What’s Included In A Car Service?

Breaking Down The Costs And The Checks

Regular car servicing is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly, ensuring both safety and longevity. Whether you’re booking an interim service, a full service, or a major service, it’s important to understand what’s included in each package and how this contributes to the health of your car.

In this article, we’ll break down the components of a typical car service, highlight what’s included, and explain the cost factors involved.

 

The Importance Of Regular Car Servicing

Servicing your car isn’t just about adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines; it’s also about ensuring your vehicle remains reliable, safe, and cost-effective over its lifespan.

Routine maintenance can help catch small issues before they become major, expensive problems. Regular servicing also helps maintain the warranty on your vehicle, and it can improve fuel efficiency, performance, and overall driving experience.

 

The Types Of Car Services

There are three main types of car services: interim service, full service, and major service. Each service varies in the scope of checks and the level of attention your car will receive.

Interim Service: Typically recommended every 6,000 miles or 6 months, an interim service is a lighter, more basic check-up. It’s ideal for cars that are driven frequently, especially for short trips or urban commutes.

Full Service: A more comprehensive check-up, usually scheduled once a year or every 12,000 miles. This service includes a detailed inspection of most of your car’s key components, ensuring everything is in good working order.

Major Service: This is the most thorough service, often recommended every two years or around 24,000 miles. It includes everything in a full service, plus additional checks and maintenance of systems that aren’t usually covered in a standard service.

 

What’s Included In A Car Service?

While the exact checks may vary depending on the garage and the type of service you choose, most standard services will cover several key areas of your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the checks and tasks typically included:

 

Engine Oil And Filter Replacement

Perhaps the most critical part of any service, changing the engine oil and oil filter is essential to keep the engine running smoothly. Oil lubricates the moving parts inside the engine, reducing friction and preventing overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Why it matters: Clean oil ensures the engine runs efficiently, preventing engine damage and improving fuel economy.

What’s checked: The oil level is assessed, and the filter is replaced along with the oil. If the oil appears dark and sludge-like, it will need changing.

 

Brake Inspection And Fluid Check

Brakes are one of the most crucial safety features of any car. A good service will include a thorough inspection of the brake pads, discs, and callipers to ensure they’re functioning properly. The brake fluid level is also checked, and the condition of the fluid is assessed for any contamination.

Why it matters: Properly functioning brakes are essential for stopping the vehicle safely, especially in emergency situations.

What’s checked: Brake pads for wear, brake discs for any scoring, and brake fluid for contamination or low levels.

 

Tyre Check And Pressure Adjustment

Tyres play a vital role in both vehicle performance and safety. A service will typically involve checking the tread depth, looking for signs of wear or damage, and ensuring that each tyre is properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Why it matters: Correct tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency, tyre longevity, and driving comfort. Adequate tread depth ensures better grip, especially in wet conditions.

What’s checked: Tread depth, sidewall damage, overall condition, and tyre pressure.

 

Air Filter Replacement

The air filter is essential for maintaining engine efficiency. It prevents dirt, debris, and other particles from entering the engine, which could cause wear and tear over time. A clogged or dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and increase fuel consumption.

Why it matters: A clean air filter improves fuel efficiency, engine performance, and reduces emissions.

What’s checked: The air filter is visually inspected and replaced if necessary, depending on its condition.

 

Battery Check

The car’s battery provides the power needed to start the engine and run electrical systems. A service will typically involve testing the battery’s voltage to ensure it’s holding a charge. The battery terminals are also checked for corrosion.

Why it matters: A failing battery can leave you stranded, and a weak or corroded battery can cause electrical issues in your car.

What’s checked: Battery voltage, condition of the terminals, and age of the battery. If the battery is showing signs of wear, it may need replacing.

 

Fluid Checks (Coolant, Power Steering, And Transmission Fluids)

Various fluids in your vehicle help with the smooth operation of its systems, such as the engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. A service will include checks for these fluids, ensuring that they’re at the correct levels and free from contamination.

Why it matters: Low or dirty fluids can cause overheating, poor steering performance, or transmission problems, all of which can lead to costly repairs.

What’s checked: Coolant levels, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

 

Suspension System Inspection

The suspension system absorbs shocks and impacts from the road, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. It also helps maintain traction and ensures proper handling. During a service, the suspension components, including shock absorbers and struts, are inspected for wear and damage.

Why it matters: A damaged suspension can affect the handling of the vehicle, increase wear on tyres, and reduce overall driving comfort.

What’s checked: Shock absorbers, struts, springs, and suspension mounts.

 

Timing Belt And Serpentine Belt Inspection

The timing belt ensures that the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft are synchronised. Over time, these belts can stretch, crack, or wear out. A service will check the condition of these belts and replace them if necessary.

Why it matters: A broken timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine damage, so it’s essential to replace it at the manufacturer-recommended intervals.

What’s checked: Timing belt or chain, serpentine belt, and tensioners.

 

How Much Does A Car Service Cost?

The cost of a car service varies depending on the type of service, the make and model of your vehicle, and where you go for the service. On average, an interim service may cost between £100 and £150, a full service typically ranges from £150 to £300, and a major service can cost upwards of £350.

It’s also important to remember that additional repairs or parts replacements (e.g. brake pads, tyres, etc.) may increase the overall cost. Always ask for a detailed quote before proceeding with any work.

 

Why Regular Servicing Is Essential

Car servicing is essential for maintaining the performance, safety, and longevity of your vehicle. By understanding what’s included in each type of service and how they benefit your car, you can make more informed decisions and keep your vehicle in top condition for years to come.

Remember, whether it’s a quick interim service or a more comprehensive major service, regular servicing is an investment in your car’s future – and your peace of mind on the road.