Service interval on low mileage car, mileage vs time.

I think as long as it's all ok it should be fine but just make sure everything isn't seized or starting to deteriorate through to not being used. That's what I'd be worried about, I was so busy my car ran over by a couple thousand last service but it's absolutely fine!

I'd do it every year especially as it sits for long periods doing nothing

You may find that the oil gets condensation in it as well, so make sure you give it some therapy when you use it. The heat will burn the moisture off the oil.

My AG is in a similar position to yours as I strongly doubt it will do 1k miles per year! I'm just going to do the oil and filter every year for my own piece of mind I think.

Northloopcup said:

You may find that the oil gets condensation in it as well, so make sure you give it some therapy when you use it. The heat will burn the moisture off the oil.

My AG is in a similar position to yours as I strongly doubt it will do 1k miles per year! I'm just going to do the oil and filter every year for my own piece of mind I think.

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+1

Condensation, degeneration etc was my first thought on the oil too.

Mileage aside (And that will show on MOT certs etc for any future buyer) - just get an oil, filter, air filter service etc to get a stamp in the book.

Although i do alot on my car myself, and prefer to research the parts im fitting in regard of oil, filter,plugs etc - most of the reason i have my garage do it - is for the stamp alone. Coupled with the receipts for the parts. Its unquestionable and documented love being shown !

And like you Kevlar; ultimately its for the next owner. What i mean is - it might not make it more valuable. But should make for an easy sale - and gives no potential buyer wiggling room or excuses.

Good luck.

kevlar said:

Agreed 100%, that stamp in the book is important to buyers today - I have not viewed cars purely on the 'serviced by myself' section in adverts, I understand an enthusiast would probably take more care over the service, it does not translate well into the cars history.

I have every receipt for work done on my car, sad, but I even sat down a few weeks back and put it in a new folder, all in sections by owner and of course in date order in plastics wallets...its sad, but to me its exactly what I would want to see when I go and buy a car, I think it just makes a more complete package when buying/selling.

I have been on many forums and this question has always been controversial people have polar opinions on low mileage cars and servicing - I would air on over servicing as a preference.

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That's exactly what I have done recently, all receipts, invoices, mot's etc all in a folder in date order - it was a simple task which gave me a lot of satisfaction as I know then that I have this to pass on to the next owner if I ever part with the car.

Even if I was only doing a few hundred miles a year I'd still service the car as normal - I provide the Oil & Filter then my trusted garage does the service, mot and a thorough check of the car for me for £100, it's a no-brainer really. Gets a stamp in the book, I keep the receipts for the oil/parts I supply and it gives me and any future owners peace of mind that everything is fully maintained with the car.

Here in my country service interval is 12 months due to difficult weather and winter conditions. I dont drive my car winter anymore at all. I normally change oils for my cars once/year no matter how much of less driving. It is so cheap to do.
Personally i do oil/spark plugs/filters for my self, and i alwasys store receipts in day order to prove next possible owner what have been done. I also fill service book really carefully and separate each item which has been done in that current service.

Clio 197 is so easy to service, and my car is over 100.000km driven, i dont see any benefit to pay 120€ (100£) for simple oil / filter service any more. If my car was with less km or it is more expensive, of course i would use official service just for stamps.
Another thing why i do it for my self.. i have great garage and tools. Which costs me every month for rent. So more i do my self, more i save.
My opinion is: Get it serviced once/year (at least oil+filter change)..

Here is pic of my garage, but in present day i have _lot_ more fluorescent lights.

All my cars get serviced every year regardless of mileage. My 197 has cover 600 miles in a year and will get oil, oil filter and brake fluid change. I do my own work so keep all invoices etc. My bike gets serviced twice a year only because it get a hard time everywhere it goes!

Isn't is 12k or 12 months? I've always just adhered to that. Just had my cambelt an major service done this summer, technically a year early.