Car servicing `is a money saver'

- 24th February 2009

Regular car services are the key to avoiding expensive repair costs, it has been claimed.

According to George Smith, co-owner of US-based vehicle service firm HCS Automotive, motorists who think they can save money in the difficult economic climate by dodging services are mistaken.

Sheri Kendrick, service coordinator at the group, commented: "While some owners might be inclined to curtail service visits, we stress that routine maintenance is essential in protecting their car from expensive critical repairs."

The company went on to emphasise the importance of MOT and service providers educating their customers on the importance of routine care.

Last week, the American National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence stated that a well-maintained vehicle gets better gas mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate and commands a better resale value than those that have been poorly taken care of.

The group quizzed master automotive technicians and found oil changes, tyre and brake services, wheel alignments, air and fuel filter improvements and transmission tune-ups are among the most neglected vehicle checks.