Running costs are of primary importance when buying new or used cars. Most people research the service prices of prospective cars they are looking at buying. The last thing you want is to be shelling out one-off payments when if anything goes wrong. We’ve compared the average cost of six service operations from three of the world's largest car manufacturers - Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen - to help you when choosing your next car.
Interim Service
The interim service or oil and filter change service. This should be carried out between other services or around every 3,000 miles. Many people forget to check their oil levels and book their car in for this basic service but it is fundamental to a car’s health.
Cambelt
A cambelt, also known as a timing belt or timing chain is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
MOT
The MOT test ensures your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. Typically, a vehicle must be inspected three years after registration, then annually thereafter. Any car being driven without an MOT is driving illegally.
Brake Pads
Brake pads form a vital part of the disc brake system. The friction material is applied onto the brake disc surface by the calliper pistons to generate the friction to stop the wheels turning. A brake disc sits on the wheel hub and slows the vehicle down when the brakes are applied through the use of friction. Your vehicle's brake pads 'grab' onto either side of the brake discs through the application of a hydraulic piston. This reduces the speed of the vehicle and allows it to come to a safe stop.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid transfers the pressure created when you press your brake pedal directly onto the wheel hub - thus slowing the car down. Brake fluid needs to be kept clean and at the proper level. Heavy braking or prolonged braking generates heat that may affect the brake fluid, which can only work as liquid and not so hot that it has become vapour.
Air Conditioning
Nowadays, the majority of vehicles are fitted with air conditioning and climate control systems as standard. Many of us use our air con systems religiously on both hot and cold days, but not many people are aware that the air conditioning system also needs regular attention to make sure it is working efficiently.