Car servicing on low mileage

meester

When should I get my Volvo serviced?

It used to do (previous owner) good miles, but since I bought it, not so much.

I had it serviced last September when it was on 56,000 miles (that was its 60,000 mile service). It has now reached 60,000, because I only drive it for family outings at weekends and occasional other trips.

Should I wait another year, another six months, get it done now, wait till it's done 10,000 miles between services?

TiTheRev

Usual service intervals are 10k or 1year, so even if it's done a low mileage i'd get it serviced again as its been a year now. It's a case of whichever comes first not which ever come last

hewhoisnotintheknow

how much is the car worth? If its not a great deal i would just get the oil and filter changed once a year or 10k then just fix things as they stop working

you could spend 500 a year on servicing then when you sell it the service history wont be worth much at all as the overall condition of the car will be more important

Hintza

Assuming its fairly old. I would just do oil and filter. If everything else feels ok that will probably be enough.

Just keep an eye on things like brakes, tyres, suspension and fluid levels.

If it's a younger car probably worth sending it for a service........it is due now.

AdrianHi

The service booklet should tell you the period as miles or time depending on which comes first.
Some cars specified to use synthetic oils which don't break down over time as fast as non-synthetic or semi-synthetic oils have greater miles or up to 2 years between changes.

Conor_3

CARS THAT DO LOW MILEAGE GO ONTO AN ABNORMAL SERVICE SCHEDULE.

They get serviced MORE than cars that do average mileage. It needs to be serviced to ensure that components like the brakes haven't seized up. Also if you're doing mostly short journeys, this breaks down the engine oil faster than doing journeys of 10 miles or more so it needs to be changed more frequently.

jeannieblue

Agree with Conor - low mileage is not necessarily good for the car - as he said, things tend to seize up.

I do low mileage, but I like to have my car serviced annually, good check over, wheels removed and brakes checked and cleaned. Keeps my mind at rest and my car in good condition.

If you find a good independent, they will service your car accordingly - unlike dealerships that stick to the 'schedule' :eek: and you get charged for things that do not need replacing.