🚗 Do You Need to Service a Car That’s Not Being Driven Much?
🚗 Do You Need to Service a Car That’s Not Being Driven Much?
By Andrews Car Centre – Trusted Car Servicing in Lincoln
If your car barely does 3,000 miles a year, it’s easy to think:
“I’ll wait a bit longer before servicing it — I haven’t done enough miles.”
But here's the truth: even if you’re not using your car much, regular servicing is still essential. In fact, low-mileage vehicles are at risk of specific types of wear and damage that regular use actually helps prevent.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we regularly service cars that sit idle for weeks — and we know what to look out for. Here’s why even the occasional driver still needs routine maintenance.
🧭 It’s Not Just About Mileage – Time Matters Too
Most manufacturers recommend:
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A full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first
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An interim service every 6 months for peace of mind
Even if your mileage is low, things like oil, fluids, tyres, and rubber components degrade with time — not just use.
⚠️ Why Low-Mileage Cars Still Need Servicing
1. Engine Oil Still Ages
Oil breaks down over time, especially with short trips that don't allow the engine to reach full temperature. This leads to:
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Sludge buildup
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Moisture in the oil
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Poor engine protection
Even lightly used cars can suffer serious internal damage without oil changes.
2. Brakes Can Seize or Corrode
If your car sits unused, the brake discs can:
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Rust, especially in damp weather
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Stick to the pads, causing a judder or pull
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Lead to MOT failures due to brake imbalance
3. Batteries Drain Faster
A car not being driven enough means:
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The battery doesn't get recharged properly
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It may lose charge completely
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You risk a non-starter at the worst time
4. Tyres & Rubber Components Age
Even if tread depth is fine, tyres can:
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Crack from UV and weather exposure
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Go out of shape from sitting too long in one spot
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Become unsafe after 5+ years regardless of mileage
🛠️ What We Check on Low-Use Vehicles
At Andrews Car Centre, we tailor your service to how your car is actually used. A typical low-mileage service may include:
✅ Engine oil and filter change
✅ Brake check (including rust and balance test)
✅ Battery health check
✅ Tyre condition, pressure and age check
✅ Fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, washer, etc.)
✅ Visual inspection for oil leaks and rubber wear
📍 Book Your Car Service in Lincoln
Just because your car doesn’t go far, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need care. Avoid costly repairs and MOT surprises by staying on top of annual servicing — even if you’re only using the car locally.
👉 Call Andrews Car Centre now, book online, or visit us on Dixon Street, Lincoln for expert servicing – even for low-mileage vehicles.
✅ Trusted local service
✅ Affordable packages
✅ Same-day turnaround
✅ Courtesy cars available
🔍 Related Searches We Help With:
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Low mileage car service Lincoln
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Car sitting unused – what to check
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Service or MOT first?
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Should I service my car every year?