Is an annual service needed

Bubby

I have always serviced my cars annually, is this something that HAS to be done or could I service it every 2 years?

Gene_Hunt_2

Bubby wrote: »

I have always serviced my cars annually, is this something that HAS to be done or could I service it every 2 years?

It wouldn't be an annual service then would it?

If your not bothered about or don't have a warranty then it's a matter for you.

Lum

Your car's manual should state how often it needs servicing, usually it will be X number of miles or X number of years, whichever comes first.

Realistically speaking though, what car is it and do you care if it falls apart?

hubert_cumberdale

i look under my engine bay on my old beast every week and everything is still there

if i put a new air filter on it would triple the value of the car

Bubby

If I did it based on the mileage etc then it would be less than a year apart so I rang the head office once before and they confirmed that once a year would suffice. I would care if it fell apart its my pride and joy:D, however it is out of warranty and never (touches wood) has any issues with mot or services. Money is extremely tight for us and I am looking at ways of saving money, as it is a large car the service is very expensive:o (even with a cheap stand alone garage)

Hintza

Once a car gets to a certain age it might be worth doing the minimum ie Oil and Oil filter the res can be dealt with when needed but you need some idea of what is happening on brakes, suspension etc.

So to recap if nothing else Oil and filter.

hubert_cumberdale

learn to do the service your self you will be amazed how easy it is
a bolt to drain oil and twist of the oil filter
some clips to replace an air filter
your eyes to check fluid levels
water and antifreeze poured in with your hand
use eyes again to look over tires, lights, wipers etc

I really think people should learn to do things on cars there selves too many people are scared of them and thing they are rocket science.

I always look at it that a person put it together so why cant i take it apart and put it back together.

obviously if its a major job like adjusting tappets like hondas need doing quite a bit then maybe a garagee would be best if you werent 100% confident

Bubby

hubert_cumberdale wrote: »

learn to do the service your self you will be amazed how easy it is
a bolt to drain oil and twist of the oil filter
some clips to replace an air filter
your eyes to check fluid levels
water and antifreeze poured in with your hand
use eyes again to look over tires, lights, wipers etc

I really think people should learn to do things on cars there selves too many people are scared of them and thing they are rocket science.

I always look at it that a person put it together so why cant i take it apart and put it back together.

obviously if its a major job like adjusting tappets like hondas need doing quite a bit then maybe a garagee would be best if you werent 100% confident

Wow, I would love to do that myself but I am prepared to admit defeat when it comes to cars:o:o, in terms of oil etc we do that anyway, we also always check our tyres, wipers etc etc but just the basics not an in depth check like you get on a service.

Gene_Hunt_2

Bubby wrote: »

Wow, I would love to do that myself but I am prepared to admit defeat when it comes to cars:o:o, in terms of oil etc we do that anyway, we also always check our tyres, wipers etc etc but just the basics not an in depth check like you get on a service.

What like the visual inspection they charge for?

Jackinbox99

I always do a full service on my cars at the required service interval, or annually, depending on which comes sooner.

As the guy above said, its so easy to do this yourself with minimum tools. For example, on my main car I can do a full service in about 15minutes. I undo the oil drain plug which just needs a spanner. As the oil is draining out into a container, I change the air filter (philips screw driver, 2 screws), change the pollen filter (philips screw driver, 4 screws), change the fuel filter (pliers to loosen 2 clips and a philips screwdriver to undo a small clamp), remove the oil filter (got a chain wrench to do this), fit the new oil filter and visually check the screen wash, coolant, brake fluid etc.

By then all the oil is drained out - so replace the drain plug, pour new oil in, check level until okay. Run engine on idle for a few minutes, then leave, recheck oil level and top up if required.

All the above bits come to £30, plus £28 for the high grade synthetic oil i use.

I think for how little the bits cost these days, an annual service, even if you have done low mileage is well worth it to keep the car running perfectly. If you havent done many miles, you could just change the oil & filter as the air filter / pollen filter wont have been dirtied up much. But on mine, even after 8000 miles, both are usually black.

Its also worth noting that some people think a "service" checks and even fixes loads of other stuff - but in reality it doesnt. Most garages dont do any in depth checks or even plug the car into a computer. A basic service really is just a quick change of the bits ive listed above.

Most cars will need other items changing at various intervals, like brake fluid and coolant, but unless you specify you want these done, garages wont automatically do them.

Flearoy

An annual service 6 months after the MOT would be a good idea in my opinion as any defects would be seen by the mechanic, giving you a bit more peace of mind regarding safety.

That said, if you are reasonably handy you can always keep an eye on the condition of the brakes and suspension yourself.

If money is really tight, I'd agree with Hintza. Change the oil and filter annually at least, the car will reward you for it. It's quite easy to do yourself and can be cheap to do.