If you are new to car ownership, it can all seem a bit overwhelming. Not only do you have to remember to fill up the car with fuel – and budget for it too – but there are so many things to remember: MOT tests, radiator water, the screen-wash reservoir, oil, and services. What is a service exactly and how often does one need to be done? Let us take a look.

Types of Service

There are several types of service that your car will need, from the most basic which tends to be a simple filter change for your oil and air filters all the way up to a manufacturer's service. The following are the various services you might need.

• Maintenance Service: should be done when your oil and air filters require it. This often – but not always – ties in with a full or annual service.
• Interim Service: to be undertaken six months after the last full service or within 6,000 miles. These services are only common for people who drive considerably more miles than the national average.
• Full or Annual Service: the most common type of service and the one that people tend to mean when they talk about their car's service. These should take place every 12,000 miles or once a year, depending on which occurs first. These services, as well as checking and changing the filters if necessary, look over all the working parts of the car, especially paying attention to those car parts that have a fairly short life – two to three years or so. Do check with your garage as to what their 'full service' includes as it can vary from mechanic to mechanic.
• Manufacturer's Service: this is a service that is usually performed by the manufacturer themselves or by a manufacturer accredited garage. The purpose of this type of service is to ensure that your vehicle has been maintained and repaired – if applicable – to the standard that the manufacturer finds satisfactory. This is a great idea if your car is not very old, or if you plan to sell it as an investment opportunity with all authentic (if not original) parts. These services can replace the full service as many of the same tasks are performed, and thus, should be completed once a year or so.

Benefits of a Service

Having your car serviced regularly is a great idea as it ensures that your vehicle is always in tip-top condition, and will also ensure that any faults that are just beginning to develop will be quickly picked up and remedied. Many full services have checklists of forty to eighty items that are all checked out with great care and with the benefit of modern computerised gadgets that help to make sure your car remains in great condition all the time. With technicians trained to the highest standards, you can now book car servicing in Normanton from Reg Greenwood.

How Much Do Services Cost?

It very much depends on where you go for your service. Some less scrupulous garages will pad the costs of their services to maximise their bottom line. In general, an interim service will cost around £75, with full services rising to £200 or so, depending on what actions are taken. Often, spare parts will be an extra charge, but filters and readily used consumables are often included in that price. Always ask your garage before committing to the service if funds are an issue so you can manage your budget.

When should you consider car servicing? The short answer is firstly, when the vehicle needs a service, according to the manufacturer, and secondly any time you have been doing a lot of driving and have added many miles to your speedometer.