Service tips

This is our minimum for a basic service that'd usually be due every 6 months (or every 10,000 km on older cars):

1. Change engine oil and filter.

2. Check:

• all fluid levels
• condition of hoses and visible drive belts
• brake pads - visual check for signs of wear
• suspension, drive-shafts and steering condition
• exhaust system condition
• tyre condition and pressures - especially the spare
• operation of all lights, the horn and wipers
• brakes and hand-brake operation (in a test drive).

Our consultant mechanic says all this can be done comfortably in around an hour on the common model Japanese cars we used in the test.

Semi-transparent reservoirs for brake fluid, clutch fluid, radiator coolant, and power-steering fluid make checking their levels easy and fast. The front brake pads were visible on all but one of our test cars without removing the wheels.

Tips for getting a good service

Our tests show it's not easy to find a really good garage - but these tips should help.

• Make it clear what you expect from a service. Use the maintenance section in the car handbook to draw up a list of what needs to be done - then give the list to the workshop. Or use our list above. If you don't have a handbook, MTA garages have vehicle service books - complimentary with a service.
  
  
• Stick with your usual garage if it seems to be doing a good job.
  
  
• Check how thorough the servicing is. Try having the spare-tyre pressure a bit on the low side before the car goes in, and checking it again afterwards. Or you can leave the windscreen-washer reservoir low, so there's at least one fluid the garage has to top up. Or maybe look to see how dirty the air filter is - then check if it's been replaced if you request a tune-up.
  
  
• You have some doubts about the quality of the work? Discuss them with the workshop manager.
  
  
• You think you've been ripped off? The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has a disputes resolution services for members' customers. Not all garages are members, though.

Report by Hamish Wilson