Car Servicing, Sidcup | Birkbeck Auto

The Importance of Regular Car Servicing

Did you know that over 20,000 vehicles break down every day? That's over 7 million a year!
1 million of those breakdowns occur on the motorway! ....Result? Unwelcome stress and considerable expense.

A small investment in routine car servicing at the interval recommended by your manufacturer handbook will result in many benefits for you and your family:

Reliability and peace of mind
Increased fuel economy with an efficient running vehicle
Could even expand the life of products associated with wear and tear e.g. Tyres, brakes
Reduced risk of breakdowns
Less likelihood of car accidents
Reduced future high costs of services and repairs

Service		Basic 6,000 miles / 6 months	Intermediate 12,000 miles / 12 months	Full 24,000 miles / 24 months
Engine	Drain engine oil and refill. Special or synthetic oils are subject to additional charge.	✔	✔	✔
	Replace oil filter.	✔	✔	✔
	Check for general oil leaks and report any serious leaks.	✔	✔	✔
	Check for timing belt (cambelt) replacement interval and report if replacement due according to mileage or age.	✔	✔	✔
	Check radiator condition and report any leaks.		✔	✔
	Check condition of radiator cap.		✔	✔
	Check coolant hoses for leaks and condition, check securing clips for tightness and report on condition.		✔	✔
	Check and record antifreeze strength and minimum temperature and top up coolant as required.		✔
	Visually inspect expansion bottle and tank for leaks and cap security.		✔	✔
	Drain out cooling system and replace coolant to minimum of 33% antifreeze.			✔
	Check electric cooling fan for operation where applicable.		✔	✔
	Check condition and tension of fan or alternator belt. Adjust or report on condition.		✔	✔
	Check condition and tension of auxiliary drive belts (excluding cambelt).		✔	✔
	Replace air filter.		✔	✔
	Report if spark plugs are due to be changed according to mileage. An additional charge applies for the supply of plugs and fitment.		✔
	Replace spark plugs for petrol engines only. An additional charge applies for platinum or long life plugs.			✔
Fuel	Check fuel cap condition.		✔	✔
	Check visual condition of fuel lines.		✔	✔
	Replace diesel fuel filter (if fitted and external from fuel tank).			✔
	Replace petrol fuel filter (if fitted and external from fuel tank).			✔
Drive System	Check clutch operation for drag, slip, judder or noise and adjust if applicable.	✔	✔	✔
	Check propshaft, drive shaft and joints. Grease nipples where fitted.		✔	✔
	Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks.	✔	✔	✔
	Check and top up axle and/or transaxle oil if applicable.		✔	✔
	Top up gearbox fluid where applicable and not sealed.		✔	✔
	Check and top up clutch fluid where applicable.	✔	✔	✔
Electrical	Check operation of exterior lights.	✔	✔	✔
	Check horn.	✔	✔	✔
	Check diesel heater plug indicator operation where fitted.		✔	✔
	Check battery security and lubricate terminals.		✔	✔
	Top up battery/non-sealed units only.		✔	✔
	Visual inspection of HT (high tension) leads.		✔	✔
	Check external condition of distributor cap.		✔	✔
	Test effectiveness of starter motor.			✔
	Test alternator charging rate - check security.			✔
Steering & Suspension	Check and top up power steering reservoir where applicable.	✔	✔	✔
	Check steering and suspension components for wear and corrosion.	✔	✔	✔
	Check steering rack gaitors condition.	✔	✔	✔
	Grease steering and suspension.		✔	✔
	Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise.	✔	✔	✔
	Check shock absorber condition and report on any serious leaks.	✔	✔	✔
Exhaust	Inspect exhaust system (including catalyst if fitted) for leaks, security and noise.	✔	✔	✔
Exhaust	Visual check for exhaust smoke (diesel).		✔	✔
Brakes	Check brake pads for wear or damage.	✔	✔	✔
	Check brake callipers for leaks and security.	✔	✔	✔
	Check foot brake shoes for wear or damage.	✔	✔	✔
	Inspect operation of wheel cylinders and report any leaks.	✔	✔	✔
	Visually check brake hydraulic system, pipes and hoses for any leaks, chafing and corrosion.	✔	✔	✔
	Check security of handbrake linkages and travel. Lubricate and adjust if required.	✔	✔	✔
	Check brake discs and drums for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring or pitting.	✔	✔	✔
	Check brake servo operation.		✔	✔
	Check ABS warning lights for correct operation if applicable.		✔	✔
	Test and report brake fluid boiling point (if applicable).		✔	✔
	Replace brake fluid and bleed system.			✔
	Check brake fluid level and top up if required.	✔	✔	✔
Tyres and Wheels	Remove road wheels.		✔	✔
	Check tyre size and whether tyre is fitted to side wall instructions.	✔	✔	✔
	Check tyre condition and tread depth (including spare).	✔	✔	✔
	Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare).	✔	✔	✔
	Set wheel nut torque to manufacturer's settings.		✔	✔
Vision	Check windscreen wiper condition and operation.	✔	✔	✔
	Check rear wiper condition and operation (if fitted).	✔	✔	✔
	Check windscreen washer operations and top up if required.	✔	✔	✔
	Check windscreen for chips and cracks.		✔	✔
	Check mirror condition (interior and exterior).		✔	✔
	Check number plate condition.		✔	✔
Internal	Remove and check pollen filter condition, report if replacement required (supply/fitment at additional cost).		✔	✔
	Check seatbelts - front and rear including lap belt.		✔	✔
	Lubricate accessible door hinges (with white grease).		✔	✔
General	Lubricate bonnet catch.		✔	✔
	Reset vehicle service light where applicable (subject to data and tooling availability).	✔	✔	✔
	Road test.	✔	✔	✔
	Stamp service book.	✔	✔	✔

0208 302 3063

Car Services

The Importance of Regular Car Servicing