Service or not?

janninew

Hi

Hope somebody can give me some advice as I don't know much about cars!

My car is due for its MOT next week and I am unsure if I should have it serviced at the same time? Its a 2003 Ford KA. Its done just over 60,000 miles and was last serviced last November. Money is a little tight at the moment, is it worth having it serviced or not?

Thanks for any advice offered!

Janninew

hartcjhart

depending on how many miles you have done since last service I personally would not bother at the moment,
BUT it is worth asking the garage to check your anti freeze is up to strength

goldspanners

it might be worth calling your nearest rapid fit, usually attatched to ford dealers and ask how much they would take for a service,it should be cheaper than a ford dealer.
if you dont get it serviced then at least go and check your oil,coolant,lights and tyres (pressure, tread depth and condition) as its now winter,the police will be starting thier annual tyre campaign soon.
also for your own safety help maintain a healthy vehicle,while saving a few quid.
although your MOT will check most of these for you,but not all.

janninew

goldspanners wrote: »

it might be worth calling your nearest rapid fit, usually attatched to ford dealers and ask how much they would take for a service,it should be cheaper than a ford dealer.
if you dont get it serviced then at least go and check your oil,coolant,lights and tyres (pressure, tread depth and condition) as its now winter,the police will be starting thier annual tyre campaign soon.
also for your own safety help maintain a healthy vehicle,while saving a few quid.
although your MOT will check most of these for you,but not all.

Thanks for the advice! My local rapid fit has recently closed down! I called my local Ford dealer and they charge 198.00 for a service! :eek: I think this is quite steep for my little car. I am tempted to take it to a local garage for a service, I've seen one advertising services for 70.00, this price doesn't include oil though! I'm so confused though and don't want to get ripped off and as its plainly obvious that I know nothing about cars, I'm worried that they may take advantage!

janninew

hartcjhart wrote: »

depending on how many miles you have done since last service I personally would not bother at the moment,
BUT it is worth asking the garage to check your anti freeze is up to strength

Its done just under 4,000 miles since the last service. I must admit that it feels so much better after being serviced, clutch felt tighter and it seemed to drive alot better (if you get what I mean!!)

mcjordi

it could be the endura 1.3 engine in it its not gonna hurt it by leaving the service for a while

MOT it first and see what happens there first

janninew

mcjordi wrote: »

it could be the endura 1.3 engine in it its not gonna hurt it by leaving the service for a while

MOT it first and see what happens there first

It is a 1.3 engine, but I'm not sure about the endura part? I might see how it gets on with its MOT, see if it needs any work doing. Just a little concerned with winter coming up that its got everything it needs to keep running well! I am clueless about cars, the only thing I can do is make sure there is water in it to clear the windscreen! I have no idea how to check anything else!

hartcjhart

get the mot station to check oil level and your coolant/anti freeze,if you buy a small pot of anti freeze and a gallon of the correct oil just pop it in the boot,when you go for the mot smile sweetly :Dand ask for them to check/top up,
as 'Goldy' says tyres/lights will be checked at time of mot:beer:

janninew

hartcjhart wrote: »

get the mot station to check oil level and your coolant/anti freeze,if you buy a small pot of anti freeze and a gallon of the correct oil just pop it in the boot,when you go for the mot smile sweetly :Dand ask for them to check/top up,
as 'Goldy' says tyres/lights will be checked at time of mot:beer:

Thanks, I will give that a go! I may even ask if they would show me how to check these things for myself! Its a small family business and I've been going there for years, so i'm sure he won't mind!!

goldspanners

you could if your feeling adventurous get an oil and filter service at a fast fit type place,but these are generally not recommended.
with only 4000 miles from the last service the oil probably doesnt need changing.
ask the MOT station if they would do a quick check over the other parts of the car not covered by the MOT. oil and coolant for example.

some garages will offer free winter health check shortly,but most just use these as a way to try and sell you something you more than likely dont really need.

goldspanners

janninew wrote: »

Thanks, I will give that a go! I may even ask if they would show me how to check these things for myself! Its a small family business and I've been going there for years, so i'm sure he won't mind!!

that sounds like your best bet.