Everything you need to know about car servicing

Don’t be fooled by the name. Dumfries MOT is the place to come for a fixed-price car service that will keep your spark plugs sparky and you happy because we have car-servicing packages to suit all requirements and budgets. 

What is car servicing?

A car service is a health check for your vehicle, a routine maintenance overhaul so that we can keep an eye on your car’s fluids and on top of its general wear and tear. 

Our trusted team of local, highly skilled mechanics will give your car a full system and components check, plus make any adjustments and advise on the replacement of parts. 

Is car servicing the same as an MOT?

No. The fact your car has just passed its MOT doesn’t mean that it couldn’t go a routine service as well. 

Both are equally as important. 

An MOT is an annual inspection of the vehicle’s roadworthiness that checks its overall safety and environmental impact and is a legal requirement for almost every vehicle on road. 

Book an MOT with us here. 

A car service delves a lot deeper to ensure that all components of your car are running like clockwork – as safely and efficiently as possible. 

Why is it important to service your car?

Car servicing keeps your car running safely and efficiently first and foremost. Regularly servicing it shows your car you care and will save you money in the long run because it allows us to spot any potential issues and fix them before they grow to become a more major and costlier problem. 

You don’t want to discover nasty surprises while pulled over on the hard shoulder in the rain once the breakdown service pitches up. 

Regular car servicing likewise helps keep fuel economy at optimum levels, and will almost certainly extend the life of your vehicle as well.

Which type of service should you choose?

The service level usually equates to stuff like your annual mileage, so the type of car service you should choose greatly depends on how often you use your car, style of driving, mileage etc. 

We can help you determine the best package for you. 

We use the latest diagnostic equipment to deliver fast and accurate results.  Our low-cost Dumfries car service packages are hard to beat. 

Silver Package – 35 Point Interim Service:

• Check operation of exterior lights
• Check operation of instrument warning lamps
• Check horn
• Test and advise alternator output and security
• Check windscreen wiper and washer condition and operation
• Top up windscreen washer reservoir with additive if required
• Drain oil from engine and refill
• Replace oil filter
• Check and advise general oil leaks
• Check and advise coolant level and antifreeze top up if required
• Check coolant hoses for leaks and condition, including header tank
• Visual check of fuel system (including tank and cap)
• Check timing belt replacement interval and report if due (according to mileage and age)
• Check brake servo operation
• Check and advise brake fluid level and boiling point
• Top up brake fluid if required
• Visual check of brake pads for wear or damage (complete brake report)
• Visual check of brake callipers for leaks and security
• Visual check of brake discs, shoes and cylinders for wear or damage
• Visual check of brake pipes and hoses
• Check security of handbrakes linkages and travel and adjust as required
• Check condition of road springs
• Check power steering fluid reservoir
• Check steering and suspension components for wear and corrosion
• Check shock absorber condition and mounting, and report any leaks
• Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise
• Check for transmission oil leaks
• Check and adjust clutch operation
• Check condition of clutch cable (if visible)
• Check and advise condition of exhaust and mountings
• Check tyre condition and tread depth (including spare tyre), and complete tyre report
• Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare tyre)
• Check wheel nut torque to manufacturers specification
• Reset vehicle service light where applicable
• Stamp service book

Gold  Package – 50 Point Full Service. Includes all the points covered by the Silver package, plus

• Check rear reflectors
• Check illumination of dash and heater control lamps
• Check battery condition and connections
• Check door and bonnet lock operation and lubricate locks, hinges and catches
• Check and advise pollen filter condition, and replace if necessary
• Check air conditioning system and temperature if applicable
• Replace air filter
• Top up antifreeze if required
• Check condition and tension of auxiliary drive belts (excluding timing belt)
• Check and clean HT leads and components (if fitted)
• Check operation of handbrake
• Check condition of steering rack gaiters
• Check drive shaft gaiters and report any leaks
• Check gearbox fluid level manual/automatic/differential (if applicable)
• Carry out engine management scan

How often do you need a car service?

Most manufacturers recommend putting your car in for a service at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles. But, again, this will depend on your car and how you drive it. Some vehicles also now operate with extended mileages between services by using high-quality lubricants.

Selling your car? A complete service history can add value and promote trust and confidence in your buyer.