Does an old car really need a service?

[WeaverofWords]

Old car, 2010, goes ok. With bills going up, I’m trying to make savings. Does a car really need a service? I’ve been told it has an excellent engine & it recently had a new cam belt. MOT is always fine.

Mine is a 2011 Ford with 90k on the clock, I'm getting a medium service annually now whereas before I never bothered, about to get the timing belt done, hoping to get another 3 years out of it

Why don't you learn how to service yourself? But I would say an older car should be more in need of a service as another check of wearing parts or for oil leaks etc which would develop over time. You are no longer limited to using dealerships so maybe locate a less expensive local garage that can do the work.

It really needs an oil and filter change once a year. Without this the engine won't be "excellent" for long. Other stuff can probably wait until it is picked up by the MOT.

Mine's a 2012, had it serviced a couple of weeks ago after missing a year - mechanic (who i trust) said it was ok to have left it for 2 years but oil and filters did need changing now. Easy things to do yourself apparently if you have the space and the tools.

I think the oil change is important, so I'd keep getting that done every year or two depending on mileage and what sort of oil it uses (some cars use longlife oil, which is designed to be changed less often).

Maybe go through the service schedule with your garage (if you use a good reliable independent this can be a good way to save money) they may be able to advise as to what can be missed off and what's important.

Not maintaining certain things can be a false economy as it's not just about keeping up the service schedule to preserve the resale value, but keeping the car running well by making sure the bits that could fail expensively are tightened/greased/checked often enough.

@RB68

Why don't you learn how to service yourself? But I would say an older car should be more in need of a service as another check of wearing parts or for oil leaks etc which would develop over time. You are no longer limited to using dealerships so maybe locate a less expensive local garage that can do the work.

That’s exactly why I am asking! I’m wondering if it’s something I could learn how to do. I’ve already signed out of the dealer & found a trustworthy mechanic.

You could start by getting a Haynes manual for your car if one is available.

That will show you how to change the oil and filter for a start so you can decide whether it's something you want to do. Plus there's always youtube.

Do you maintain the car, get the oil and filters changed, water, bottles topped up, coolant, tyres: pressure and tread checked, steering, brakes and suspension checked?

Yes I do do all those things. I’m not deluded. I’m not stupid but clearly if there are things best left to the experts, then needs must!

To add, my husband does quite a lot on our car yet he still gets it serviced every year, false economy not to.

If you want your car to last a few more years, then the service will keep the car going longer

Think of an aeroplane or train, they have regular services to keep them running