Why Do Car Makers Recommend A Service Every 6 Months?

Finding The Ideal Service Interval Is Not Easy

There is no one size fits all when it comes to service intervals. It depends on a number of factors like your car’s age, quality of maintenance, amount of use, usage pattern, the type of roads that you drive on and your driving practices.

Car makers recommend a maintenance schedule that fits most people. To take care of differences in usage conditions, they also specify another schedule for severe driving conditions. Frequent small distance driving, idling for long durations, towing, off-road usage or regular use on bad roads can put you in the severe usage category.

Are Car-Service Intervals Flexible?

If you use your car rarely, it’s better to take it for service once in six months. That’s because very low usage creates its own set of problems like insufficient lubrication, battery problems and fluid deterioration. The chances of issues like rust, mould growth, rodent infestation and dry rot in rubber components is also higher in low-usage vehicles.

If your usage falls under the severe driving conditions, go strictly by the manufacturer’s schedule irrespective of the mileage. If your car is used regularly, but you don’t have enough on the odometer to justify a six-monthly service, take the decision after considering the pros and cons. That said, get your car serviced at least once in a year.

The Problem With Extended Service Intervals

• Some important activities during periodic service are given below.
• Checking the general condition and performance of the car.
• Verifying that safety systems are working well.
• Checking the quality and level of fluids.
• Changing consumables like air filter and oil filters.
• Topping up engine oil and other fluids.

When you get your car serviced after long intervals, some of these checks and replacements will be delayed.

You may not notice non-working tail lamps and indicators. This may seem trivial, but many people miss them until someone points it out. You are also unlikely to notice minor fluid leaks until it results in a fault or a warning indicator lights up.

What You Must Do If You Choose To Get Your Car Serviced Yearly

Perform these checks at least once in a month. Do it twice a month if your last service was done more than six months ago.

• Check engine oil level and quality.
• Check the windscreen washer fluid level.
• Check the coolant level.
• Check the battery terminals.
• Look for signs of oil leakage under the vehicle. You may be able to check this only after the vehicle is parked for some time.
• Check the tyres carefully for foreign objects, bulges and uneven wear.
• Watch out for symptoms of brake problems like squealing noise or burning smell.
• If the ride becomes bumpy or you hear strange noises when your car is running, get it checked right away.

Is your car due for service? For car service or repairs in Manchester or nearby towns, complete and submit our quick quote form and you will get a competitive quote within minutes. Regular cleaning and periodic servicing at a good garage is the best way to keep your car in good condition and maintain its value. Have a look at the services we offer. You will get convenient and quality service at much better rates than the dealer.