Regular car servicing can extend the life of a vehicle. This is because defects can be found before they cause serious, sometimes catastrophic, problems. Investing a relatively small amount in a routine car service and repair means:

• Reduced vehicle time off the road.

• Reduced cost of repairs over the life of the vehicle.

• Reduced breakdown and car accident risks.

Putting your car in for regular servicing means less inconvenience and less unforeseen expense, greater fuel economy, and increased product life (for example: brake discs do not become scored and in need of replacement, greater tyre life).

You can now get your car serviced at a non-franchised garage without invalidating your warranty.

Things to consider when getting your vehicle serviced:

• If you do go to an independent garage, ensure it is VAT-registered.

• Always stick to your car’s servicing schedule and ensure that the servicing book is stamped.

• In between services, keep your car in good condition by keeping fluids topped up and by carrying out regular checks.

When should the cambelt be renewed?

There's not a standard change interval for cambelts.

Depending on the model and the manufacturer, the recommended interval can be anywhere between 30,000 miles and 100,000 miles. There will often be a time-based interval specified too e.g. 60,000 miles or five years, whichever is the sooner.

Check with us at MK MOT to establish the requirement for your particular car - make, model, engine number and model year.

Failure of the cambelt will in most cases result in serious damage to many other components in the engine - a replacement engine may well be required!

It does no harm to renew the belt early and you should do so if you buy a used car and are in any doubt if the cambelt has been renewed according to the maker's schedule.