Buying a first car is always exciting. Are you a new car owner with limited experience with car servicing and maintenance? Well, an expert can guide you on car servicing Northampton. You have the freedom to go anywhere you want once you’ve purchased your new car. Isn’t it exciting? However, every vehicle needs care to keep it running.

Understanding car servicing may be confusing for first-time car owners. So, we have made a complete guide for you to take care of your car and avoid unnecessary costs.

Why Car Servicing Is Important

Have you ever thought about the health of your car, just as you would your health and well-being? If you love your car, then consider it like your child. Don’t you visit a doctor for regular check-ups? Similarly, you have to do car servicing to maintain its health. Car servicing does not mean fixing the malfunctions, but preventing issues before they turn serious. Here are the benefits of regular servicing:

• Improve the efficiency of fuel.
• Maintain the safety of the car on the road
• Extend the longevity of the vehicle’s parts
• Prevent expensive breakdowns
• Maintain the resale value of the car

MOT vs Car Servicing: Know the Difference

There is confusion among first-time car owners regarding MOT and car servicing. Well, they are not the same thing. Let us check how:

• Car Servicing: Car servicing is highly recommended for the safety of your car, and it is not legally required. A service that checks and replaces parts like filters, oil, brakes, etc., can improve the car’s performance.
• MOT: MOT testing is mandatory for your vehicle. As per UK law, if your car is over three years old, you need an MOT. This is an annual check to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. You have to book a test in a reliable garage that offers an MOT Northampton near your home.

MOT helps you identify the safety of your car, whereas servicing maintains the car’s overall health.

Types of Car Servicing

While booking a car service, you may hear the terms ‘full service’ or ‘interim service’. Take a look:

1. Full Service

The full car service should be done every 12 months. Suspension checks, filter replacement, detailed inspection, and other services of interim servicing are some of the parts of the full service.

2. Interim Service

Interim services are needed every six months. This car servicing covers fluid level testing, oil changes, lights, tyres, and brakes. The drivers who drive a lot of mileage should choose this service.

3. Major Service

Major car servicing is done after every 24 months or when you cover 24,000 miles. This servicing includes all the above, with the replacement of brake fluid, spark plugs, and other car components. This service maintains the condition of the car over the long term.

Note: A new car owner should choose full service every year.

Warning Signs: A Vehicle Needs Servicing

Some alarming warning signs indicate your car needs help. You should not avoid the signs. Think about the health of your vehicle by checking the indicator. Here are the signs as follows:

• Strange noise while braking or driving the car.
• Warning lights on the dashboard.
• Problem in starting the engine of the car.
• The vehicle is pulling to one side.
• Reduced fuel efficiency.
• Excess smoke from the engine.

Immediate car servicing is needed if you notice the signs above.

Quick Tips for New Car Owners

• Check the Manual of the Car: The handbook of your vehicle will guide you on the service intervals.
• Maintain Records: Check the service history to maintain the vehicle’s value.
• Check the Fluids: Check the washer fluid, oil, and coolant regularly.
• Drive Smoothly: Fast acceleration and harsh braking wear out your car’s parts quickly. So, be careful while driving.

Elements of Car Servicing

The details may vary depending on the vehicle and the technician who offers the servicing. Have a look at the service checks:

• Brake Inspection: Check the overall performance of the brake, the discs, and the pads.
• Filter and Engine Oil Change: Storing the fresh oil in your car helps the engine run smoothly.
• Tyre Checking: Check the general condition, tread depth, and pressure of the tyres to prevent accidents.
• Emission and Exhaust: Check for excessive smoke and leakage to avoid danger while driving.

Final Thoughts

Car servicing may be confusing at the beginning when you are a new car owner. However, regular servicing, MOT readings, maintaining the car’s parts, and other works can help you become more familiar with the car. If you have less knowledge, then choose an expert near your home in Northampton. An experienced car mechanic can help you keep your car running smoothly for a long time. Enjoy stress-free driving and avoid future expenses by choosing the correct car servicing. Annual and monthly car servicing and testing can help you drive your car for a long time without trouble. So, do not compromise the health of your car for the sake of money.