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How often should you service your car?

Although car servicing is vital to your vehicle’s reliability, it isn’t always easy to tell when it’s time to schedule it. Typically, a full car service is recommended every 10,000 km or 12 months—whichever comes first. Remember, though, that this is a general rule that might not fit every situation, especially when you consider your car's service history and manufacturer service schedule.

A well-maintained service history is a great asset to have not just for your own peace of mind but also to preserve your car’s value. It's a clear indication to future buyers that the vehicle has been cared for properly. In terms of performance, following the manufacturer service schedule—which is specifically designed for your car's make and model—means servicing will be perfectly suited to your vehicle's needs.

Having said that, there are a number of factors that may influence how often your car needs to be serviced:

• Frequent short journeys or stop-start city driving
• Harsh driving conditions, like muddy or dusty roads
• Heavy usage, such as towing or carrying heavy loads
• The age of the vehicle, especially for classic or out-of-warranty cars
• High mileage, leading to more wear and tear
• Seasonal changes
• A noticeable decline in the car’s performance or efficiency

At First Stop, we understand that each car has its own story and needs. That’s why we tailor each car's servicing timeline to its age and condition, providing the exact care needed to maintain the performance you expect. Contact us to find out how we can personalise your vehicle’s service schedule.

What is included in a car service?

When you bring your vehicle in for a service at First Stop, you’re not just getting a routine check-up; you’re ensuring that every vital aspect of your car is functioning as it should. A car service with us is a comprehensive health check that covers numerous checks and adjustments to maintain optimal vehicle performance and safety. Here's a snapshot of what we include in a typical car service:

• Oil and filter change: One of the critical components of our service is an oil and filter change, which is essential for protecting and maintaining your engine's longevity. To keep your engine running smoothly, we replace the old oil and filter with new, high-quality replacements.
• Brake inspection: We check the brake pads, discs, and fluid to ensure maximum safety and performance.
• Tyre evaluation: Tyre pressures are adjusted, and the tread is checked for wear and tear.
• Exhaust assessment: The exhaust system is examined for leaks, damage, and corrosion.
• Battery check: We test the battery's health and its charging capacity.
• Coolant check: Coolant levels are assessed and topped up if necessary, to prevent overheating.
• Light check: All internal and external lights are tested for proper operation.
• Suspension check: The suspension is examined for wear and function.
• Fluid levels: We top up all essential fluids, including brake, power steering, transmission, and wiper fluid.
• Air filter: The air filter is inspected and replaced if dirty, to ensure optimal engine performance.

Our aim is to make sure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to your car's service, providing you with peace of mind until your next visit. Each point in our service is a step towards preserving the smooth operation, safety, and reliability of your vehicle.

Why do I need a car service?

Regular car servicing is not just a preventative measure—it's an integral part of maintaining the performance of your car. At First Stop, we understand that your vehicle is an essential part of your everyday life, so we ensure that every journey you make is safe and reliable.

Maintain performance

Servicing your car is crucial for keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. With each service, we meticulously check all systems to ensure they are operating correctly, addressing any concerns that could hinder your vehicle's performance.

Extend your car's lifespan

Routine maintenance during a service visit can significantly increase the lifespan of your car by ensuring that various components are functioning properly, promptly addressing the wear and tear on your vehicle over time.

Be safe on the road

The safety of our customers is our top priority. Regular servicing involves comprehensive checks on critical safety components like brakes, tyres, and suspension systems, drastically reducing the risk of issues that could lead to accidents.

Save money

Regular servicing can save money by preventing costly repairs in the future. Well-maintained vehicles typically require fewer major repairs and even achieve better fuel efficiency, saving you more at the pump.

Minimise depreciation

A well-serviced car will maintain more of its value over time. A full service history is often a compelling factor for potential buyers, as it shows the car has been cared for properly.

Pass your NCT

An added benefit of regular servicing is that it can help prepare your car for its NCT Pre NCT checkup, a legally required checkup to keep your car on the road. Keeping up with your service schedule ensures that your car is more likely to pass the NCT test without any unexpected issues.

How long does a car service take?

The time spent servicing your car is a direct investment in its health and reliability. An interim service can take as little as an hour and a half, while a full service will require closer to three hours. This is time well spent because it ensures that every aspect of your vehicle is evaluated and cared for meticulously.

What is the difference between an interim and full car service?

Choosing the right level of car service can make all the difference in the performance and longevity of your vehicle. At First Stop, we offer servicing options to match the unique needs of your car and your driving habits. From the interim service—designed for short-distance, everyday drivers—to the full service that provides a more extensive health check, our service packages ensure your car remains in tip-top condition.

Interim car service

An interim service is the most basic type of service, focusing on the checks and changes relating to everyday driving. Alongside brake, tyre, steering, suspension, and fluid checks, you also get an oil and filter change.

If you drive more than 11,000 km per year, we recommend booking an interim service every six months to keep your car running smoothly. You may also benefit from interim servicing if you make lots of short trips, which tend to cause more wear and tear for your engine. Just remember that an interim service is NOT a replacement for a full service, but an extra step to keep your car in shape and prevent future breakdowns.

Full service

Other than a major service—which includes additional aspects like spark plugs and fuel filters—a full service provides the most comprehensive care for your car, including up to 80 checks. This yearly service (or every 10,000 miles) includes everything you get with an interim services, as well as an air filter change and fluid top-ups along with more extensive checks of your car's engine, brakes, drive belts, and heating and cooling system.

You should have a full service every year to identify minor issues before they become major problems. Skimping on a full service is likely to cost you a lot more in the long run as the symptoms get worse.

Ready to book your car service?

There are many car servicing providers out there, but choosing First Stop for your car servicing is a choice for excellence. In fact, our service promise extends far beyond the garage. Look no further than your local First Stop for:

• Advanced diagnostics: We use the latest technology to diagnose and address any potential issues accurately and swiftly.
• Qualified expertise: Our technicians are highly trained and continually update their knowledge to ensure we stay at the forefront of automotive service standards.
• Customer focus: We believe in transparency and communication. That’s why we always make sure you understand and are comfortable with the work being performed on your vehicle.
• Quality parts: We use only the best parts that meet or exceed the specifications laid out by vehicle manufacturers.

Find out why so many satisfied drivers already trust First Stop with their vehicle’s care. Whether you require an interim check-up or a full service, our doors are open and our experts are ready. Contact your nearest First Stop and discover a service experience that sets new standards in vehicle care.