What is a Car Service?

When it comes to maintaining the health and value of your car, regular services should be at the top of your to-do list. And even if you’re not concerned by the resale value of your motor, maintenance and servicing simply ensure the safety and reliability of your car, making life a lot easier for everyone inside.

But what is a service? Why do I need to service a car, what does a service include, and how much does it cost? These are all common questions to ask, especially if you’re new to the world of motoring! The good news is that Tangelo Auto Centre is on hand to clear it all up for you:

What is a car service? 

A car service is a regular, multi-point health check of your vehicle to assess the condition of its components, parts, fluid levels and general wear and tear. These checks include components such as brakes, oil levels, dash warning lights, steering, radiators, and plenty more.

Regularly servicing and repairing your car not only maintains its safety standards and reliability, but a consistent service history also maintains a vehicle’s value when it comes to selling it on.

Why do I need a car service? 

Beyond the obvious benefit that regular servicing improves the reliability of your car, it can also help you save money down the line, by avoiding any issues or breakages in areas of the car that could deteriorate over time.  

Regular servicing can also result in improved fuel efficiency, better handling and a healthier engine that requires less maintenance. Not only does this improve your driving experience and safety, but it gives you that peace of mind on the open road that your car is loved, and is loving you back!

And when it comes to selling your car, a full-service history is sure to increase the price you can ask for. If a potential buyer couldn’t decide between two cars but one has a full-service history, they’re going to spend their money on a car they know has been maintained and cared for. If you’re planning on selling or part-exchanging your current car, a trip to Tangelo Auto Centre is sure to help you justify a higher asking price. 

What does a car service include?

Interior

Our team of expert technicians will start by checking inside the car to ensure its safety and longevity, these checks include the effectiveness of your vehicle’s brakes, the steering controls and column, the gearbox, and the horn. To save you the worry, we’ll also check for any dashboard warning lights and let you know what we find, we’ll then check the safety of the seatbelts in the front and back, and the external door locks for your own security.

Exterior

Stepping out of the vehicle, the Tangelo technicians will check the car for body damage which includes the wheels and fuel cap seal. They’ll also check for any exhaust smoke, the operation of exterior lights, as well as the tire sizes and condition. For your own safety, the team will then check the windscreen wipers condition, top up any screen wash and ensure the jets are aligned on your bonnet. Finally, the team will check for any chips or cracks in the windscreen, check the condition of the number plate, and lubricate the bonnet catch.

Under The Bonnet

One of the most crucial stages of a vehicle service; our under-the-bonnet checks include topping up the engine oil, checking for oil and coolant leaks, and assessing the condition of the radiator, cooling fan and drive belt. Our technicians will also lubricate any battery terminals, and check over the battery to ensure its security and condition.

Under The Body

Lifting the car in the air, the Tangelo technicians will get under the car to make checks that include the condition of the undertrain, fuel lines, fluid levels, brake pads and brake hydraulics. The team will top up the power steering reservoir if needed, and check for any corrosion among the steering and suspension components.

Final Checks and Add-Ons

Our technicians’ final checks include resetting the vehicle service light, stamping the service book, and finishing with a vehicle road test. But it doesn’t stop there! To further ensure your vehicle’s health and value, Tangelo Auto Centre offers a range of add-ons that include brake fluid, air filters, spark plugs, and transmission oil.

How much does a car service cost?

A full car service at Tangelo Auto Centre costs £250*, and whilst customers are able to pay this in one go, as a Bumper Partner we also offer the chance to spread payments in interest-free instalments! Setting up a Bumper account is quick and easy, in fact, it takes most customers no more than a couple of minutes.

When it comes to paying with Bumper, simply provide us with your Bumper Code, you’ll then receive a link to set up the payment plan, here you can choose the length of time to spread the cost over, or a repayment date that works for you.

Book your service or MOT, or to find out more about Tangelo Auto Centre today. Get in touch with the team by calling 01395 201222 or emailing [email protected]. If you have any more questions, there’s a good chance we’ve already answered them in our FAQs!

*Depending on the age of your vehicle, the cover will vary. Prices are inclusive of VAT. Information and prices correct at time of publishing January 2023.