Does my car need servicing?

littlesnuggy

Excuse my absolute ignorance on this matter - I know little about cars, and drive mine only when absolutely necessary. It was previously kept at my parents' house, and they nicely looked after it whilst it was there!

Anyway, it's due its MOT in the next few weeks, so I'm going to book that in but wonder whether I should be getting it serviced at the same time.

The car is an 03 reg Corsa; it's done under 30,000 miles. Just checked the service manual and it suggests (I think, it's not very clear!) servicing after every year or every 20,000 miles. It was serviced in June 2004 at 8100 miles and Jan 2006 at 17000 miles - it hasn't been serviced since then.

I think the answer will be YES, but as it's done less than 10,000 miles since the last service, want to make sure before spending money on something.

Any pointers would be much appreciated!

Lorian

Its well overdue, glad I'm not your engine!

molerat

Yes the service is due annually or at 20k whichever is sooner. The oil needs changing every year or maybe twice a year due to low useage, short journeys really take it out on the oil. If you cannot do it yourself put it in for service and MOT every year. There are other parts that degrade with time as well.

gilbert_and_sullivan

3 and half years since it was last serviced...er yes it does need servicing.

It probably wants a very full service including brake fluid change etc.

(makes note not to buy a 03 plate neglected Corsa..;)

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

The engine oil will certainly want changing, brake fluid changes (IMO) are a nice little earner that aren't always required. Coolant change is a very cheap and worthwhile change to make, and its probably worthwhile having your battery load-tested.

littlesnuggy

Right, I'll be booking it in for the full works asap then! You've made me feel so guilty!

Just so I know what to expect, do you generally pay a fee for the service (say £100) and that includes the oil change etc, or are you paying the fee for them looking at it, and all the 'things' they do to it / put in are charged on top?

jeannieblue

It is due - low mileage doesn't mean that oils etc don't need changing regularly. Low mileage can lead to things like exhausts corroding earlier than normal. Plus they can lubricate all the brakes - which can corrode whilst standing. I would get the brake fluid changed as well as it is porous - absorbs water in the environment.

jeannieblue

littlesnuggy wrote: »

Right, I'll be booking it in for the full works asap then! You've made me feel so guilty!

Just so I know what to expect, do you generally pay a fee for the service (say £100) and that includes the oil change etc, or are you paying the fee for them looking at it, and all the 'things' they do to it / put in are charged on top?

Find a good independent garage and ask them to quote as near as is possible for the work needed to be done. Also ask if VAT is included.

It may cost more than normal, but next year it will be less - or should be, you've probably got to pay a little extra to make up for the services that haven't been done. I would think that £200 would more than cover it for a full service. Less if doesn't need gear oils & some filters.

gilbert_and_sullivan

It depends where you go Littlesnuggy.

If 'twer me i'd get some recommendations from people you trust for a good local independent garage....do not use a fast fit (read fast buck) centre, and the main dealer will probably overcharge.

No really fixed price on servicing, it may need some parts as well eg brakes...but they may just need a clean up hence the comment to avoid fast fit hell.