Interim Service

Interim Service

50+ point
Interim Service

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months

Initial checks

• Liaise with customer regarding any notes
• Check or scan vehicle history
• Check manufacturer recommended service items
• Check cosmetic attachments and trims
• Check bulbs/light enclosures and number plates
• Check engine intervals for belts and replacements
• Trained staff to log everything onto the system

Ground checks

• Check vehicle warning messages
• Check ABS
• Check PAS
• Check steering wheel and horn
• Check seat belts and seat buckles
• Check ISO-Fix points
• Check handbrake condition and travel
• Check interior lights and switches
• Check exterior lights and switches
• Check front and rear windscreen wipers
• Check all rubber seals for leaks

• Check all washers
• Check windscreen for any damage
• Check windows for damage
• Check locks for tampering
• Check condition of all mirrors
• Check fuel cap
• Check air conditioning
• Check and top up power steering tank
• Check auxiliary belts
• Check fan belts
• Check clutch operation

• Check gearbox transmission oil levels
• Check axle oil levels
• Check for noises and tension under load
• Check and top up brake fluid
• Check and top up antifreeze
• Check and lubricate locks
• Check drain plugs for blockages
• Check coolant systems for leaks
• Check engine cooling fan
• Check air and pollen filters
• Trained staff to log reports onto the system

• Check vehicle warning messages
• Check ABS
• Check PAS
• Check steering wheel and horn
• Check seat belts and seat buckles
• Check ISO-Fix points
• Check handbrake condition and travel
• Check interior lights and switches
• Check exterior lights and switches
• Check front and rear windscreen wipers
• Check all washers
• Check windscreen for any damage
• Check windows for damage
• Check locks for tampering
• Check condition of all mirrors
• Check fuel cap
• Check air conditioning
• Check and top up power steering tank
• Check auxiliary belts
• Check fan belts
• Check clutch operation if manual vehicle
• Check gearbox transmission oil levels
• Check axle oil levels
• Check for noises and tension under load
• Check and top up brake fluid
• Check and top up antifreeze
• Check and lubricate locks or moving parts if needed
• Check coolant systems for leaks
• Check engine cooling fan
• Check air and pollen filters
• Trained staff to log reports onto the system

On-ramp checks

• Check underbody inspection
• Replace engine oil
• Replace oil filter
• Check condition of steering components
• Check condition of suspension components
• Check condition of mounting components
• Check condition of rubber and enclosure components
• Check for oil and fluid leaks

• Check for oil and fluid leaks
• Check exhaust for any damage
• Check exhaust for any damage
• Check cooling system for leaks or damage
• Check brake lines for leaks and damage
• Check fuel lines for leaks and damage
• Check hoses for leaks and damage
• Check handbrake cables and components
• Check brake rotors and components

• Check for brake pads wear
• Check starter motor components and cabling
• Check tyre pressures
• Check tyre for damage
• Check tyre thread level
• Check for underbody rust
• Check condition of undertrays
• Check extra manufacturer interim checks
• Trained staff to log reports onto the system

Completion checks

• Check and reset service warning schedules
• Check dash warnings are cleared
• Check idling speds
• Check exhaust emissions
• Check vehicle on controlled road test
• Provide service stamp
• Provide invoice with report printout
• Return car to customer

Get your car booked in today with Auto Fit Bedford.

Need us to check and book you in for a service? Provide us your details and we’ll give you a call to discuss the best availability at your convenience. 

Why we recommend interim services

Checking engine oil is a crucial part of car maintenance. It’s essential to understand what engine oil does, the type your vehicle needs, and how to top it up properly.

Different types of engine oil can make it confusing to know which one is right for your car. Using the incorrect oil can damage your engine, so always check your vehicle’s requirements.

Here at Auto Fit Bedford, we have mechanics who can replace your oil and filters, brake pads, and discs, or provide a full vehicle health check. Call us on 01234 215 500.

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine, reducing friction and heat. Proper lubrication prevents severe engine damage. The oil also cleans the engine by collecting dirt and dust, enhancing engine efficiency and safety. Additionally, motor oil improves fuel economy, cools the engine, and reduces emissions.

Additives in the oil, such as detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents, enhance its performance, keeping the engine clean and running smoothly.

Types of Engine Oil

Synthetic

Synthetic motor oil, made from synthetic materials like polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and esters, offers superior performance and is suitable for high-performance cars or vehicles needing extended oil change intervals.

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic oil blends synthetic and mineral oils, offering better performance than mineral oil at a more affordable price than full synthetic oil. It’s ideal for vehicles that aren’t driven frequently or are used for short trips regularly.

Mineral

Mineral oil, derived from crude oil, is the most common and affordable motor oil. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and prolongs engine life.

Low SAPS

Low-SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulphur) oils have fewer harmful additives, reducing potential damage to the engine. Brands like Shell Rotella T6, Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30, and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 are top choices.

High-Mileage

High-mileage oils are designed for vehicles with over 100,000 miles, offering extra protection for older engines. They help reduce oil consumption, leaks, and deposits, extending engine life. Ensure the oil matches your vehicle’s specifications and follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals.

Understanding Oil Grades

Oil grades like 10W-30, 5W-30, and 0W-20 indicate viscosity. Multigrade oils, with numbers on either side of ‘W’, adapt to seasonal temperatures and are common in the UK. Oils without a ‘W’ are for summer use.

Viscosity measures oil flow resistance. Higher viscosity means thicker oil; lower viscosity means thinner oil. Choose the correct viscosity as specified in your vehicle’s manual.

Mixing Engine Oils

Mixing different types of oil can harm your engine. Different oils have varying viscosities and additives that might interact unpredictably. Stick to the same type of oil for top-offs and change old oil completely before adding new oil.

Using the Wrong Engine Oil

Using the wrong oil can cause overheating, sludge buildup, inefficiency, and leaks. Always use the oil recommended in your owner’s manual.

How to Top Up Engine Oil

1. Park on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert, and pull it out again to check the oil level.
4. If low, add the correct oil in small amounts, rechecking the level each time.
5. Replace the dipstick, close the hood, start the engine, and check for leaks.

How Much Oil Does My Engine Take?

Most engines require 4-6 liters of oil. Check your owner’s manual for the exact amount. Regularly check your oil level and top up as needed to prevent engine damage.

How Often Should I Change My Engine Oil?

Typically, change your oil every 6,000 miles. However, this varies based on vehicle type, oil type, and driving conditions. Newer cars with synthetic oil may go up to 7,500 miles, while older cars with conventional oil might need changes every 3,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual or mechanic for the best schedule.