Your car is a significant investment and a complex machine. Just like any intricate piece of engineering, it requires regular care and attention to perform optimally, safely, and efficiently. Ignoring routine maintenance might seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it can quickly lead to more expensive repairs and compromise your safety down the road.

Regular servicing is not just about keeping your car in good working order; it also plays a crucial role in maintaining its manufacturer’s warranty and enhancing its resale value. A fully documented service history makes your car more desirable if you ever decide to sell or part-exchange it.

When Does My Car Need Servicing?

Modern vehicles often come with sophisticated onboard technology that helps determine their service needs. Generally, car manufacturers offer two main service schedules:

Fixed Inspection Service Schedule (Time and/or Mileage-Based):

• This schedule means your vehicle is serviced at a set mileage and/or time. For many Audi, SEAT, Škoda, and Volkswagen vehicles, this typically means one service every 12 months or 10,000 miles (or 9,300 miles/15,000 km), whichever comes first.
• For some vehicles, an “Inspection Service” might be due every 18,600 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years, whichever comes first.
• Some Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have a fixed inspection regime of 2 years with no mileage criteria.
• Some drivers prefer this fixed regime for consistency and peace of mind, as it can help with setting an annual budget for vehicle servicing.

Variable LongLife Service Schedule (Flexible Regime):

• This schedule is dictated by on-board technology that monitors service requirements and oil usage. The car detects how much the oil degrades over time, influenced by factors such as driving style, journey types, and ambient temperature.
• For Audi vehicles, it’s possible that some cars can go 24 months or 20,000 miles between services. The actual mileage before an oil change service is required can range anywhere between 9,300 miles and 18,600 miles. However, if an oil change service hasn’t been completed earlier, it will be due after 2 years, regardless of mileage and oil condition.
• The flexible regime is generally considered cost-effective and suitable for most modern cars.

Your car’s dashboard will typically notify you with a warning message or wrench-shaped light when a service is due. It is vital to address these service lights promptly, as ignoring them can lead to significant issues.

What Happens at Each Service Interval?

The specifics of what is covered during a service can vary depending on the vehicle’s model, age, and the type of service plan you have. However, here’s a general overview of common checks and replacements:

Routine Servicing:

• Oil and Filter Change: This is a fundamental part of nearly every service. Using the manufacturer’s recommended oil quality is crucial.
• Filter Replacements: This includes replacing the pollen filter recommended every 2 years, air filter, and for diesel engines, the fuel filter. often around 40,000 miles.
• Spark Plugs: For petrol engines, spark plugs are replaced at specific intervals, often around 40,000 miles.
• Fluid Checks and Top-ups: Engine oil, coolant, and screen wash levels are checked and refilled if necessary. Other oils and fluids required within the service schedule are also checked.
• Brake Fluid Change: This is typically recommended every 2 years.
• Inspections: A full inspection covers lights, instruments, bodywork, glass, locks, battery, drive belts, braking system, steering, hoses, drive shafts, and the exhaust system. This also includes checking tyre pressure, tread depth, and condition.
• Road Test: A full vehicle road test is conducted to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
• Diagnostic Check: Includes a report and resetting the service interval display.
• Digital Service Record/Service Book: The service record is stamped or updated digitally.

Additional Maintenance Items (Depending on Plan & Schedule):

• Brake Repairs: Including calipers, cylinders, discs, and pads.
• Cooling System Repairs: Such as coolant, heater components, hoses, radiator, reservoir, sender units, thermostat, and water pumps.
• Electrical System Repairs: Including alternator, battery, central locking, ECU, fuses, instruments, starter motor, and window regulators.
• Engine Repairs: Covering catalysts, exhausts, fuel pumps, gaskets, injectors, oil pumps, seals, and turbos. Drive belts, cambelts, and tensioners are repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s schedule.
• Suspension Repairs: Including anti-roll bars, bushes, shock absorbers, springs, and wishbones.
• Transmission Repairs: Such as clutches, CV joints, flywheels, gearboxes, differentials, driveshafts, torque converters, wheel bearings, and fluid renewals. Specific items like DSG oil changes and Haldex oil changes are typically done at set mileage intervals.
• Tyre Replacement: For plans that include tyres, replacement is provided when necessary due to fair wear and tear. This also includes wheel alignment and geometry checks.
• MOT Test: The MOT is an annual test to ensure your vehicle meets government standards for safety and exhaust emissions. It is a legal requirement three years after first registration and annually thereafter.

Why Regular Servicing Matters

• Safety: It ensures that critical components like brakes, tyres, and steering are in optimal condition, identifying potential problems before they lead to dangerous failures.
• Longevity and Reliability: Consistent care prevents premature wear of engine components and other parts, helping your car run better and last longer.
• Cost Savings: Catching minor issues early through regular inspections prevents them from escalating into much more expensive repairs. It can also improve fuel efficiency.
• Warranty Preservation: Many manufacturer warranties require adherence to the recommended service schedule; failure to do so can invalidate your warranty.
• Resale Value: A comprehensive and up-to-date service history significantly enhances your vehicle’s resale value.

By investing in regular servicing, you’re not just maintaining a vehicle; you’re protecting a significant asset and ensuring peace of mind on every journey.

When it’s time for your next service, remember that only qualified technicians should perform the work and update your service history. They have the expertise, diagnostic equipment, and access to genuine parts to ensure your vehicle receives the best care.

Don’t wait for a breakdown; book your car’s next service today and stay one step ahead!

At Mastertech Poole, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service for Audi, VW, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles. We believe that choosing an independent specialist like us offers significant advantages over main dealers, including cost savings, high-quality service, and the assurance that your vehicle’s warranty remains intact.”

For expert Audi, VW, SEAT & Skoda service, diagnostics & repairs, trust Mastertech Poole, your local Specialist in Poole, Bournemouth & Wimborne.