Servicing your vehicle is important to ensure it remains efficient and saves you money in the long run. Car services can save you money, as well as prevent unwanted breakdowns. The Rac attend more than 2.5 million roadside assistance call-outs each year. They report that a high percentage of breakdowns are caused by a lack of maintenance and servicing.
A service not only highlights potential problems before they occur. Despite the initial cost, services save you money. The main reason being, a lack of servicing can lead to a increased fuel consumption as the vehicle isn’t running as efficiently as it could. Even failing to change your oil can negatively impact your fuel consumption.
A Good Car Service
Good car services will pick up on areas that need attention the most, allowing us to rectify those issues. Repairs and replacements can then be arranged to ensure your vehicle is running efficiently and safely. Issues such as brake pad wear can be caught before the discs become damaged, resulting in more expensive repairs later on.
Luckily, you can complete some basic vehicle maintenance yourself, at home. You can check tyre pressure, engine oil levels, and top up your screenwash. However, there are many aspects of car services that you should leave to the professionals to reduce the risk of accidental damage. Our fully trained technicians have the right tools, skills and expertise to completely service your vehicle and provide recommendations based on the results.
Cars are becoming increasingly more complicated, meaning it’s impossible for motorists to comprehensively understand the workings and requirements of their vehicles. You may initially think you can save more money with a ‘do it yourself’ approach, however, this usually results in damage. This can be dangerous and cause further problems in the future.
Cedar Garage Vs Dealership Car Services
Who should you choose to service your car?
There are significant reasons why a high quality independent garage such as ourselves is the best option. This is mainly down to the scale of operations that show the difference. We are able to offer a better value for money as we have smaller overheads in comparison to large dealerships.
Costs
Dealerships tend to be more expensive as they have to pay for more staff and larger buildings. Dealerships also have to abide to strict stipulations – those marble floors don’t wash themselves!
Dealership costs and quotes can be as much as 18% more expensive than reputable garages such as ourselves. Moving on, we offer more personalised car services with outstanding customer service. This is down to the fact that we have developed our Garage through excellent word of mouth recommendations as we don’t have the luxury of a dealership marketing budget.
Training and Development
Like here at Cedar Garage, many other independent garages are owned by dedicated, highly skilled technicians. These technicians usually have a high degree of training and stay current with the latest technologies and methods. Matt Copp, Co-owner here at Cedar Garage, is arguably one of the most highly trained technicians in the whole of the UK. With a wall full of certificates proudly displayed in our reception area to testify this.
Another benefit of choosing Cedar Garage over a dealership is getting to know the team. We host a more friendly and relaxed atmosphere where we welcome everyone and provide them with the same great levels of customer service.
What You Should Expect From a Car Service at Cedar Garage
The length of time we recommend between your car services varies depending on your vehicle, the mileage and age. The items included in the service also vary. However, we check the following basic aspects regardless:
Lights
We ensure all the front, side, rear and main lights are in full working order. Then we check the hazard lights and indicators, along with reverse, brake, fog and registration lights
Fluids
Our technicians top up your fluid. This includes engine coolant, power steering fluid and oil, with an oil filter change
Brakes
A technician will inspect the brakes and top up any brake fluid that your car requires. We inspect the pipes that deliver the brake fluid along with measure the wear on the brake pads
Lights
We ensure all the front, side, rear and main lights are in full working order. Then we check the hazard lights and indicators, along with reverse, brake, fog and registration lights
Fluids
Our technicians top up your fluid. This includes engine coolant, power steering fluid and oil, with an oil filter change
Wheels and Tyres
We check your wheels and tyres for any visible damage like cracks and punctures. Next, we measure the tread depth to ensure the tyres are within the legal limit. Finally, we check the tyre pressure and increase if necessary
Electrics
To ensure your vehicle electrics are safe and in good working order, we test them, which includes the battery, alternator and starter motor
Instruments
It’s important that we check the rev counter, speedometer, mileage counter, all gauges and warning lights, so you are reading the correct data when driving. We also test the horn in the event that you need to use it
Brakes
A technician will inspect the brakes and top up any brake fluid that your car requires. We inspect the pipes that deliver the brake fluid along with measure the wear on the brake pads
Wheels and Tyres
We check your wheels and tyres for any visible damage like cracks and punctures, as well as measure the tread depth to ensure the tyres are within the legal limit. Then we check the tyre pressure and increase if necessary
Electrics
To ensure your vehicle electrics are safe and in good working order, we test them, which includes the battery, alternator and starter motor
Instruments
It’s important that we check the rev counter, speedometer, mileage counter, all gauges and warning lights, so you are reading the correct data when driving. We also test the horn in the event that you need to use it
Windscreens
We inspect any visible damage, alongside the wiper blade and washer nozzle functionality
Engine
All components including the rear axle, transmission, clutch, air and fuel filters, coolant hoses, auxiliary drive belt, spark plugs (if fitted), fuel pipes and exhaust systems are all thoroughly inspected by our specialist technicians
Interior
We check that your seat belts are secure, as well as all internal and exterior mirrors, seats, interior lights, doors, locks and the handbrake
Windscreens
We inspect any visible damage, alongside the wiper blade and washer nozzle functionality
Engine
All components including the rear axle, transmission, clutch, air and fuel filters, coolant hoses, auxiliary drive belt, spark plugs (if fitted), fuel pipes and exhaust systems are all thoroughly inspected by our specialist technicians
Interior
We check that your seat belts are secure, as well as all internal and exterior mirrors, seats, interior lights, doors, locks and the handbrake
One financial benefit of servicing your car is the added value when it comes to selling your car. If you have a full service history, this helps hold the value of your vehicle as it shows it has been cared for.
Call us today to book in your next service. Alternatively, click below to book online or find out more about our vehicle servicing.
