Even without a passion for driving there is little doubt that your car is anything but essential to you. From commuting to the lengthy drive for your latest ‘staycation’ being able to jump into your vehicle, turn the key and go is a privilege that you don’t appreciate until it fails to start.
It’s most people’s nightmare scenario, and a guaranteed way to ruin your day. In the case of costly repairs, a car with issues can easily ruin your month, even if just financially. Any car owner will want to reduce this occurrence as much as possible, and one vital way to do that is to keep your car maintained.
No one likes spending money, and keeping your car maintained can be expensive. But failing to take care of your vehicle can be considerably more damaging. Why should you keep your car maintained and in top condition? In this article, we will break down the multiple benefits of regular checks on your vehicle.
Minimise Long Term Damage, Maximise Safety
We’ll start by recapping on our above point, and probably the one that speaks to people the most easily. A service is simply a smaller regular cost that replaces a huge, unpredictable cost.
It can seem unbelievable how much a simple regular service helps your car. Regular oil changes keep your car’s pistons and internal engine workings lubricated and minimise friction and wear. The more wear on your car, the higher likelihood of something severe going wrong and costing you dearly.
Underrated as part of your servicing is the safety elements addressed. From wheel alignment to ensuring your brake fluid is at the correct level, a regular service can literally save your life in comparison to the alternative. Maintenance for safety is often more closely aligned with your MOT, however, this is not really the case.
An MOT is more a test of our car, the necessary fixes and changes needed are not included. As such many motorists will often find themselves having to pay for the elements of their neglected service anyway, and are forced to do so to keep their cars on the road.
Lower Running Costs, Higher Performance
Not keeping your engine in perfect working order will only make it work harder. From replacing perishable elements such as air filters to replacing oil with a high-quality option, a skilled mechanic will ensure your engine is worked to its ideal level.
What this means for you is firstly lower running costs. Smoother running means less strain on your engine, which means a superior mile to the gallon. Furthermore, the correct servicing allows your car to keep its peak performance for longer, with horsepower and torque preserved to keep your car fun and ensure you can keep up with the traffic.
Maintain An Excellent Finish
When you see the words ‘car maintenance’ you likely think of your car up on a ramp, undergoing somewhat major attention. The nature of maintenance is self-explanatory, to keep a level of quality be it performance or aesthetics.
Nothing screams poorly maintained car like chipped paint with dirt covering the lower half. Not only does regular dirt and grime affect the visual appeal of your car but also its internal health as well. Dirt entering brakes, air vents and other areas can build up over time and add additional wear, making your car work harder than it needs to.
Keeping your car’s bodywork in good condition isn’t about spending your Sunday’s cleaning every nook and cranny to perfection. Even a cursory regular rinse-off and wax will pay dividends in the future.
Preserve Your Vehicle’s Warranty
If you’re lucky enough to own a newer car then a huge perk is the warranty included, which gives considerable peace of mind from issues that aren’t related to wear and tear. The total warranty period varies between manufacture, with the majority based on anything from 2-7 years and usually with additional mileage restrictions.
Shorter warranty periods are less likely to need much afterthought from the owner, but if you are fortunate to have a considerable cover period one element to consider is your obligation to get your car serviced. Failure to conduct servicing at the specified mileage or time intervals will likely void your warranty, so it's essential to bear this in mind.
Regular servicing doesn’t need to take place with a brand dealer, providing the garage in question is reputable and able to provide a service of an adequate standard.
Increased Value When Selling
When buying a second car we often all look for the same things. Checking the paintwork for scratches, alloys for scuffs, and the quality of the interior are all straight forward but what can truly get you more for your car?
A full-service history is invaluable and will be one of the first things a potential buyer will ask for. Not only does it paint a picture of the vehicle but also of you as an owner. Nobody wants to buy a mistreated car and not keeping on top of servicing is one of the biggest red flags any of us look for.
The bottom line is, keep your car maintained regularly!
Written on 30th June 2021