Running a car

Do I need to get my car serviced?

Short answer: yes. The End.

The long answer is yes, and here's why:

1. You'll save money on fuel

   Keeping your car's brakes, engine and tyres at good performance reduces the rate you burn through fuel.

   Getting your oil and filter changed is also really important to fuel economy, because it bumps up your engine performance and power.

   Kwik Fit did some research into how many people ignore their car's needs - and 40% of 18 to 24s are failing to get their cars serviced on time.

2. You'll know you're safe

   Driving your car without knowing your brakes and air bags are in good order is like buying insurance with the wrong details. If the worst happens, you might not be not covered.

   A regular service checks all those safety features that you rely on. With airbags reducing the likelihood of death in a crash by 63%, do you really want to risk them not working?

3. You'll help keep your car's value

   Smart people don't pay a nice price for cars that don't have a full service history. They just don't. Getting your car serviced regularly shows future buyers you've looked after it and it's been signed off by a professional.

   With my first car, I paid £500 more for the motor with full service history because I just couldn't face worrying about potential issues that might come to light later. It's a costly risk to take and a lot of buyers won't do it.

4. Your car will live longer

   It's pretty much guaranteed that keeping to the manufacturer's service schedule will help your car last longer. You may think you'll only keep your car a few years, but you're going to need to sell it in that case. And selling a car is a lot easier if it's in good nick.

There's 1 get-out clause to a full annual service:

If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles a year, you might not need a full service every year - check your car's service manual to find out. You will need an oil and filter change though, so make sure you get at least a 'value' service.