A service is not just a box to tick. It keeps your car safe, reliable and cheaper to run, and it protects its value. Cars are good at dropping hints when they are due some attention. Here are seven of the clearest.
1. The service light is on
Many modern cars track mileage and time and simply tell you when a service is due. If the spanner or service symbol is showing, that is your car asking for a check.
2. Strange noises
Squealing, grinding, knocking or a droning that changes with speed are all worth investigating. Noises rarely fix themselves and usually get more expensive the longer they are left.
3. The engine feels down on power or rough
Hesitation, a rough idle or poorer pulling can point to dirty filters, tired spark plugs or a fuel system that needs attention. A service often restores the smoothness you had forgotten was missing.
4. Fuel economy has dropped
If you are filling up more often for the same driving, something is making the engine work harder. Clogged filters, low tyre pressures and old oil all quietly cost you money at the pump.
5. Dark, gritty oil or a low level
Pull the dipstick. Fresh oil is amber and smooth. Dark, thick or gritty oil, or a level that keeps dropping, means it is time for an oil and filter change. You can read why this matters on our oil and filter change page.
6. It has been a year, or you have covered the miles
As a rule of thumb, most cars want a service every 12 months or in line with the manufacturer interval, whichever comes first. Lots of short trips and stop start driving are harder on a car than you might think.
7. Something just feels off
You know your car. If the brakes feel different, the steering has developed a vibration or it simply does not drive like it used to, trust that instinct and get it looked at.
What a service includes
A good service covers the essentials such as oil and filters, plus a thorough safety check of brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and fluids. You can see what we offer on our car services page. Catching small issues early is almost always cheaper than waiting for them to become a breakdown.
Book with your local Guildford garage
SMA Autos LTD is an independent garage in Normandy, Guildford, looking after drivers across Guildford, Worplesdon, Ash, Pirbright, Fairlands and the wider Surrey area. For honest advice and a clear price before any work starts, book online or call us on 07921 814250.