As you may know there are a a number of different types of car services packages being offered by garages in the Ellon area. We wanted to take this opportunity to show you the different options available.
We have also been told by customers that one car service garage outside of Ellon was offering a full service for a very cheap price. However when our customer enquired, she discovered that the service was basically very little more than an engine oil and filter change.
However they also threw in some additional servicing checks at an optional extra price.
• Check for general oil leaks.
• Check operation of exterior lights.
• Check / top up power steering reservoir (if applicable).
• Check brake fluid level and top up if required.
• Check windscreen washer operations & top up if required.
• Check timing belt replacement interval.
In our view this is not a full car servicing option. Did you notice that the “check timing belt replacement interval” was not to check the adjustment or to check its present condition? It was simply to look up how often the timing belt was to be replaced!
We currently provide full diagnostic services for thirty different car manufacturers. I am fairly certain that your car is likely to be amongst them. Obviously they do not all suggest the same car servicing intervals. However the norm has three different suggested schedules.
This would normally be done every 6 months or 6,000 miles whichever comes sooner. The interim car service is usually for cars doing a high mileage or the initial bedding in process of a new car. In addition to a change of engine oil and filter it would normally also involve a number of checks on parts which may be subject to moving wear and tear. For example
• Most cars will have a electronic engine diagnostic check carried out to identify any faults.
• Change of engine oil and filter.
• All of the lights are checked for operation.
• The road wheels are removed.
• The steering and suspension is checked for wear and condition.
• The exhaust system is inspected.
• Under bonnet fluid levels are checked and topped up as required.
• The vehicle will also be road tested.
You will be given a fuller list of checks etc we carry out as part of a standard interim service. Note as we said earlier, this will vary from car manufacturer to manufacturer. We always work to carry out checks in compliance with the manufacturer especially if the car is still subject to their warranty. Call us today on 01358 722112 for more information or to book your car in for service.
Did you know that Croft Autotech are now officially authorised to carry out car servicing and repairs without putting the manufacturer’s warranty in jeopardy. We also use your manufacturers recommended parts etc.
The full car service would be carried out annually or more often if the car is being driven over 12,000 miles which ever comes sooner. Normally we would do all the work done as part of the interim car service PLUS over sixty additional checks. Some of these extra checks are over and above those laid out in the manufacturers handbook but have been included as a measure of safety and to ensure potential problems are spotted at an early stage.
• Most cars will have an electronic engine diagnostic check carried out to identify any faults.
• All of the lights are checked for operation.
• The road wheels are removed.
• The steering and suspension is checked for wear and condition.
• The exhaust system is inspected.
• The underside of the vehicle is checked.
• All under bonnet levels are checked and topped up as required.
• The engine management service light will also be reset (if fitted to your car).
Call us today on 01358 722112 for more information or to book your car in for a service.
We usually recommend a major car service every two years (or after completing 24.000 miles since the last major service). It is usually the service that gives the best value for your money as it gives us a chance to go over the full car and check everything is in full working order.
You will also find some car manufacturers recommend this service interval to renew some items. For example, In addition to the full car service mentioned above, we also do the following:
• Drain and refill your brake hydraulic fluids. (By this time your brakes will have been subject to some usage and pickedup moisture so losing some effectiveness).
• Your car cooling system drained and refilled with new anti-freeze.
• If your car has an external fuel filter it is time to change it. You will always pick up a little grit or metal flake which could block your fuel supply.
• And of course now is the time to renew your air filter and spark plugs etc.
Do you live or work in the Ellon Area? Does your car need a thorough service? Do you need to discuss the various options before booking the service?
Give us a ring today on 01358 722112.