Being a mechanic and car enthusiast, I am often asked the question more than any other, do I really need to get my car serviced or maintained every single year? Now, I understand why people are so keen to hear my thoughts on them, after all, servicing and maintaining equals money being spent, and when your car is often running quite smoothly, of course, many will find themselves wondering why fix it when it is not broke?

I do not instruct everybody to get their car serviced or maintained on a regular basis; instead, I encourage them to think about doing so because it is far cheaper and less hassle to maintain a vehicle than it is to fix one that has decided to stop working right in the middle of the freeway! You see, your car is most likely your pride of joy but also for many, the only method of getting to and from work or enabling you to get out and about and experience life and what it has to offer.

Now think about the worst-case scenario where you are left without such a method of transport because you did not get around to servicing or looking after it, and you now find yourself with engine failure or a broken transmission, or even something more sinister.

The point to remember is that cars are in some ways like people. We need to be refueled and healthy and get a regular health check to live a good life, and so too do our cars. If you are using your vehicle daily, it is naturally prone to wear and tear and therefore needs a bit of tender loving care on a regular basis.

So, if you are trying to weigh up the pros and cons of whether you should commit to regular maintenance or servicing, here is just a small list as to why I believe in my professional opinion that taking care of your car on a regular basis is well worth the investment:

Safety

First things first, when you regularly maintain your vehicle, you are ensuring it is road worthy and ultimately safe. This is to provide not only protection for other road users but also yourself and any other passengers you may carry.

Faulty brakes, tires close to the legal limit, exhaust build up, headlights that are dirty and even worn windshield wipers can all contribute towards an accident. Yet, as they are also the most common of problems in all cars that are regularly used, they need to be recognized and corrected throughout the year.

Investment

As strange as it sounds, though it may cost to get your car maintained or serviced, it will be cheaper in the long run if you do this on a regular basis! This is just because any problems can be spotted at the very early stages, thereby ensuring you do not end up with unexpected costly repairs.

Environmentally Friendly

Okay, so this may not always be high on the list of priorities but these days it is an essential part of being a responsible car owner, and nobody wants to breathe in those dangerous fumes. Maintaining your car regularly keeps a check on your emissions and ensures you are not polluting when you are out and about.

Performance Ready

Regular maintenance or services will perform all those little, but essential jobs that many car owners tend to forget to do so sometimes. Oil levels, fluid levels, and part checks will be carried out which will ultimately make your car perform at its peak best. It often amazes some people the sheer difference in performance when a car which has run dry on oil is finally given a drink of it!

Reliability

Yep, by regularly maintaining your car, you should not fail prey to constant breakdowns, which are often caused by engine problems, bad tires, and even broken radiators. Very often such things cannot be fixed at the side of the road, meaning you will end up having to pay out for costly towing services and then further repair work, not to mention losing your car for a few days for the work to be done. If you regularly drive long distances, regular maintenance should be your priority.

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Finally, there is no denying that a car regularly maintained or serviced will look better overall. If you have invested in your own vehicle, you will no doubt want that investment to last you sometime, but ultimately have something decent to show for your hard-earned cash. Get it maintained regularly and you will be able to keep on top of any rust spots, dents and things such as faded paint areas thus keeping it looking as good as new.

Booking regular maintenance checks should not be expensive and should be relatively easy and quick to do. Ultimately the idea here is prevention rather than cure!