Car servicing the MS way

Ectophile

There isn't really a "typical service". On many models, it alternates between minor and major services.

A minor service may be to change the oil, and replace the oil and air filters. However, the service manual will include a huge list of things to be checked as well, including topping up all the other fluids.

A major service may add replacing the brake fluid, changing spark plugs, and so on.

If the engine has a timing belt, that will need changing at intervals as well, and that can add quite a bit to the service cost.

jimjames

BullyCornedBeef wrote: »

My car is a 55 VW Passat, excellent condition and low mileage (30k miles).

However, since I have owned it it has never been driven so much... so feel a service is fully justified.

What is carried out on a car during a typical service? How much does the average service roughly cost?

Thanks in advance, Luke.

If it is diesel make sure it has the correct oil as the PD engine needs specific oil to VW spec.

When was it last serviced? How many miles/years ago? I do around 10,000 pa and service annually but my car (56 Passat) has 160k miles on it. 30k miles on an older car, it should have annual services despite the low mileage.

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself then I'd use a local garage, no point paying dealer rates for a 10 year old car but make sure you keep on top of when servicing is due - it's the way to keep your car running well for longer. Skipping servicing isn't a way to save money but one that will cost more long term.

mcjordi

only thing i dont do myself on my cars is timing belt. ( i dont have the timing tools for starters and my mechanic mate is cheap enough anyway)
if you do it your self and wish to sell the car at some point keep reciepts for stuff and write on mileage at time of service.. id rather see a load of receipts than a stamped book tbh

BullyCornedBeef

Thanks everyone - had the service yesterday and satisfied with it.

Took it to a local garage which specialises in VWs and will definitely keep allnthe receipts etc.