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Why Cheap Car Services Aren’t Always a Good Deal

Why Cheap Car Services Aren’t Always a Good Deal

Regular car servicing is essential to keeping your vehicle in top condition, but when it comes to choosing a service, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Many drivers are tempted by low-cost car servicing deals, but these can come with hidden costs, poor-quality parts, and missed checks that could lead to expensive repairs later on.

At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we believe in transparent pricing and high-quality servicing, ensuring your car receives the care it needs. In this guide, we’ll explain:

The risks of choosing cheap car servicing
What’s often missing from budget services
How cut-price servicing can lead to bigger repair costs
Why investing in a quality service saves money in the long run

If you’re considering a cheap car service deal, here’s what you should watch out for before booking.


1. The Hidden Risks of Cheap Car Services

Not all car services are the same—some garages cut corners to keep prices low, which can lead to serious problems later on.

🚨 Common Issues with Low-Cost Car Servicing:

Inferior or Non-Approved Parts – Some garages use low-quality filters, fluids, and components that wear out faster.
Minimal Checks & Missed Issues – Cheap services often skip essential checks, meaning potential problems go unnoticed.
Inexperienced Technicians – Some budget garages don’t have fully trained mechanics, increasing the risk of mistakes.
Hidden Costs & Upselling – You may pay more for "extra" work that should have been included in the service.
No Warranty or Guarantee – Many low-cost services don’t offer guarantees on work, leaving you vulnerable if issues arise.

📌 What seems like a good deal now could cost you far more in unexpected repairs later.


2. What’s Missing from a Budget Car Service?

A quality car service includes comprehensive checks and the correct replacement parts, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly. However, many cut-price services leave out important maintenance checks.

🚨 What’s Often Missing in Cheap Car Servicing Deals:

Wheel & Brake Inspections – Essential for safety, but often overlooked.
Timing Belt or Wet Belt Checks – A failing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage if ignored.
Suspension & Steering Checks – Worn components affect handling and tyre wear.
Battery Testing – Many cheap services skip battery health checks, leading to sudden failures.
Brake Fluid & Coolant Top-Up – These fluids degrade over time and must be checked or replaced.
Full Diagnostics Scan – Some garages don’t scan for fault codes, meaning hidden issues remain undetected.

📌 Without a proper inspection, you could be driving with an undiagnosed fault that may turn into an expensive repair.


3. How a Cheap Service Can Lead to Bigger Repair Bills

A cheap service might save you money upfront, but it can cost you hundreds—or even thousands—later on if issues go unnoticed or incorrect parts are used.

💰 Potential Repair Costs from Neglecting Proper Servicing:

Missed Issue Potential Repair Cost
Worn Brake Pads Not Checked £150 – £300 (Discs & Pads Replacement)
Timing Belt Not Inspected £500 – £1,500 (Engine Rebuild if Belt Snaps)
Oil Not Changed Properly £1,500 – £4,000 (Engine Damage from Contaminated Oil)
Low Coolant Not Topped Up £1,000 – £3,000 (Head Gasket Failure)
Battery Not Tested £100 – £300 (Battery Replacement & Breakdown Recovery)

📌 A poor-quality service can lead to costly breakdowns that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.


4. Why Investing in a Quality Car Service Saves Money in the Long Run

🚗 A proper car service protects your vehicle, ensures your safety, and prevents breakdowns.

🔧 Benefits of Choosing a Quality Service:

✔️ Correct Manufacturer-Approved Parts – Ensures longevity and reliability.
✔️ Comprehensive Checks – Identifies potential issues before they become expensive repairs.
✔️ Fully Trained Technicians – Experienced mechanics ensure work is done correctly.
✔️ Diagnostic Scans & Fluid Checks Included – Prevents hidden faults from being missed.
✔️ Longer Vehicle Lifespan – A well-maintained car lasts longer and holds its value better.

📌 By choosing a professional service, you avoid hidden costs and unexpected repairs.


5. How to Choose the Right Car Service

🚗 What to Look for in a Reliable Car Service:

Check What’s Included – A good service should include oil & filter changes, safety checks, and fluid top-ups.
Look for Experienced Technicians – Ensure the garage has trained mechanics with specialist knowledge.
Read Customer Reviews – Look for positive feedback from previous customers.
Ask About Warranty on Parts & Labour – A good garage will back their work with a guarantee.
Avoid Deals That Sound Too Good to Be True – If it’s significantly cheaper than other garages, ask why.

📌 Spending slightly more on a quality service now can save you thousands in repairs later.


6. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Your Car Service in Lincoln?

At Andrews Car Centre, we offer professional, high-quality servicing at competitive prices, ensuring your car stays in top condition.

✔️ Experienced Technicians – Fully trained specialists for all makes and models.
✔️ Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs or unnecessary upselling.
✔️ Manufacturer-Approved Parts – Ensuring reliability and performance.
✔️ Comprehensive Checks – Including brakes, tyres, suspension, and diagnostics.
✔️ MOT & Service Packages Available – Save time and money by combining your service with an MOT.

🚗 Need a reliable car service? Book with us today and avoid the risks of cheap servicing!


Book Your Car Service at Andrews Car Centre Today!

📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for expert car servicing in Lincoln.

🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Car Servicing Experts.

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John H B Andrews Ltd Trading as Andrews Car Centre is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our firm reference number is 660111. We are a credit broker and not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and their finance products which may have different interest rates and charges. We are not an independent financial advisor. We will provide details of products available from the lenders we work with, but no advice or recommendation will be made. You must decide whether the finance product is right for you. We do not charge you a fee for our services. Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them (either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow). The lenders we work with could pay commission at different rates. However, the amount of commission we receive from a lender does not have an effect on the amount you pay to that lender under your credit agreement. Registered office John H B Andrews Ltd dixon close Lincoln, LN6 7UB. Registered No. 578190