- You can't go wrong if you stick to the manufacturer's service intervals. But you don't need to pay a franchised dealer's hourly rates, unless your vehicle is only a few years old or it's an unusual model. Just find a competent garage and use it for all your servicing. That way the garage will get to know the vehicle, and can warn you of any upcoming work that may be required.
- If your vehicle has a bad case of "postponed maintenance", we recommend a thorough under-bonnet and under-body check. You should be able to get a quote or a fixed price for this work. Some of the servicing chains offer free checks for safety-related items, and fixed costs for some other services - check out the Midas or Pitstop chains.
- The AA offers a range of technical services to its members and non-members, including mechanical inspections and fault diagnosis. Its report will give you a good basis for getting your vehicle up to scratch. Find out from the AA the likely cost of an inspection.
More help
Lubricant recommendations:
- Mobil
- Shell
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