid check

Full Service

Full services are ideal for regular drivers who cover around 12,000 miles annually. Generally, the services offered include performing all the checks in the interim service and replacing any of them if required and determining the conditions of the engine brake system, heater and cooling system in a deeper level. Service may also include replacing the air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs in diesel or petrol engines accordingly.

Wrapping Up

This is how you can easily determine if you need a car service in Southampton. If you are soon going to get MOT Southampton done, you should get your car serviced so that your vehicle can easily pass the test.