Looking after your car does not have to be complicated or expensive. The trick is knowing what needs attention and roughly when, so small jobs never turn into big bills. At SMA Autos we spend our days on four things that keep a car safe and running well: oil and filter changes, air conditioning, fuel system servicing and brakes. Here is a simple, honest guide to how often each one needs doing.
Oil and filter changes
Engine oil keeps every moving part inside your engine clean and protected. Over time it breaks down and fills with tiny particles, which is why it needs replacing along with the oil filter.
As a general rule, most modern cars need an oil and filter change every 12 months or around 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you do a lot of short trips, tow a trailer, or drive an older engine, closer to every 6,000 miles is safer. Always check your handbook for the exact figure, as it varies between makes.
Signs you are due a change include a dashboard oil light, a darker and thicker feel to the oil on the dipstick, or the engine sounding a little rougher than usual.
Brake discs and pads
Your brakes are the single most important safety system on the car, so they are never worth ignoring. Pads wear down with use and discs wear more slowly over a longer period.
Most brake pads last somewhere between 25,000 and 40,000 miles, but this depends heavily on how and where you drive. Plenty of town driving and heavy braking wears them faster than steady motorway miles.
Do not wait for a mileage figure if you notice a problem. Book a check straight away if you hear squealing or grinding, feel a vibration through the pedal, notice the car pulling to one side when braking, or the brakes feel soft or spongy.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning is not just for summer. It also demists your windscreen quickly in winter, so a healthy system keeps you comfortable and safe all year round.
An air con system slowly loses refrigerant gas over time, usually around 10 percent a year. Because of this, most cars benefit from a re-gas roughly every two years. If the air is not as cold as it used to be, or there is a musty smell when you switch it on, it is time for a service.
Fuel system servicing
Over the miles, deposits build up in the fuel injectors and around the fuel system. This can lead to poorer fuel economy, a rough idle, hesitation when you accelerate and the occasional misfire.
There is no fixed interval for a fuel system clean, but many drivers notice the benefit around every 30,000 miles, or sooner if the car is not running as smoothly as it should. A good clean helps restore performance and can improve your miles per gallon.
A simple servicing checklist
- Oil and filter: every 12 months or about 10,000 miles
- Brakes: checked at every service, pads roughly every 25,000 to 40,000 miles
- Air conditioning: re-gas roughly every two years
- Fuel system: clean around every 30,000 miles or when performance drops
These are guidelines rather than strict rules. The way you drive, your mileage and the age of your car all change the picture, which is why a quick check by a mechanic is always worth it.
When in doubt, book it in
If you are ever unsure, the safest and cheapest thing you can do is ask. A short inspection can catch a small issue before it becomes an expensive repair. You can see everything we offer on our car services page, or book your car in and we will take a look for you.
Honest advice, clear pricing and quality work. That is what we are here for.