Why Regular Servicing is Essential for Your Car

Whether you're commuting to work, taking the kids to school, or heading out for a weekend adventure, your car plays a big role in your everyday life. But how often do you stop to think about how it’s running under the bonnet? Regular car servicing isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about keeping you safe, saving you money, and extending the life of your vehicle.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of servicing your car, how often it should be done, and what’s involved at each stage. We’ll also explore how proper maintenance boosts fuel efficiency, protects your warranty, and helps avoid costly repairs down the line. As a Vauxhall-approved dealer, Advance Motors offers specialised servicing that’s tailored to your car. Let’s get into it.

How Often Should You Get Your Car Serviced?

Many drivers are unsure when they should have their car serviced. A good rule of thumb is every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, the best schedule depends on your driving habits, the age of your car, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

At Advance Motors, we offer three levels of servicing:

Interim Service (Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles)

Ideal for high-mileage drivers or those using their car heavily, an interim service includes an oil and filter change, checks on major components such as brakes and suspension, and a general health inspection to spot any potential issues.

Main Service (Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles)

This is your annual service. It covers everything in the interim service, plus additional checks such as air filters, coolant levels, and a full brake inspection. It ensures your car continues to perform at its best.

Major Service (Every 24 Months or 24,000 Miles)

This is the most in-depth check-up. It includes everything in a main service, along with items such as spark plug replacement, gearbox fluid inspection, and a deep look at wear and tear across the vehicle.

Benefits of Servicing Your Car

Here are the top 5 reasons you should service your car:

1. Improving Safety for You and Your Passengers

One of the most important benefits of servicing your car is safety. A properly serviced car is far less likely to suffer from dangerous mechanical failures. When you bring your car to Advance Motors, our technicians inspect critical parts like brakes, steering, suspension, and tyres.

According to the RAC, many breakdowns and road accidents can be avoided with regular checks. They highlight that worn brake pads, under-inflated tyres, and damaged suspension are some of the most common culprits behind on-road incidents, many of which are caught during routine servicing.

Your safety shouldn’t be left to chance. A regular service could be the difference between a smooth stop and a scary skid.

2. Enhancing Fuel Efficiency and Reducing Emissions

Fuel costs are on the rise, and with the UK's push towards lower emissions, keeping your car running efficiently has never been more important.

Blackcircles, a leading tyre supplier, explains that clean oil, fresh air filters, and properly inflated tyres all contribute to better fuel economy. Even something as simple as a dirty air filter can reduce efficiency and increase emissions.

Stedman's Garage adds that an engine that’s not well maintained must work harder, using more fuel and emitting more carbon. With a regular service, your engine runs smoother, meaning you get more miles for your money, and it helps the environment.

It’s not just about what you spend at the pump. Driving a well-serviced car also means your emissions stay within legal limits, avoiding fines and MOT failures.

3. Preventing Unexpected Breakdowns and Costly Repairs

There’s nothing worse than your car breaking down at the worst possible moment, on the school run, during a holiday, or in the middle of a motorway journey. The AA reports that many of the 10 million+ callouts they receive each year could have been avoided with regular maintenance.

During a service, our technicians can catch small problems before they become big (and expensive) ones. For example, spotting a coolant leak early can prevent a blown head gasket later. A worn cam belt replaced on time can save thousands in engine repairs.

The cost of servicing is small compared to the price of emergency repairs. Think of it like this, spending £150 on a service might save you £1,500 down the line.

4. Preserving Your Car's Value and Warranty

If you plan on selling your car in the future, keeping up with your service schedule is a smart move. A full-service history (FSH) can add hundreds, sometimes thousands, to the value of your car. Buyers are much more likely to trust a vehicle that’s been looked after properly.

Let’s say you’re selling a five-year-old Vauxhall Astra. One with no service history might fetch £4,000. The same car with a full history could easily sell for £4,800 or more. That’s £800 in your pocket, all for doing what you should be doing anyway.

Plus, regular servicing is often a condition of your car’s manufacturer warranty. CCM (Car Care Maintenance) explains that missing services can void warranty claims, leaving you out of pocket for repairs that might have been covered.

5. Seasonal Considerations: Servicing for All Seasons

Your car’s needs change throughout the year, and regular servicing helps it cope with the changing seasons.

For example, in spring and summer, pollen filters can get clogged, triggering hay fever symptoms for drivers and passengers. The Sun recently highlighted how replacing your cabin filter during a service can reduce sneezing, itchy eyes, and drowsiness while driving, especially important if you suffer from allergies.

In hotter months, the risk of vehicle fires rises. The Times of India warns that dust, oil leaks, and worn-out wiring can all spark fires under the bonnet if left unchecked. Summer servicing helps prevent these issues before they become dangerous.

From icy winters to dusty summers, regular checks help your car adapt, and keep you comfortable and safe whatever the weather.

Vauxhall-Specific Servicing Benefits

As a Vauxhall-approved service centre, Advance Motors offers dedicated care for your Vauxhall. That means servicing tailored to your model, whether it’s a Corsa, Astra, Mokka, Grandland or new Frontera.

We use genuine Vauxhall parts, designed to fit your car perfectly and keep it running the way it should. Our technicians are Vauxhall-trained and certified, so they know your car inside and out. We also update your digital service record, maintaining your car’s full history and helping to retain its value.

Generic garages may cut corners or use cheaper parts. At Advance Motors, we don’t believe in shortcuts, just quality, reliable care every time.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of servicing your car go far beyond just keeping it running. It’s about safety, savings, efficiency, value, and peace of mind. From keeping your brakes sharp to making sure your engine breathes clean air, regular servicing is an investment in your vehicle and your safety.

At Advance Motors, we treat your car like it’s our own. Whether you need an interim check or a major service, our Vauxhall-trained technicians are here to help. With genuine parts, transparent pricing, and customer-first service, we’re proud to be Slough’s trusted car care partner.

Book your next service with Advance Motors today and drive with confidence, every mile of the way.