Question 1

Do I have to get my car serviced by a main dealer?

Accepted Answer

Warranty retention is often a big concern for owners of newer vehicles – especially where servicing is concerned. Though dealerships often state that vehicles must be serviced at franchise locations in order to keep warranties intact, EU legislation introduced in 2003 states that vehicle owners are not obliged to have their vehicle serviced by a franchise dealer during the warranty period. This legislation is, however, subject to certain restrictions;

In order to retain a warranty whilst receiving service from a non-franchise dealer, the manufacturer’s recommended schedule must be followed, and only manufacturer-approved parts may be installed.

Auto Service & Tuning Centre guarantees our use of quality or manufacturer-approved parts and recommended schedules in our services. Book with us today.

Question 2

How much does a car service cost?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types of vehicle service – full, interim, and major services (or, Bronze, Silver, and Gold in the case of Bosch accredited garages). Each tier of service offers slightly different inspections and adjustments, with prices differing accordingly. The price of a service generally covers comprehensive checks and adjustments to over 31 different vehicle parts and systems depending on service type. It is important to note that this cost does not cover the cost of any repairs, replacements, or new parts.

 An interim, or Bronze service with Auto Service & Tuning Centre generally costs £X, and covers checks and adjustments of – Bodywork and mirrors, timing belt interval, ABS, warning lights, interior and exterior lights, seatbelts, windscreen wipers, mirrors, fuel cap, air conditioning, power steering, auxiliary and fan belts, air filter, battery, clutch, handbrake, engine and gearbox oil levels, fluid levels, steering and suspension, exhaust system, fuel lines, brake pipes and hoses, cylinders, calipers, tyres, brake pads, drums, discs, and emissions. Interim services also include oil filter replacement.

 A full, or silver service with Auto Service & Tuning Centre generally costs £X, and covers everything covered in an interim service, alongside an air filter replacement, and checks for wear and tear and functionality of the vehicle’s door hinges, catches, and locks, coolant system, engine cooling fan, throttle operation, distributor cap, engine and gearbox mounts, radiator and coolant pipes, starter motor, wheels and bearings, and brakes.

 A major, or gold service with Auto Service & Tuning Centre generally costs £X, and includes everything covered in a full service, alongside extensive checks and inspection, and the changing of spark plugs, and fuel filters.

Question 3

What does a service include?

Accepted Answer

A service generally includes comprehensive checks and adjustments of over 31 different vehicle parts and systems dependant on service type, including (but not limited to);

Engine oil changes or filter replacement
Functionality checks on lights, brakes, and steering.
Engine tuning adjustments
Hydraulic fluid and coolant level checks
Suspension checks
Steering alignment
Battery condition checks

Service coverage is affected by the type of service required. Auto Service & Tuning Centre currently offers bronze, silver, and gold Bosch accredited services. Contact us today to find out more.

Question 4

What is the difference between a service and an MOT?

Accepted Answer

Services and MOTs are two very different services. Whilst an MOT is an annual inspection covering safety and roadworthiness, services account for wear and tear, ensuring all aspects of the vehicle out with MOT requirements are accounted for, keeping your vehicle in peak condition, and replacing parts such as air filters and fluids when required.

Whilst MOTs are undertaken once per year, services are generally performed at set time intervals, or after a vehicle has travelled a specific number of miles. Manufacturers will generally provide a service ‘timetable’ that vehicle owners should aim to follow in order to maintain vehicle condition.

Auto Service & Tuning Centre currently offers three tiers of Bosch accredited servicing packages; Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Question 5

How often should I get a service?

Accepted Answer

Your garage should be able to provide specialist advice on when your vehicle’s next service should be, however, general guidelines state that full, or Silver services should be carried out annually, or approximately every 12,000 miles driven. 
Auto Service & Tuning Centre currently offer three levels of Bosch accredited services; 
 
Bronze
Best suited to well maintained, low-mileage vehicles
Includes 31 service tasks and checks
Includes oil change and oil filter replacement

Silver 
Should be conducted every 12,000 miles, or every year
Includes 47 service tasks and checks
Includes oil change, in addition to oil and air filter replacement

Gold
Should be conducted 24,000 miles or every 2 years
Includes 53 service tasks and checks
Includes oil change, oil, and air filter replacement and spark plug replacement if necessary

Question 6

How long should a service take?

Accepted Answer

A service with Auto Service & Tuning Centre takes on average around 3 hours and will be completed by a team of specialist technicians and mechanics, who will inspect over 31 different aspects of the vehicle, replacing specified parts where necessary. The number of parts checked is dependent on the service type required. 

If any issues arise during the service out with planned part replacements, our team will explain in depth the reasons for replacement and associated costs, allowing the vehicle owner to make an informed decision before proceeding.

Question 7

Is a car service necessary?

Accepted Answer

Services, unlike MOT tests, are not a legal requirement. However, regularly servicing a vehicle is the best way to keep it in peak condition, and catch issues before they become performance deteriorates. There are a number of benefits associated with regular servicing, including (but not limited to):

Value retention – full-service histories make for an attractive selling point in used vehicles
Reliable performance – regular checks to all key components of the vehicle mean issues can be caught before performance deteriorates
Increased fuel efficiency – regular engine oil and oil filter changes result in increased fuel efficiency and smoother performance
Improved braking – full services include a comprehensive brake check, ensuring optimum functionality.

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We will be relocating to 42 Wilbury Way, Hitchin, SG4 0AP (formerly Top Marques) on the 13th of November. This will increase capacity, with a bigger team of staff and a faster turnaround time on vehicle MOT, repairs, servicing and diagnostics. Read more…