Service frequency

[CROUCHY]

The last time I had my car serviced was 3 years ago. Though it may seem strange to many readers, I've only driven 3500 miles in that time. The car drives well and sounds fine. Do I really need to get it serviced or can I wait until it is closer to the usual 6000 mile gap? What problems are caused by time rather than the wear and tear of driving? I'm a pretty conservative driver these days and have looked after the car for 9 years now.

[blujay10]

Due to lubricants and other consumables breaking down after time and lack of use, I thought that they need to be serviced every year with levels checked weekly, what ever the mileage.......
IMHO I would get it sraight to a good Independent or main dealer for a full service

[That Daddy]

you should not leave the engine oil & filter for longer than a year even if you have only done 1000 miles,certainly agree with the reply from blujay10.get it serviced,brake fluid should be done every 2 years regardless.

[zippee]

Servicing for the RV8s is every 6000 miles or 12 months - whichever comes sooner.

[oggs]

zippee said:

Servicing for the RV8s is every 6000 miles or 12 months - whichever comes sooner.

[jasandjules]

Yep. Annual if low mileage. The car still needs the oil changed etc..

[ray_von]

That Daddy said:

you should not leave the engine oil & filter for longer than a year even if you have only done 1000 miles

Why? Not trying to just curious as to why the oil would ,I assume your thinking is, degrade in a RV8 and not in other cars with longer service intervals?

[bigdods]

I do about 3.5k per year but have the chim religiously serviced every 12 months by my favourite indie...and I can say for sure that even after such low mileage she always comes out running smoother and generally feeling 'right'. Let not forget that a service isnt just an oil change - the specialist I use follows the service schedule and lubricates every joint, hinge etc plus he does a full nut and bolt check front to rear. And as its an annual even for me its the perfect time to have the chassis waxoiled

And of course lets not forget - if you ever come to sell it most buyers will simply walk away from a car that hasnt had any attention for 3 years.

[That Daddy]

oil starts to degrade as soon as it goes in the sump RAY/VON the fact the RV8 is an old push rod unit,not a modern multi valve unit,tighter machining tolerances,better materials,less piston blow by,due to better materials.i would not leave oil & filter in any car longer than 1 year,i dont care what the manafactuer states,after all there just making the intervals longer to appeal to fleet buyer(less downtime etc)when it wears out past warranty they will sell you the parts,now do you see how it works.not being bitchy RAY/VON or nothing just my opinion...

[PaulGa]

Maintenance at set time periods is important in my opinion. However, there is an argument that on a low annual mileage car you could get away with a "lubrication only service" once a year with a more normal 6000 or 12000 service at a greater time (but not mileage) interval.

You definitely need to get the oil changed. Incidentally, doing oil & filter changes, gearbox and diff oil top ups etc. yourself is not difficult (if you don't want shell out for someone else to do it). Keep the receipts for oils/filter and at least you will be keeping some sort of maintenance record.

[That Daddy]

paulGa, right on.

[CROUCHY]

OK I get the message!
I've booked it in for its 48,000 mile service.
Thanks everybody.

[Nick P]

i tend to do an extra oil change myself in between proper services. more for my peace of mind really.