Are you considering taking out a service plan for your car? There are two main types of car service: an Interim (Basic) Service and a Full Service.
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Interim Service
An interim service should be carried out bi-annually or approximately every 6000 miles. It usually includes oil and oil filter checks and replacements if required, a check and top-up of brake fluid, windscreen wash, anti-freeze coolant, and power steering fluid. Also, checks are done on the lights, battery, windscreen wipers, charging system, tyre tread, and pressure exhaust system, brakes, steering, suspension, and shock absorbers.
Full Service
A full service should take place annually, or approximately every 12000 miles. This includes everything an interim service would, as well as checks on the auxiliary drive belt, wheel bearings, wheel alignment, and balance, fuel filter (if diesel), spark plugs (if petrol) and air filter.
According to Kwik-Fit, servicing a vehicle saves a customer money. Checking coolant levels etc. may seem like minor tasks, but low coolant can be caused by damage to the silicone hoses in the cooling system. If left unrepaired, this can cause serious damage to the engine due to overheating. A new engine is obviously significantly more expensive than replacement hoses, like the ones found at https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacture.
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So how is this different from an MOT? An MOT is an inspection set by VOSA, a government department. Although there are a lot of similarities between what is covered in an MOT and a service, an MOT is only a visual check (nothing is actually removed from the vehicle), and it only covers the minimum standard for safety and emissions. Although it guarantees a vehicle is roadworthy at the time of the test, it does not ensure the vehicle is working to the best of its abilities and does not guarantee it will remain roadworthy for the next year. Furthermore, every MOT is the same for every car.
Whilst a service is only a recommendation and not a legal requirement, it can be tailored to specific car needs, from heated seats to brakes and oil filters, and looks at ensuring the car will remain in a good condition for the next year. This can work out significantly cheaper than sudden one-off emergency repairs and ensures the car keeps its value.
