Servicing your car regularly is still as important as ever, probably more so now as the intervals are longer than ever before. Beware also as the possible cost of repairs from failing to Service your car can prove to be very expensive.

Now we don’t all have the time, space or know how to Service our own cars, so how can we save money?

Firstly, and this may seem a little obvious but try independent Garages they do tend to be cheaper than Dealerships. However, don’t exclude Dealerships from your choices as some are realising the business they are loosing and are beginning to lower their Service prices to regain custom.

One part of your Service you can save money on instantly with just a little effort is the Engine Oil! Simply by buying your own Engine Oil at a local Motor Factors you can literally halve your oil cost! Of course ensure the oil you buy is the correct specification for your car, most Motor Factors can advise you what oil to buy, as adding incorrect oil can cause premature engine failure. Savings depend on the grade of oil but on average you will save between £20 and £60 on oil and in some cases a lot more.

Do simple checks yourself before presenting your car for Service, or MOT for that matter. Such as lights and screen wash. Two basic things but again can save you money. Most Garages charge for fitting bulbs, ok maybe a couple of pounds but that’s still another saving! All will charge for screen wash, and at a premium rate, again pop into your local Motor Factors (or Tesco/B&Q etc!) who sell screen wash at low prices.

If you do get that dreaded call from the Garage with a list of repairs required, don’t just tell them to get on with it. Write down whats needed, or ask them to email it to you with all the prices, then have a ring round. Don’t feel you have to have the work done with them, at this point they may treat you as a “captive audience” and as your car is already there on the ramp you may not get the best price for the job, whereas  a Garage getting a call to ask for a quote will want your business so possibly offer you a better deal. Always worth a try, don’t be shy!