Service me, please: Your Car!

Service me, please: Your Car!

Trust this: cars are getting more and more complex. Maintain them with basic care, and both you and your car, and your pocket, will benefit.

 

Regular servicing is cost-effective compared to most repairs. Can you also afford to compromise your quality of life and that of your family?

 

The cost of a car service can vary depending on the type of service (some oil changes for example are rather cheap), the vehicle, and your choice of garage. MyCarPal can help you find the best service for your needs.

 

But listen to this...

If your vehicle breaks down far from home and requires a recovery truck, that alone can cost you £50, £100, or even £150 or more, depending on the distance and the type of failure. Are you starting to see the point? Then you still must get it repaired, all because of a lack of basic maintenance.

Ask your mechanic to include a standard health check while your car is in for service (a quick once-over) and record it on video. It's called a "See it Now"! There should be no extra charge, or it will be very minimal.

If you're unsure about a repair list, ask for a video that includes your car's registration plate and even the chassis number. The video should be unedited and done in one take so nothing can be hidden or taken out. We at MyCarPal always recommend these, unless you completely trust your Mechanic. 

 

Small problems turn into BIG problems...

 

Consequential £Cost: 

Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Neglecting these tasks can lead to costly repairs and decreased performance. Here are some of the potential consequences:

• Engine problems: Oil sludge buildup can clog oil channels and restrict lubrication to the turbocharger, leading to engine wear and even failure. Coolant issues can cause the engine to overheat or freeze, while poor air filtration can introduce dirt and debris into the engine, damaging sensitive components. Always use fully synthetic oil. 
• Reduced fuel efficiency: A poorly maintained engine will work harder, consuming more fuel and increasing your expenses at the pump.
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues: This is basically a filter that is part of your exhaust system, to reduce dangerous poison gasses going into the air we breathe. In diesel vehicles, DPFs can become clogged with soot, leading to reduced engine performance and even engine slowdown (limp mode).
• Catalytic Converter (CAT) problems: In petrol vehicles, the CAT can become clogged, reducing engine efficiency and increasing, again, dangerous emissions.
• Increased risk of breakdowns: Regular maintenance allows your mechanic to identify and address potential problems before they become major issues, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

NOTE:

Particulate (dangerous gasses we breathe in) sensors (very clever sensors) are being placed on the roadside and can see exhaust gasses. It’ll then take your reg number and you’ll be fined.

 

 

Reliability:

 

It's important to be able to get to work, important appointments, or to take a loved one somewhere important. You never know when you might need your car in an emergency. It’ll always be ready when you need it, if you look after it.

 

Fuel efficiency:

• A properly in tune car can use less fuel, saving you money at the pump.
• Poor tyres on your car is like riding a bike with really soft tyres. You'd use a lot more energy to move and be very soon out of breath. The same is true for your car; poor tyres will decrease fuel efficiency and therefore increase the cost at the pump. Poor tyres, and pressures, can also be dangerous.

Engine Problems:

Engine problems, such as poor spark plugs causing misfires or running too rich, can cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust, which can damage the catalyst. This can cost over £1000 to replace, not including labour (which is not cheap). Some catalysts are also physically difficult to replace then require a computer to install them into the engine's electronic control unit (ECU).

 

Safety:

Regular maintenance helps ensure that your car is in good working order, which can help prevent accidents. For example, worn brakes and tires can significantly increase the risk of an accident. Your brake pads and discs could be wafer thin or even corroded, which can drastically reduce braking effectiveness.

If your car caused an accident due to lack of maintenance, could you live with that?

 

Resale value:

• A car that has been well-maintained is worth more money when you sell it.
• Potential buyers are less likely to pay a good price for a car that hasn't been well-maintained.
• Would you buy a car that hadn't been serviced or looked after? It's doubtful, so being hypocritical might come to mind.

 

Environment:

Increased emissions: When a car is not properly maintained, it can run less efficiently, which means it will burn more fuel.

This leads to increased emissions of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. These pollutants contribute to climate change, air pollution, and respiratory problems.

 

Oil/Fluid leaks and spills: Leaky fluids from a poorly maintained car can contaminate soil and water, harming wildlife and ecosystems, including the water we drink.

 

Tips:

• Budget and save for your car service and repair. Even a small amount, like £10 per month, can add up to £120 per year, which can cover a basic service. You do this for your holidays, weekends away, your latest phone, and your watch, your clothes. You know where this is going...
• If you buy a used car, especially privately, get it serviced regardless. This will give you peace of mind and allow your mechanic to give it a once-over as soon as possible.

 

Maintain your car, keep it in shape, and it won't let you down.

Anything to add? Leave a comment...