Know your car, save money

Servicing

How often should I service my car?

Most cars need a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you drive a lot, an interim service every 6 months or 6,000 miles in between keeps the oil fresh and catches problems early.

Your car's handbook or service book has the exact schedule for your model, and some newer cars show a service reminder on the dashboard.

Interim vs full service

• Interim: oil and oil filter change, plus key safety checks like brakes, tyres, lights and fluid levels.
• Full: everything in an interim, plus air and cabin filters, a more thorough inspection, and spark plugs on petrol cars when they're due.

Booking a service just before your MOT is a good habit. Most MOT fails are things a service would pick up, like worn brakes, blown bulbs or wipers.

Brakes

Signs your brakes need attention

• Squealing when you brake: many pads have a wear indicator that squeals when they're getting low.
• Grinding: the pads may be worn right down, and metal is touching the disc. Get it checked straight away.
• Pulling to one side under braking, which can mean a sticking caliper or uneven wear.
• Vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, often a sign of warped discs.
• A soft or spongy pedal, or the car taking longer to stop.
• The brake warning light staying on after you release the handbrake.

If you notice any of these, don't wait. Brakes are cheaper to fix early, and pads replaced in time can save you buying new discs.

Dashboard

What do the warning lights mean?

As a rule of thumb, red means stop as soon as it's safe, and amber means get it checked soon.

We carry a diagnostic scanner and can read fault codes on your driveway. Send us a message with your reg and which light is on.