Regular servicing is crucial in order to keep your car running smoothly, but what are some signals that it’s time to book a service in? In this guide, we’ll go through 10 signs your car needs a service.
Signs Your Car Needs a Service
- Dashboard warning lights
- It’s been a year since the last service
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Reduced performance
- Fluid leaks
- Vibrations
- Noises when braking
- Difficulty turning over
- Frequent stalling
- Exhaust smoke
Dashboard Warning Lights
Most modern vehicles will issue a warning on the dashboard when the next service interval or oil change is due. Typically these turn on 30 days before the service is due, but they do need to be reset by the mechanic when the service has been completed.
Some cars don’t have this feature though, so it’s important to make a note of when your vehicle’s next service and MOT is due, and it’s recommended to book this at least a month in advance.
Other dashboard warning lights are also a key indication that a service is required. Some common warning lights include the check engine, oil pressure and coolant temperature warning lights. If the light is red or flashing, it’s important to get this checked immediately.
It’s Been a Year Since the Last Service
Most cars need to have a full service every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. If the car covers more than 12,000 miles per year, it’s also highly advisable to book the car in for an interim service which includes an oil and filter change.
Different cars have different service schedules though, so it’s important to check the vehicle handbook to make sure the intervals are met.
Here are some common cars and the service intervals required.
| Vehicle | Service Intervals |
| Ford Focus (MK4) | 12 months / 10k miles |
| Nissan Qashqai (MK3) | 12 months / 12.5k miles |
| Volkswagen Golf (MK8) | 12 months / 9.3k miles |
| Audi A3 (MK4) | 12 months / 9.3k miles |
| Mercedes A-Class (MK4) | 12 months / 15.5k miles |
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Keeping an eye on your car’s fuel economy is a good idea to help identify any issues. If you notice a dip in your average MPG, or find yourself at the petrol station more than usual, it could be a sign that your vehicle needs some maintenance.
A clogged air filter is a common culprit of lower fuel efficiency. Getting a full service and replacing the filter can allow more air to get in the engine and burn more fuel, making it more efficient.
Reduced Performance
Similarly to a decrease in fuel efficiency, decrease performance also indicates that it’s time to book in a service. Replacing the air filter, spark plugs and engine oil can all help to restore the vehicle’s performance and keep it running smoothly.
Fluid Leaks
If you spot any fluid leaks under the car, it’s vital to book the vehicle in for investigation and get it serviced as soon as possible. Common reasons for leaks include broken seals and gaskets, and cracked fluid lines. Getting a car regularly serviced is key to preventing these problems.
Here are some common types of fluid leaks and their causes.
| Fluid Colour | Possible Cause |
| Red | Transmission or power-steering fluid leak |
| Green or blue | Coolant leak |
| Brown or black | Engine oil leak |
| Clear and greasy | Brake fluid |
| Rainbow/ iridescent | Fuel leak |
Vibrations
If you’re noticing vibrations when driving on a smooth road, it’s a sign your car needs to be looked at by a mechanic. Some common causes are unbalanced wheels and worn suspension. Booking in for a service and vehicle inspection can help fix the issue before it gets worse and more expensive.
Noises When Braking
Unusual noises when braking such as squealing and grinding, should always be addressed immediately. These typically indicate worn brake pads and discs which can be replaced during a major service. Having the brakes inspected during a routine service will also prevent issues like this happening in the near future.
Difficulty Turning Over
If you’re having trouble starting up your engine, it’s time to get it book in at your local garage. This is typically caused by a weak battery, but could also indicate other electrical system faults or faulty spark plugs.
Changing the spark plugs is often involved in a major service which typically takes place every 30,000 miles but can vary between manufacturers. Most car batteries also need replacing every 3-5 years.
Frequent Stalling
A car stalls when the engine can’t keep itself running, and this indicates a deeper issue which needs investigation. Worn spark plugs are a common culprit, and these should be replaced during a major service according to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. Another reason could be a clogged air filter, again a key wear component that is replaced during a full service.
Exhaust Smoke
If a car produces excessive exhaust smoke, then it’s an indicator that there’s an issue which should be investigated by a mechanic. Having a car serviced regularly and replacing wear items is crucial to prevent issues which can lead to exhaust smoke.
Here are some common smoke colours to look for and possible causes.
| Smoke Colour | Possible Explanation | Possible Cause |
| White | Coolant leak | Blown head gasket |
| Black | Excess fuel being burnt | Worn piston rings or valve seals |
| Blue | Burning oil | Clogged air filter |
What Happens During a Service
The level of service carried out depends on the age and mileage of the car, and it is dictated by the manufacturer’s service intervals outlined in a vehicle’s handbook.
Here’s a summary of the common parts that are cleaned and replaced and the effect it has on the car. The frequency refers to an average, and the manufacturer’s servicing intervals should always be followed for a particular vehicle. Other aspects of the car such as the suspension, windscreen wipers, battery and wiring are also checked during a service.
| Aspect of the Service | Effect | Average Frequency |
| Engine oil and filter replacement | Reduces friction and cools the engine | 12 months/ 10,000 miles (or every 6 months/ 6000 miles on high mileage cars) |
| Air filter replacement | Improves engine performance and efficiency | 12 months/ 12,000 miles |
| Pollen filter replacement | Improves air quality inside the cabin | 12 months/ 12,000 miles |
| Brake fluid replacement | Maintains braking performance | 2 years/ 24,000 miles |
| Spark plug replacement | Improves engine performance, fuel efficiency, and helps the engine start easily | 3 years/ 30,000 miles |
| Transmission fluid replacement | Improves gear change smoothness | 30,000 miles for manual transmissions and 60,000 for automatic transmissions |
| Brake pad replacement | Maintains braking performance | 30,000 miles |
| Brake disc replacement | Maintains braking performance | 40,000 miles |
Benefits of Regular Servicing
It’s important not to wait for a problem before booking your car in for a service. Keeping up with a regular servicing schedule is crucial to keep the vehicle running smoothly, and prevent costly repairs in future. It can also help improve the resale value and desirability when it comes to selling the car.
Book a Car Service in Worcester
Here at Recharged Automotive in Worcester, we have over 30 years of experience servicing vehicles so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. Our highly-trained technicians can work on petrol, diesel and electric vehicles, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Get in touch by calling 01905 458156 to discuss your vehicle’s next service.