Car Services

[Mups]

Have we got any knowledgeable car engine people here? 
If so,  I have a question for you please. 

When you have your car's annual service done,  do you have a full service one year, and an interim  one the next,  alternative years?

How safe is it to have just the small service every year if you do hardly any mileage each year?
By low mileage, I mean only around 2,000 miles per year.

They even said they would just do an oil change and filters if I wanted,  but is that safe do you think?
I have only had a small service for the last 2 years,  so what would you do this year?

[Scrumpy]

Like you I don't use my car very often and never travel that far when in use..
I have used the same garage that I purchased the car from..
They are brilliant and tell me that I do not need a full service every year.. They just check the oil .. and all those things that keep her running safely..
I have just had work carried out on her.. So she will only get a small service this year.. And she probably doesn't even need that.. But I would rather pay for her to be checked over than losing her completely..
If you have a good trustworthy garage Mups they will advise you and not con you..

[Mups]

That's reassuring, Scrumpy,  thanks.  I wasn't sure if it was safe, that's all. 

At least it's good that we don't have have a garage that tries to push us into a big service all the time just to  get more dosh,  ey. 

[Alex]

I'm the same. my garage is around the corner and I've been using them for years.  I only have a small service as I don't do that many miles nowadays. 

[klondike]

The small service isn't usually much more that an oil change and a quick glance over for leaks etc. Probably check coolant and brake fluid levels.

Missing the main services isn't likely to do much harm as all any of the services do is replace routine parts such as spark plugs and various filters. The car may not run quite as efficiently but you'd notice it running rough for quite a while before it actually broke down. Things like timing belts shouldn't be missed but they are every 40,000 or usually more and there is a good chance that the garage will mention it as it's another job for them.

[Alex]

Is that the same as a cam belt ?  Mine hasn't been changed and car has done approx 84,000 miles.

[klondike]

Yes. Toothed belt and tension rollers are usually all replaced. How often depends on the car. I had a 2000 or 2001 Vectra and that was every 40,000. I think the tension rollers were a crappy design and they had to reduce the service interval. Most cars are in the 60,000 range.

[Dextrous63]

Came across this little hack.  If I were younger and had an older car, I might give it a go..

?

[Mups]

The small service isn't usually much more that an oil change and a quick glance over for leaks etc. Probably check coolant and brake fluid levels.

Missing the main services isn't likely to do much harm as all any of the services do is replace routine parts such as spark plugs and various filters. The car may not run quite as efficiently but you'd notice it running rough for quite a while before it actually broke down. Things like timing belts shouldn't be missed but they are every 40,000 or usually more and there is a good chance that the garage will mention it as it's another job for them.

I think mine has done about 35,100,  or very close to that.  
Mine also stands outside all winter,  so that was another reason I asked about what needs doing.

Thanks very much everyone. 

[Raven]

I have to have the full service every year, I do a lotta miles.

[Mups]

I have to have the full service every year, I do a lotta miles.

Yes, I suppose that's a better choice when you travel so much, Raven.
Must work out expensive though,  what with all the petrol/diesel too -  or are you electric?

[Scrumpy]

My car stays outside all weathers too.. I do not have a garage..

I think I might buy her a little cover this year .. to keep her dry and warm.. She's getting too old to be out there in the frost/ snow/ rain...

[Raven]

Yes, I suppose that's a better choice when you travel so much, Raven.
Must work out expensive though,  what with all the petrol/diesel too -  or are you electric?

She's petrol. It broke my heart getting rid of my big 4 x4 yeti but the diesel was a horrendous price. Got a petrol Astra now, much cheaper to run.
I wouldn't give an electric car drive room.

[Dextrous63]

Not really overly related, but does anyone remember anything about being able to "gather" petrol from the air?  I have a vague recollection of someone trying to do this.

[klondike]

You should have asked for some of what they'd been smoking.