FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve got answers. Whether you’re buying your first car or trading in your old car, we’re here to make it simple. Explore our FAQs for quick, honest answers about Carsa’s process, prep, finance, handover, and more.

How much will additional labour and parts cost?

The cost really depends on what needs doing. Labour and parts costs vary by the specific job. If your car needs extra work outside of what’s covered or standard, our service team would give you a quote beforehand. That quote will break down the cost for parts and the labour time involved. There isn’t a flat rate since it could be anything from new brake pads to a more complex repair. Rest assured, we’ll always inform you and get your approval for any additional work and costs.

How often do I need to get my car serviced?

You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific car. Generally, most cars need servicing roughly once a year or every 10,000-12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Some newer models have service indicators that count down based on usage. The key is regular maintenance – at least annually – to keep things running smoothly. During your purchase, we can advise when the next service is due for your car, and after that just stick to yearly or mileage-based intervals as guided by the car’s handbook.

Do you offer service plans for ongoing maintenance?

At the moment, we don’t offer pre-paid service plans. You would simply pay for services as you go. We’re here to service your car whenever you need, but we don’t have an ongoing maintenance subscription plan (often called a service plan). So just book in and pay per service as needed.

When will my next service be due?

It depends on the car’s recommended schedule. Typically, cars should be serviced once a year or roughly every 10,000-12,000 miles (whichever comes first). If we’ve just serviced the car before delivery, your next service would likely be due in about a year from that service date. We’ll let you know the last service date and any upcoming due dates when you purchase the car.

When will my next MOT be due?

If the car just had an MOT done as part of our prep, then your next MOT is due one year from that date. If it’s a nearly-new car under 3 years old that hasn’t needed an MOT yet, then its first MOT will be due when it turns 3 years old. We’ll let you know the MOT status and date when you buy the car, so you’ll know when to plan for the next one.

Can I test drive or reserve multiple cars before visiting a Carsa store?

We allow one reservation or test drive per customer at a time. Reserving a car takes it off sale for others, so we stick to one car per appointment. If you're interested in multiple cars, we'd recommend reserving the one you're most keen on first. If it's not right for you, you can then reserve another.

Will someone from Carsa come with me on the test drive?

Yes, one of our team members will accompany you on the test drive. They’re there to answer any questions about the car and for insurance purposes. It’s a relaxed ride – the colleague will sit in and guide you if needed, but you’ll get to drive and experience the car yourself.

Will you fix any previous advisories on the MOT?

We address all critical issues noted during inspection or MOT. If an MOT advisory pointed out something important (like brake pads nearing the limit or a tyre that will need replacement soon), our technicians will assess it. We typically fix safety-related advisories as part of reconditioning. Minor advisories that don’t affect safety might not be immediately fixed, but they will be noted. Rest assured, we won’t let anything that compromises the car’s roadworthiness slip through.

What is the Alloy Wheel Protection plan?

It's a 36-month plan that repairs minor cosmetic damage to your alloy wheels — kerb scuffs, chips and scratches on the wheel face from everyday driving. A mobile technician comes to your home or work; you book through the Shine! Protect app and it's usable from day one with no waiting period. It's a one-off price of £499 with up to 15 repairs across the term. Note it covers alloy wheels only — there's no tyre cover — and it's a maintenance plan, not insurance.

What does the Cosmetic Maintenance Plan cover?

It covers minor everyday damage to your painted body panels: stone chips up to 5mm, and dents, scuffs and scratches up to 30cm wide and 3mm deep where the panel isn't cracked, torn or perforated. On the bonnet, boot and roof only stone chips are covered, not dents or scratches. It doesn't cover glass, lights, wheels, interior, trim, or matt/wrapped/bespoke finishes, and the vehicle must be under 7 years old at the plan start. Repairs are professional cosmetic blends that weatherproof the damage — they're not full factory resprays.

How do I book a repair on my Cosmetic Maintenance Plan?

Submit a request through the Shine! Protect app (iOS or Android), online at apsmartclaim.co.uk, or by calling 01279 456 500. Upload a few photos of the damage and pick the type. Once AutoProtect authorises it, you pay the £25 call-out fee and choose a date and location — home, work or anywhere convenient — and a mobile technician comes to you. Always wait for authorisation before any work goes ahead.

What is the Cosmetic Maintenance Plan?

It's a 36-month plan that sends an award-winning Shine! mobile technician to your home or work to repair minor cosmetic damage to your car's painted body panels — chips, dents, scuffs and scratches from everyday driving. You book through the Shine! Protect app, with up to 4 repairs per visit and up to 21 across the plan (7 per year). It's a one-off price of £449 with a £25 call-out fee per request. It's a maintenance plan, not an insurance product, and isn't regulated by the FCA.

How do I look after my car once Ceramic Coat is applied?

Just wash it with mild car shampoo (not washing-up liquid) and water — no polishing needed, and an automatic wash-and-dry is fine. The coating repels dirt so the car stays cleaner for longer. Two things to keep in mind: remove bird droppings promptly as they're corrosive, and note the coating covers exterior paintwork, alloys, bumpers and side glass but not the front and rear windscreens.

Do I need to reapply Williams Ceramic Coat or have it topped up?

No — it's a one-off application, applied by Carsa at handover, that lasts the lifetime of your ownership. Unlike some paint protection products it doesn't need a yearly top-up or 'enhancer' to keep the gloss or the guarantee. The only thing to remember is a re-validation inspection at Carsa after 5 years to keep the lifetime guarantee in place.

What is Williams F1 Ceramic Coat paint protection?

It's a high-gloss ceramic coating that bonds to your paintwork and protects it against UV, acid rain, traffic grime, tree sap and harsh weathering — so your car keeps its showroom shine and is easier to clean. It's developed by Ultimotive, an Official Licensee of Williams Racing, and tested by SGS and CSIRO for hardness and gloss. It's a one-off application of £499, applied by Carsa at handover, with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own the car.

Are EV charging cables covered?

The onboard charger inside your car is covered. External charging cables and units — home wallboxes and public chargers — are not, and damage from using non-manufacturer-approved charging equipment isn't covered either.