In a time where money is tight and many of us are trying to cut costs wherever we can, you might be considering whether servicing is a necessary expense. Our cars can cost us a lot of money over the course of ownership and while they do offer freedom and independence like nothing else, you wouldn’t be alone in wondering where you can start to cut down on costs and servicing can often be the first thing to go. However, with increased risk of breakdowns, damage going unnoticed, dirt build-up and reduction in the lifespan of your vehicle, should you really be skipping services? We’re taking a deeper look into why it’s a good idea to stick to the schedule.

Is Servicing A Requirement?

Unlike your yearly MOT, servicing isn’t actually a legal requirement in order to drive your car, or even to get it insured. Servicing, instead, is something that is highly recommended for not only maintaining your vehicle but for keeping it in top shape and roadworthy for longer. Some manufacturers will also base their warranties on whether or not you’re keeping up with their given service record. 

Servicing provides your car with a full once-over and keeps things running smoothly and safely. It could be the difference between a perfectly functional car or a vehicle that might be experiencing smaller issues that can become something big if left unchecked. Servicing can help you spot issues like rust, dirt build-up and other issues that might not be flagged up by a warning light, ensuring you can get them repaired before they become expensive. For that reason, while you can legally drive without servicing, it’s something that we certainly believe is worth the cost.

Why Do I Need To Service My Car?

You don’t need a service to drive your car, however as mentioned above, servicing your vehicle provides you with the peace of mind that it’s all in top shape. Both full and interim services provide your vehicle with the TLC it deserves, from changing fluids to prevent build-up to checking key parts of the vehicle for signs of wear and tear. Regular servicing can help you with:

• Safety – The safety of your vehicle is paramount, and regular servicing can catch worsening issues before they can cause any serious problems.
• Performance – With regular servicing, you can maintain the performance your vehicle and give it it’s best chance at performing and driving well. 
• Cost – The cost of vehicle repairs can be high, particularly for major repairs such as engine replacements, gearbox rebuilding and more. By maintaining your service schedule, small issues can be found and repaired before they become expensive. The ongoing cost of servicing often works out to be less than the cost of a hefty repair.
• Value – Not only do buyers like to see a full service history when buying a vehicle, but servicing helps you maintain the quality of your car and fetch a better value when selling your car on in the future.

What Are The Risks Of Not Servicing My Car?

While some cars will be okay in the short term without servicing, reports suggest that not servicing your car can lead to an increased number or frequency of issues, including breakdowns, the lifespan of your vehicle and more. Some of the common risks you should be aware of include: 

• Increased breakdowns
• Shortened lifespan
• Invalid warranties
• Increase emissions
• Resale value drop
• Poor fuel economy
• Insurance value 
• Missed repairs getting worse

Servicing is an important part of maintaining your vehicle and here at Service4Service, we understand that it can be stressful. We are on hand to make the servicing process as quick and as easy as possible, with full transparency and competitive pricing to give you peace of mind that you’re getting the best. Get in touch with our team to find out more.