Does A 2012 Car Really Need Servicing At So Many Miles And Why ?

[dieseldick]

oil change, filters, blah blah, why should i pay a mechanic to rip me off for oil change and bulbs fitted etc etc when really i do not see the point in service history unless car is older .

but you guys know as i know absolutely zilch about cars so advice please.

thanks

[EcclesCake]

A FSH contributes to the resale value.

Changing clogged filters will improve the overall efficiency and performance.

[Stephen_G]

I'm not an expert, but if you're averaging 6,000 miles a year, then it would be about right for a service. Most (Normal) cars have a service interval of 12,000 miles for Filters & Oil and a general check-up. Unless you're thrashing something like a Mitsubishi Evo, then you're looking at service intervals MUCH closer together.

I know this and I'm neither a driver or car owner.

[Buenchico]

Modern technology means that engine manufacturers are far better at getting moving parts really smooth than they used to be. (Are you old enough to remember new cars with 'Running In' signs on the back?). However it's probably still far more likely that it will be new engines that have small particles of metal building up within the oil (from the friction between surfaces) than old ones do (where everything has been really worn smooth through use anyway).

So, while you might be able to get away with not changing the oil for several years in an old car, new(ish) cars probably really do need an oil change when the service book says it should be done.

If you actually need new bulbs when your car goes in for a service it strongly suggests that you're not checking your lights at frequent intervals!

[BigRooster]

First of all cars need to have clean oil to protect the engine . Check your owner manual . As a rule you should change your engine oil regardless of how many mile you have done every 12 months and if the manual gives a oil change in miles and it comes before 12 months change your oil .By the correct oil and filter yourself then just pay labour

[Nkakamasembe]

Service history of a car starts with the first Service after delivery when new.
Check your " recommended service " schedule /intervals with what miles you are doing, you may find oil change service and a service with inspection / with coolant change/ or with brake fluid change etc.

[dieseldick]

i just dont want to pay some bozzo to fleece me on brakes and break fluid etc etc , ok if oil needs changed ill do that but what would my car really need ?

some of these mechanics are cute as hell

[ToraToraTora]

"but you guys know as i know absolutely zilch about cars so advice please." - well I applaud your honesty and yes you are correct there are rip off merchants out there but you ignore servicing especially oil changing at your peril. The resale value is very effected by the service history. Now if you intend to keep the car for it's useful life then you can cut a lot of servicing but you should change oil and filter regularly, also the cambelts as specified by the maker. You can do bulbs yourself, mostly. If you can find a garage that does not take the *** then keep them, very valuable.

[bhg481]

Car manufacturers have fleet use at the top of their agenda, so do all they can to keep servicing costs as low as possible. They are NOT going to recommend you have something done at a service that isn't necessary because that will put up the cost of the service.
Oil-change intervals have increased from 3000 miles 50 years ago to the current approx 20,000 miles. Oil obviously degenerates with mileage but also with time, as oxidation etc takes place, so oil-change intervals are quoted as soonest of mileage/time.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic ie, it absorbs water; this has the effect of lowering the boiling point of the fluid. This might not matter until you come to do an emergency stop, which turns into an emergency slowing-down-gently".
If the service schedule says you need to check something then it needs to be checked.

[dieseldick]

looks like iol and filter changing are essential , ill book it in with a local mechanic. its a citreon ds3 do you reckon this car needs any thing else done , belt etc ?

thanks

[ToraToraTora]

it will need a cambelt as per manufacterers guide lines, look at the service schedule and also if you have th epaper work look at when it last had one, if ever. Small garages generally offer something of a "service" at a fraction of what main dealers charge. You will need to change brake and clutch fluid at least every 2 years as they absorb water.

[dieseldick]

ok thanks, need new brake pads anyway.

[TWR]

Do you value your life Richard? what about other peoples safety?

[dieseldick]

TWR mr goodie 2 shoes what the hell you on about ? 3 year old car , how is that gonna put anyone in danger, get a grip of yourself .

[TWR]

I'm replying to your post, NO NOT MR GOODIE, but a person that has no need to ask others but checks his car on a regular basis, do you never check if your tyres are inflated before you go out on a trip / town?

[ToraToraTora]

any car can kill people mate.

[petegeoff]

Poor old dieseldick, wonder how he got that name! I expect he thinks everyone tries to rip him off. If involved in an accident the insurance company could ask to see the service record. How on earth would he know if the brakes or steering were about to fail. Not always warning signs. As for bulbs, surely anyone would know if a bulb was blown.