Stay Safe on the Road With Regular Car Servicing
As per the Department for Transport (DfT) data, road accidents are not only caused by careless driving; defective brakes are also one of the leading causes of road accidents. Spongy or springy brakes tend to go unnoticed, and we don't give much attention to them. But the truth is, driving with such brakes is highly dangerous, as the risk of road accidents increases significantly.
The fact is, when you drive a car very frequently with faulty parts, you get accustomed to it so much that you overlook the issue. It is only when something big happens that you realise there is a fault in your car. Besides brakes, suspensions, tyres, wheel alignment, exhaust systems, etc., are some of the most important components that might influence your driving experience. Hence, regular car servicing is highly crucial for safe driving. There are 3 types of car servicing, which are as follows:
A) Interim Service: If you drive your car almost regularly, then interim service is for people like you. Interim service is a basic car maintenance service which helps a car keep running effectively between full services. You should get your car for an interim service if you haven’t serviced it in the last six months or if your car has driven approximately. 6000 miles, whichever comes first. This kind of service is meant to identify car problems early and resolve them before they become something big. Interim service typically includes:
- Oil and filter change.
- Topping up vital fluids, including coolant, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.
- Inspection of the brakes.
- Checking the condition of the tyre (wear, tread depth, pressure).
- Checking the condition of the battery.
- Examining steering response.
- Checking suspension and exhaust system.
- Checking the light, wiper, and horn.
B) Full Service: Full service is for people who have missed the interim service. If you have not taken your car for servicing in the last 12 months, then it becomes mandatory to get your car serviced, or if your car is driven approximately. 12000 miles, whichever is earlier. Full service involves services provided in interim service, plus a few additional services. Most commonly, it includes:
- Inspection of cooling systems.
- Replacement of fuel filter and engine oil, and air filter.
- Checking tyre condition.
- Full check-up of the brake system, including pads, discs, handbrake operation, and brake fluid.
- Inspection of wheel alignment.
- Inspection of steering, suspension, and exhaust systems.
- Testing of the battery and charging system.
- Inspection of wipers, lights and windscreen.
- Full safety checks, which include seatbelts, mirrors, and warning lights.
C) Major Service: Major Service is a comprehensive car service that includes both the facilities of interim service and full service, and also encompasses further replacements and checks. This service is highly recommended every 24 months or 24000 miles. Major service include:
- Spark plug/fuel filter, battery, timing belt, brake fluid, coolant replacement.
- Resetting the service light resets.
- Thoroughly inspecting the clutch system.
- Checking and replacement of gearbox/transmission.
What Is the Difference Between MOT and Car Servicing?
Ministry of Transport Test (MOT)
The primary function of MOT Harrogate is to make sure that your vehicle complies with the environmental and safety regulations. It is a compulsory requirement in the UK and must be done if your vehicle is more than 3 years old. During an MOT test, all the essential car parts are checked, including brakes, suspension, exhaust, tyres, etc. An MOT does not include fixing or replacing car parts. It is a test which just identifies the faults of the car. Your car passes or fails the test. If your car fails the test, you cannot drive the car until you get the issue fixed, which is mentioned in the MOT report. Driving a car that has failed its MOT certificate can result in hefty fines and penalty points on your licence, and even the insurance of the car can become void. So, make sure your vehicle passes the MOT test.
Car Servicing
Car servicing is not mandatory under the law. However, it is strongly advisable to never miss car servicing if you wish to maintain your car in its best state. Car servicing consists of interim service, full service and major services. In these services, all the essential components of the car are carefully checked and serviced so that the car's safety and performance are improved. The truth is, when a vehicle has not been serviced for a longer period of time, many car parts deteriorate, which decreases the car’s efficiency level, making the vehicle harder to operate. To maintain the health of a car, car servicing Harrogate is an absolute necessity.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to avoid car accidents and breakdowns is to keep your car well-maintained and take your car for an MOT test every year. Regular car servicing helps car owners save on costly repairs by identifying and resolving the issues early. Taking care of your car is just like exercising to remain fit. Therefore, if you want to drive your car effortlessly, then never skip MOT or car servicing at any cost.
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