The costs of running a car are high. If it’s not fuel it’s insurance. If it’s not insurance it’s the road tax. Throw a service into the mix, and it's only natural to start looking for ways to save a few pounds. But, there are certain things you should not skimp on in life. And a car service is one of them. Not only can it cost you more down the line, but it could be dangerous too.
In this post, we’ll look at all the things you risk by not servicing your car. Let’s get going.
More costly long-term
A car service is not cheap, especially if it’s a full or major service your car needs. But you have to think about the long-term. What happens if your car breaks down because of a major part failure. How much is that going to set you back?
One of the benefits of getting your car serviced is that it helps prevent problems from arising. Things that can lead to a breakdown. It checks anything subject to wear and tear like the engine, clutch, transmission, tyres, brakes, steering, suspension and more!
Forking out £150+ (which is the average price of a full service) might seem like a lot each year. Especially if you feel like your car is running fine and you can’t see anything untoward. But compared to the cost of getting your car back on the road after a breakdown, it’s peanuts.
And here’s another thing. Not all problems have defects visible to the naked eye, and some need an up-close inspection to detect. And the quicker you find them, the less likely it is that the whole part will need replacing.
You’ll be less safe on the road
By skimping on a service, you’re also skimping on safety. And not just yours, but your passengers and everyone else's around you.
The point of a car service is to highlight anything that’s dangerous or could lead to a breakdown. Things like the brakes, engine, clutch, steering, suspension and tyres (among others) are all looked at for signs of wear. All these components could put you at risk on the road if they’re heavily worn and not replaced or repaired.
And then there's the risk of breaking down. What happens if you break down on a busy motorway without a hard shoulder? Again, putting yourself (and your passengers) in a dangerous position.
Remember, a service is different to an MOT. An MOT doesn't look for worn parts or anything that could lead to a breakdown.
Reduced resale value
Vehicles with a full service history are worth more than those without one. A service log lets the buyer see the car's history. Things like the last time you changed the tyres, oil, brake fluid etc — along with any repairs. If everything's in order, it'll give the buyer peace of mind that you've looked after the car. And thus, they'll be willing to make you a higher offer. This applies to both a trade-in deal at a garage and a private sale.
Bear in mind, some garages avoid cars without a service history. So if you don’t want to sell privately, you’ll want a full service history.
Risking manufacturer support
This last one relates to having your car serviced by the manufacturer. And while it won't always happen, we have known it to in the past. And that is, receiving extended support at the end of a warranty because you have a full service history.
If you need a repair that's covered by the warranty, you might still get it done thanks to the manufacturer's goodwill. By logging your services, the manufacturer can see that you've done all you can to look after the vehicle. And thus, do the repair outside of the warranty.
While it’s not a legal requirement, a service is just as important as an MOT, and every car should have one every year. To book yours today, locate your local First Stop store by clicking here.