Knowledge base
Missed a car service: what can happen?
Skipping a service feels like saving money: the car still drives fine. But most damage from overdue servicing comes without warning. Worn-out oil, a belt kept too long or brake fluid full of moisture give no sign until it is too late.
Old oil: wear you can't hear
Over time oil loses its protective additives and absorbs dirt and moisture. The oil filter fills up. Bearings, camshaft and turbo then get less protection. In the worst case sludge forms and blocks the oil passages. A badly clogged oil filter then looks like the ones we sometimes find in the workshop: silted up and collapsed.
Turbo and particulate filter
The turbo spins at very high speed and is lubricated and cooled by the engine oil. Old oil or a low oil level speeds up wear of the turbo bearings. On diesels with a particulate filter, oil without the right approval can make the filter clog faster.
Timing belt: the most expensive risk
A timing belt has a replacement interval in kilometres and in years. Even if you drive little, the rubber ages. If the belt breaks, the engine can be seriously damaged. Check the service book for when the belt is due, or ask us with your number plate.
Brake fluid and filters
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. That lowers its boiling point and the brake pedal can go soft under heavy braking. A clogged air filter costs power and fuel; a clogged cabin filter lets dust and pollen into the car.
Overdue? What to do now
- Have the oil and oil filter changed straight away and the oil level checked.
- Check whether the timing belt or other parts with a time interval are due.
- Keep the invoice: it proves the service, also to a next owner.
Frequently asked questions
Is skipping one service harmful straight away?
Usually not immediately, but wear adds up, and a dirty oil filter or an old belt gives no warning. The longer it goes on, the bigger the risk.
My car shows no service message. So it's fine?
Not always. The message often counts kilometres; with low mileage or many short trips the oil ages sooner. Look at the date of the last service too.
What does it cost to catch up on overdue servicing?
That depends on what is due. In the service calculator you see the price of a small or full service for your car by number plate.
Work out what the service costs for your car in the service calculator or read more about car servicing in Tilburg.
Sources
- RDW – vehicle data, APK and open data
- Verordening (EU) nr. 461/2010 – EU rules on servicing outside the dealer while keeping the warranty