{
    "provider": "Motor Servicing",
    "updated": "2026-07-31",
    "answers": [
        {
            "question": "Can a mobile mechanic service my car at work?",
            "answer": "Yes, and it is one of the most popular ways to book. As long as the car park is private land, the vehicle is on a flat surface with room to work around it, and you have the site manager's permission, a technician can service your car while you are at your desk.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/can-a-mobile-mechanic-service-my-car-at-work/"
        },
        {
            "question": "Can you service a car on the street?",
            "answer": "No. The work has to be done on a private driveway or private land, not a public road, shared access road or pay-and-display bay. That is a safety and insurance requirement, not a preference.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/can-you-service-a-car-on-the-street/"
        },
        {
            "question": "Do I lose my warranty if I do not use a main dealer?",
            "answer": "No. Under Block Exemption rules retained in UK law, you can have your car serviced by any qualified independent as long as the work follows the manufacturer's schedule and uses parts of matching quality. Your warranty stays intact and dealers cannot require otherwise.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/do-i-lose-my-warranty-if-i-dont-use-a-main-dealer/"
        },
        {
            "question": "Do I need to be at home during the service?",
            "answer": "You need to be there at the start to hand over the keys and confirm the work, and at the end to settle payment and go through what was found. In between you can get on with your day, you do not need to stand and watch.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/do-i-need-to-be-at-home-during-the-service/"
        },
        {
            "question": "Do you service vans and light commercial vehicles?",
            "answer": "Yes, for most car-derived vans and light commercials up to 3.5 tonnes, subject to the same driveway and access conditions. Tell us the make, model and registration when you book so the technician arrives with the right oil, filters and tooling.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/do-you-service-vans-and-light-commercial-vehicles/"
        },
        {
            "question": "How long does a car battery last?",
            "answer": "Most car batteries last three to five years. Short journeys, long periods standing, heavy electrical loads and extreme cold all shorten that. Slow cranking, dimming lights on start-up and needing a jump after a few days standing are the classic warning signs.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/how-long-does-a-car-battery-last/"
        },
        {
            "question": "How long does a car service take?",
            "answer": "At Motor Servicing, an oil change takes about 45 minutes, an interim service about an hour, a full service around 90 minutes and a major service about two hours. A diagnostic health check is 30 to 45 minutes and a battery replacement around 30 minutes.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/how-long-does-a-car-service-take/"
        },
        {
            "question": "How much does a mobile car service cost?",
            "answer": "A mobile car service in the UK typically costs between £120 and £250 depending on the service level and the car. Motor Servicing charges from £120 for an oil change, £145 for an interim service, £199 for a full service and £230 for a major service, fixed before you book, with no call-out fee and no membership.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/how-much-does-a-mobile-car-service-cost/"
        },
        {
            "question": "How often should I service my car?",
            "answer": "A full service once every 12 months or 12,000 miles, an interim service every 6 months or 6,000 miles if you are a higher-mileage driver, and a major service every 24 months or 24,000 miles. Your manufacturer handbook always takes priority over any general rule.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/how-often-should-i-service-my-car/"
        },
        {
            "question": "Is a mobile car service as good as a garage service?",
            "answer": "For routine servicing, yes. A mobile technician carries out the same schedule of work with the same manufacturer-quality parts and the same qualifications as a garage. The difference is location, not standard. Jobs needing a four-post ramp, wheel alignment rig or an MOT bay still need a workshop.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/is-a-mobile-car-service-as-good-as-a-garage/"
        },
        {
            "question": "Is mobile car servicing cheaper than a garage?",
            "answer": "It is usually cheaper than a main dealer and comparable to a good independent garage, with one real saving on top: you do not lose half a day, pay for a courtesy car, or take time off work. Motor Servicing prices are fixed before booking, so there is no end-of-day surprise.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/is-mobile-car-servicing-cheaper-than-a-garage/"
        },
        {
            "question": "What does the engine management light mean?",
            "answer": "It means the engine control unit has stored a fault code. A steady amber light means get it checked soon; a flashing light means stop driving and get it looked at, because a misfire can destroy the catalytic converter. The only way to know the cause is to read the code.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/what-does-the-engine-management-light-mean/"
        },
        {
            "question": "What happens if you do not service your car?",
            "answer": "Degraded oil stops protecting the engine, filters clog, brake and tyre wear goes unnoticed, and small faults become large bills. Missed services also break your service history, which reduces resale value and can complicate a warranty claim. There is no fine for skipping a service, but there is a cost.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/what-happens-if-you-dont-service-your-car/"
        },
        {
            "question": "What is a digital service record?",
            "answer": "A digital service record is an emailed, timestamped record of the work carried out on your car: date, mileage, service level, parts fitted and any advisories. It has the same standing as a stamped book and cannot be lost in a glovebox.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/what-is-a-digital-service-record/"
        },
        {
            "question": "What is included in a car service?",
            "answer": "Every Motor Servicing service includes an engine oil change and a new oil filter. From there it scales: an interim adds a 39-point inspection, a full service adds an air filter and a 42-point inspection, and a major service adds a pollen filter, a brake fluid check and a 45-point inspection.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/what-is-included-in-a-car-service/"
        },
        {
            "question": "What is the difference between a car service and an MOT?",
            "answer": "An MOT is a legally required annual roadworthiness test with a pass or fail result, carried out at an approved test centre. A service is preventative maintenance: oil, filters, fluids and wear checks, on a schedule set by the manufacturer, with no pass or fail. You need both, and one does not replace the other.",
            "url": "https://motorservicing.co/answers/what-is-the-difference-between-a-service-and-an-mot/"
        }
    ]
}