SERVICING

What it’s all about

We all know how important it is to go to the doctors for a check-up to make sure everything is running smoothly. Well, the same goes for our cars! When a car is designed, manufacturers set out a service schedule for the car, which they believe will keep it running reliably and safely.

How does it work?

We recommend a service be carried out on your car at least once a year and advise it to be done around the same time as you MOT to keep both inspections in sync.

When you bring your car for a service, the most important component involved in the car service is changing the engine oil. Besides changing the engine oil and filter, fuel filter, the air filter is either cleaned or replaced depending on the car and its requirement. The headlamps, indicator lights, taillights are checked. The brake fluid is checked, and in case of power steering the power steering fluid is checked. That is if the car has a fluid assisted power steering system. Your car may require tuning and resetting of the sparkplugs in case of a petrol engine. The emissions are checked and the car, both diesel and petrol are tuned to minimise emissions.

The suspensions and shock absorbers are checked and the brake system is checked. The windshield wipers and fluid in the windshield wiper bottle is topped up. In the first three years of a new car, except for changing the engine oil and topping up the other fluids that are used very little needs to be done. Modern cars are heavily dependent on technology and service centre’s must have the requisite equipment to service these cars.

Full Service

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months

• It checks the main moving parts that may need attention.
• All of the lights are checked for operation.
• The road wheels are removed to carry out a thorough inspection of the braking system.
• The brakes are also adjusted if required
• The tyre condition is checked and all pressures adjusted as required
• The wheels are also checked for correct balance.
• The steering and suspension are checked for wear and condition.
• The wheel bearings are checked for wear.
• The exhaust system is inspected.
• The underside of the vehicle is checked.
• The Oil & Filter is replaced.
• The Air Filter is replaced.
• The Pollen filter if fitted is also removed and checked.
• All under bonnet levels are checked and topped up as required.
• The service light will also be reset subject to tooling.

Does servicing really matter?

For the motorist on a budget postponing or skipping a service may seem a great way to save money. Modern cars are really good at telling you when something is wrong so is it better to solider on and wait for a warning light?  Actually no – Regular servicing is a great way to keep an eye on what does, and will need to be done. Knowing that something is about to wear out can help you budget more effectively. After all we rely on our cars to get us to the places we want to go safely and reliably. Regular servicing gives us the peace of mind that comes from knowing that everything is in tip-top condition. At O’Connors we pride ourselves on being a friendly family-run business. We take time to get to know your vehicle and to get to know you. We’ll keep and eye on how things are going and offer service reminders and advice to keep your car running smoothly.