Having your car serviced and checked regularly is one way of extending the life of your vehicle and increasing the safety of your journeys. Knowing what is included in a car service helps ensure that any work done on your car is carried out correctly and all necessary checks are completed. Keeping your car well maintained and problem free is vital so having it regularly serviced is a must. Typically your car should receive a thorough service every 12,000 miles or 12 months - whichever is sooner.

Different cars have different service requirements; the car service checklist of a modern day saloon is different to the checklist of a classic sports car for example.

A general car service checklist typically includes checking safety critical items such as brakes Autel MaxiPRO MP808TS, suspension, tyres and mirrors. Topping up fluids, including brake fluid Autel MaxiSys MS906TS, anti-freeze, power steering fluid and clutch fluid. Replacement of engine oil and check for any oil leaks. An inspection on the underneath of the vehicle including the exhaust system. Replacement of air filter, fuel filter (diesels only) and oil filte

Here are a few items of inspection on a Car Service Checklist:

Oil - Forgetting to change the oil can cause major damage to the cars engine as it loses its viscosity. Topping up the oil is a simple process of checking the engine oil dipstick and checking the oil level. The oil level should be at the "full" mark, any lower then it needs topping up. If the oil colour is way too black, it's in need of changing. If it's slightly brown, it's ok. If you're not comfortable with doing this yourself don't worry, this check and many more are carried out at car servicing centre such as those found on ebeepbeep.com. It is widely considered that your oil should be changed every 6000 miles and at least once a year.

Filters - Running your car with dirty filters can greatly reduce the cars performance which then affects your mileage. Replacing the air filter, oil filter & fuel filter (diesel only) will reduce these effects and ensure your car runs as it should do.

Lights - A car service checklist will also include checking the operation of interior and exterior lighting. This includes the headlights, indicators, rear lights and not forgetting the number plate lights.

Brakes - One of the most fundamentally important items on a Car Service Checklist is to ensure the brake system is working. If the depth of the brake pads is too little they need replacing, also ensure the discs do not become glazed.

Tyres - The conditions of your tyres should be checked regularly, especially if you're a high mileage driver as the wear and tear on your tyres (and other parts) increases. It is illegal for your tyre tread depth or tyre pressure to be too low and fines can reach up to £2500 and 3 penalty points per tyre!

Anti Freeze - Anti freeze isn't just used when the temperatures drop, it also acts as a coolant in the summer so it's important to keep it topped up year round. A full car service or interim service will top up your anti freeze if needed.

Please only attempt to service your car if you have the proper knowledge and tools, otherwise allow a trained professional to service your vehicle to ensure a safe, thorough service is performed. You can find a nearby garage and book a car service online at www.ebeepbeep.com.

Phil Cahill is an expert in the area of car maintenance and car servicing. He works for a company that specialises in providing cheaper car servicing throughout the UK. For more information, please visit their site,
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