It’s a horrible feeling. You’re driving along, maybe on your way to work or picking the kids up, and suddenly the car starts making noises it shouldn’t. Or worse, it just gives up altogether. Next thing you’re on the side of the road calling a recovery truck.
Truth is, a lot of breakdowns could have been avoided with regular servicing. Sounds boring, I know, but keeping up with car maintenance is usually the difference between a smooth drive and waiting on the hard shoulder for us at Reds Recovery. So here’s why regular servicing could save you a call to a recovery truck, and some simple things you can do to prevent ending up stuck.
Small problems turn big, fast
Most cars don’t just break without warning. What usually happens is a small issue gets ignored. Oil levels drop, brakes start grinding, battery weakens, little things. Then one day, it becomes a major failure.
Servicing catches these issues before they leave you stranded. A mechanic will spot things like worn belts, weak batteries, dodgy tyres. Fixing it early is far cheaper and a lot less stressful than waiting until the car refuses to start outside Tesco’s.
Common reasons we get called out
At Reds Recovery, we see the same causes over and over again:
- Flat batteries – especially in winter.
- Overheating engines – usually coolant leaks or old hoses.
- Tyre blowouts – bald or under-inflated tyres.
- Clutch or timing belt failures – both avoidable with maintenance.
- Running out of oil – surprisingly common, and catastrophic.
Nearly all of these problems could be spotted at a service. It’s no guarantee your car will never break down, but it seriously lowers the odds.
Servicing doesn’t just mean an MOT
A lot of drivers think “I’ve got an MOT, that’s enough.” But an MOT only checks if your car is safe at that moment. It doesn’t replace worn parts unless they’re illegal.
A service goes deeper. Oil change, filters replaced, fluids topped up, battery tested, brakes checked, suspension inspected. It’s the health check your car actually needs. If you’re in Medway, we always recommend combining your MOT with a proper service, saves hassle and money long term.
If you’re local, our friends at Medway Vehicle Services handle all kinds of car servicing and repairs. They’re based right here in Medway, and keeping your car in good condition with them could mean you won’t need us at Reds Recovery any time soon.
The money side of it
We get it, nobody loves paying for a service. But think about the cost of a breakdown:
- Recovery fee if you don’t have cover.
- Missed work or appointments.
- Hotel or transport if you’re far from home.
- The actual repair, which is usually worse because the issue’s been left too long.
A service feels like an expense, but it’s really an investment in avoiding bigger bills later.
Winter is the worst time for breakdowns
Cold weather kills weak batteries. Thick oil makes engines harder to start. Tyres lose pressure in the cold. That’s why we see a spike in recovery calls every December and January around Medway, Rochester and Gillingham.
If your car is overdue a service, getting it done before winter is smart. It could be the difference between driving happily and standing on the A2 waiting for a truck.
Peace of mind counts too
It’s not just about money. A serviced car feels better to drive. You’re less anxious on long trips, less worried about strange noises, less likely to break down on a family outing.
And if something does happen, at least you know you’ve done everything possible to prevent it.
Ultimately, regular servicing might not be exciting, but it could save you a call to a recovery truck. From flat batteries to burst tyres, most of what we see could’ve been prevented.
If you’re in Medway and want to keep your car running smooth, get it booked in for a service with Medway Vehicle Services. They’ll keep it road ready, and hopefully you won’t need us at Reds Recovery.
Of course, if the worst does happen, we’re here 24/7 to get you moving again. But prevention is often better than the cure. So save our number now 01634926801.