WHAT IS A VEHICLE SERVICE?

A vehicle service involves a qualified technician performing safety inspections and the replacement of oils and filters where applicable.

Electric Vehicles require specific types of inspections.

Regular maintenance on a vehicle ensures that maximum safety is maintained and helps limit the risk of an unexpected breakdown.

WHEN IS A SERVICE REQUIRED?

Service intervals are set by each vehicle manufacturer. Modern vehicles will display a message in the instrument cluster giving the driver information about when a service is due. This information allows you plenty of time to book your car into your nearest Point S approved garage.

Service information can be found in the vehicle owner’s handbook. All Point S approved garages have access to each vehicle manufacturer’s service information.

After a service has been performed the vehicle service book will be stamped, recording the mileage and date this had been completed. Keeping the service record and receipts is important to maintain the highest value for your vehicle. A vehicle with a service history is worth a considerable amount more than a vehicle with no, or partial service history.

Many new vehicles do not have a physical service book in the vehicle. In replacement of a physical service book, manufacturers hold an online service record.

For new vehicles, it is imperative for all servicing to be performed within the timeframe or mileage limits set by the manufacturer. Any warranty provided by a vehicle manufacturer will be void if proof of service history cannot be provided. This is also the same for vehicles that have an independent warranty attached which is outside of a warranty provided by manufacturers.

What maintenance must a driver perform?

Weekly checks to be performed:

• Check the engine oil level via the engine oil dipstick or via the instrument cluster if applicable. An engine oil dipstick has markings for the minimum and maximum allowable levels.
• CAUTION: Do not overfill the engine with oil. Engine damage can occur from overfilling an engine with oil.
• CAUTION: Do not allow the engine oil level to drop below the minimum level. Engine damage can occur from an engine that does not have enough oil.
• Check the engine coolant level
• CAUTION: The coolant expansion tank cap must only be removed when the engine is cold. Removing a coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is warm can cause serious burn injuries. Seek advice from your local Point S approved garage if you are at all unsure.
• Tyre pressures (Tyre pressure information can be found in the vehicle owners handbook.  Some vehicles have it inside the door frame or inside the fuel cap).
• Top up washer fluid.

Daily vehicle checks:

• Visually check the condition of the vehicle’s tyres including the tread depth. The legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm in the UK. If you are unsure of the amount of tread remaining, please contact your local Point S approved garage.
• Check all the vehicle’s lights.

Servicing and MOT – Is an MOT a service?

It is common to get MOT and servicing mixed up but they are different. An MOT is a legal requirement to check that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. After the MOT test checks, you will know if your car passed or failed but it won’t fix the potential issues. As for a full or an interim vehicle service, it is not required by the law but the garage will fix all the vehicle’s issues to make sure you can drive safely, smoothly and efficiently.

What should one consider before an MOT Test?

Before an MOT test, you should check if it is time for your vehicle to have an MOT. You must get one by either the third anniversary of its registration or the anniversary of its last MOT – if it is over 3 years old. For information, you will need the vehicle’s number plate (registration number). As before a car service, you can do basic checks by yourself such as brake fluid, mirrors, warning lights, oil and windscreen.