Cars are expensive, perhaps the biggest purchase many of us will make. It’s vital that we look after them and keep them well maintained to protect our investment. This means getting regular car services to ensure that the car is running properly and avoiding any major problems.

There are a number of signs that you need to take your car into a garage for servicing. These include:

Your Service Indicator Light Is On

Often found on the dashboard, most modern cars will show you when your car is due for a service by lighting up an indicator light. Usually this will be in the shape of a spanner or the word ‘SERVICE’. If this is on, it’s a good idea to get your car booked in as soon as possible – the longer you leave it the more likely it is that the problem will escalate and become much more costly to repair. For more info I’ll suggest you visit the website Top-Tier Chauffeur Service Houston by Elite Town car.

Other indicators that you need to service your vehicle include any warning lights that appear on the instrument panel. These should be taken seriously and not ignored, especially if they are accompanied by any text that indicates what part of the car is affected. The lights could be indicating that the engine needs oil, that your spark plugs are due to change or that it’s time for a safety check.

Another clear sign that your car is overdue for a service is if it starts to have problems starting. If you find that your car is difficult to start, there may be a problem with the battery or more seriously, with the ignition system. If left unchecked, this could lead to your car breaking down completely, so it’s important that you take it to a garage as soon as possible.

You should also pay attention to the sound that your car makes while you drive. Any unusual sounds or vibrations can indicate that it’s time for a service, so listen out for clicks, hisses or squeaks. These could be a sign that something is loose or that the tyres need replacing, both of which should be done during a car service.

If you’re unsure about when your car was last serviced, the log book should have all of this information. You can also ask the garage to stamp the book when a full or interim service has been completed. Alternatively, you can visit your local Supa Quick store for a free vehicle safety check, where we can tell you if there are any areas that need attention or that are overdue for a service.

The cost of a service can vary, depending on your car’s make and model, its condition and which type of service you require. A basic service that includes an oil and filter change, top up of fluids, tyre pressure check, general cleaning and vehicle inspection will typically only take around three to five hours. However, a full or major service that includes more extensive testing and checks will take significantly longer.