The Real Cost of Skipping Your Annual Service – Why Prevention Saves £££

When life gets busy, it’s easy to let your annual car service slip down the to-do list. After all, if your car seems to be running fine, why spend the money, right?

The truth is, skipping a regular service can end up costing you far more in the long run — not just financially, but in time, safety, and peace of mind.

At Foster & Heanes, we’ve seen first-hand how preventative maintenance saves drivers hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds compared to costly repairs that could have been avoided.

Why annual servicing matters

A service isn’t just a quick once-over. It’s a comprehensive check designed to keep your car running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Mechanics inspect and replace components that wear down over time, like oil, filters, fluids, and tyres, while also identifying potential issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Think of it like a health check-up for your car: catching issues early prevents them from becoming major (and costly) breakdowns.

The hidden costs of skipping servicing

Here’s what can happen when that annual service is missed:

1. Engine Damage from Old Oil

Fresh oil lubricates moving parts, reducing friction and wear. Skip a service, and old, sludgy oil can cause serious engine damage — sometimes leading to repairs costing £1,000s.

2. Poor Fuel Economy

Blocked filters and poorly tuned engines force your car to work harder, burning more fuel. What you save skipping a service, you’ll pay back (and more) at the pump.

3. Brakes & Tyres Wear Faster

During a service, brakes, suspension and tyres are checked for safety. Neglecting these checks can result in uneven tyre wear, premature brake failure, and a bigger bill when you eventually replace them.

4. Unexpected Breakdowns

Nobody likes being stranded. Many breakdowns are linked to issues that could have been spotted in a routine service — from battery failures to worn belts. Recovery costs, missed work, or ruined holidays add up quickly.

5. Reduced Resale Value

When it comes time to sell, buyers look for a full service history. A missing stamp or two can knock £££ off your car’s value — sometimes more than the cost of the service itself.

Prevention is cheaper than repair

Consider this:

• Annual service cost: from around £150–£400 (depending on the car)
• Engine rebuild due to oil neglect: £2,000 +
• New turbocharger caused by dirty oil: £1,000+
• Full set of tyres worn out prematurely: £400 +

It’s clear — a regular service is a small price to pay for avoiding these eye-watering repair bills.

Benefits beyond savings

It’s not just about money. Regular servicing means:

• Peace of mind knowing your car is safe for you and your family.
• Smoother driving experience thanks to a well-maintained engine.
• Better fuel efficiency and fewer trips to the pump.
• Longer vehicle life — many well-maintained cars easily exceed 150,000 miles.

Book your service with Foster & Heanes

At F&H, we offer servicing for all makes and models, from family cars to light commercials and classic vehicles. With branches in Dogmersfield and Fleet (Hesters, VW Autos, and Alfanatic), we’re your trusted local garage.

Call us on 01252 615657 or book online today to keep your car in top condition — and save yourself from costly surprises tomorrow.

Book your car service now

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