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Types of car service: What’s included?
Friday, 21 January 2022
You might know when to service your vehicle, but you may not know what type of car service you need.
You might know when to service your vehicle, but you may not know what type of car service you need.
What is a car service?
Any car service, although not a legal requirement, is something that we all should get as vehicle owners. They ensure that your car is kept running smoothly and show any jobs that may need doing in the not-so-distant future. Removing that element of surprise when something goes wrong with your car.
If you’re unsure of what service your car needs, what it includes, and of course, what it will cost you, then we’ve got all the answers for you in one place.
What is a car service?
Any vehicle or car service, although not a legal requirement, is something that we all should get as vehicle owners. They ensure that your vehicle is kept running smoothly and show any jobs that may need doing in the not-so-distant future. Removing that element of surprise when something goes wrong with your car.
If you’re unsure of what service your car needs, what it includes, and of course, what it will cost you, then we’ve got all the answers for you in one place.
Types of car service
What service does my car need? There are 3 types of car service, which can make it difficult to know what you should book in for. A service is important as it can catch any problems with your vehicle before they become an issue, ultimately stopping you having unexpected breakdowns. The service will check your overall vehicle condition including wear and tear, brakes, oil, filters, tyres, windscreen wipers, engine belts and much more!
You can also keep your car in good shape by checking serviceable parts of your vehicle yourself, every several thousand miles. Engine oil can sometimes also run low between services but it doesn’t always mean you need to take it to a professional, checking your car oil is also something you can learn to do yourself.
Different types of services are given depending on how many months have passed or miles travelled since your last service. Whichever comes first. So understanding when to book your service is the first hurdle, but understanding what you need is just as important.
Types of car service
What service does my car need? There are 3 types of car service, which can make it difficult to know what you should book in for. A service is important as it can catch any problems with your vehicle before they become an issue, ultimately stopping you having unexpected breakdowns. The service will check your overall vehicle condition including wear and tear, brakes, oil, filters, tyres, windscreen wipers, engine belts and much more!
You can also keep your car in good shape by checking serviceable parts of your vehicle yourself, every several thousand miles. Engine oil can sometimes also run low between services but it doesn’t always mean you need to take it to a professional, checking your car oil is also something you can learn to do yourself.
Different types of services are given depending on how many months have passed or miles travelled since your last service. Whichever comes first. So understanding when to book your service is the first hurdle, but understanding what you need is just as important.
You don’t need to get an interim service every 6 months, unless you’re driving more than 20,000 miles a year. Then it is advised as you are driving some considerable miles every year. However, if you drive less than this, then we would advise getting a full service one year and a major service the next. This way everything is checked thoroughly once a year with the extra parts that are checked in a major service looked at every 24 months as suggested.
The different services you can have are:
- Interim service
- Full service
- Major service
But what is the difference between the 3? And what does a car service include?
You don’t need to get an interim service every 6 months, unless you’re driving more than 20,000 miles a year. Then it is advised as you are driving some considerable miles every year. However, if you drive less than this, then we would advise getting a full service one year and a major service the next. This way everything is checked thoroughly once a year with the extra parts that are checked in a major service looked at every 24 months as suggested.
The different services you can have are:
- Interim service
- Full service
- Major service
But what is the difference between the 3? And what does a car service include?
What does an interim service include?
An interim service is the lightest touch of the 3, offering 40 maintenance checks, and is recommended either every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. This sort of service is only recommended to those that travel over 20,000 miles a year in their vehicle and isn’t often necessary for those that travel less if you’re having an annual full service.
An interim service checks levels of fluids such as brake fluid, as well as the condition of the engine, the batteries, lights and tyres.
What does an interim service include?
An interim service is the lightest touch of the 3, offering 40 maintenance checks, and is recommended either every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. This sort of service is only recommended to those that travel over 20,000 miles a year in their vehicle and isn’t often necessary for those that travel less if you’re having an annual full service.
An interim service checks levels of fluids such as brake fluid, as well as the condition of the engine, the batteries, lights and tyres.
Here’s what is looked at in an interim service:
- Bodywork & mirrors
- Timing belt interval
- Antilock braking system (ABS)
- Warning lights
- Seatbelts
- Interior and exterior lights
- Front and rear windscreen wipers, mirror and washers
- Fuel cap
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Auxiliary and fan belts
- Air filter
- Battery
- Clutch
- Handbrake function
- Top ups to gearbox and axel oil
- Fluid levels topped up
- Check for corrosion
- Engine oil and filter replaced
- Exhaust and suspension
- Tyres and brake pads
- Exhaust emissions
Here’s what is looked at in an interim service:
- Bodywork & mirrors
- Timing belt interval
- Antilock braking system (ABS)
- Warning lights
- Seatbelts
- Interior and exterior lights
- Front and rear windscreen wipers, mirror and washers
- Fuel cap
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Auxiliary and fan belts
- Air filter
- Battery
- Clutch
- Handbrake function
- Top ups to gearbox and axel oil
- Fluid levels topped up
- Check for corrosion
- Engine oil and filter replaced
- Exhaust and suspension
- Tyres and brake pads
- Exhaust emissions
According to Fixter, a website where you can get accurate costs of services in your area, an interim service can cost between £80 to £200. On average it costs £119.
According to Fixter, a website where you can get accurate costs of services in your area, an interim service can cost between £80 to £200. On average it costs £119.
What does a full service include?
What is a full car service? Well, it’s more comprehensive than an interim service, offering 69 maintenance checks in total. This sort of service is recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. A full service will check everything mentioned above in the interim service, plus the following:
What does a full service include?
What is a full car service? Well, it’s more comprehensive than an interim service, offering 69 maintenance checks in total. This sort of service is recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. A full service will check everything mentioned above in the interim service, plus the following:
- Check the coolant system for leaks
- Engine cooling fan
- Throttle function
- Distributor cap
- Check the engine and gearbox mounts for wear and tear
- Starter motor and security tests
- Check the radiator
- Wheel bearings and check for squeaks
- Check all brakes
A major service would cost you around £133 – £300 according to Fixter, a website where you can get accurate costs of services in your area. On average it costs around £151.
- Check the coolant system for leaks
- Engine cooling fan
- Throttle function
- Distributor cap
- Check the engine and gearbox mounts for wear and tear
- Starter motor and security tests
- Check the radiator
- Wheel bearings and check for squeaks
- Check all brakes
A major service would cost you around £133 – £300 according to Fixter, a website where you can get accurate costs of services in your area. On average it costs around £151.
What does a major service include?
Firstly, you might want to know what is a major service? It’s the most comprehensive service your vehicle can get and offers 71 maintenance checks. It’s recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. It’s essentially a complete overall check of your vehicle and is extremely thorough. It includes everything listed in the full service but has more in-depth checks and makes sure the spark plugs, brake fluid, suspension and fuel filters are checked and/or changed.
A major service would cost you around £250 – £400 according to Fixter, a website where you can get accurate costs of services in your area. On average it would cost around £284.
What does a major service include?
Firstly, you might want to know what is a major service? It’s the most comprehensive service your vehicle can get and offers 71 maintenance checks. It’s recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. It’s essentially a complete overall check of your vehicle and is extremely thorough. It includes everything listed in the full service but has more in-depth checks and makes sure the spark plugs, brake fluid, suspension and fuel filters are checked and/or changed.
A major service would cost you around £250 – £400 according to Fixter, a website where you can get accurate costs of services in your area. On average it would cost around £284.
How long does a car service take?
An interim service can take around 1.5 hours to complete, whereas a full service can take around 3-3.5 hours. A major service can take around 4-4.5 hours. These times are estimates and each garage and job will vary slightly depending on how much work needs to be done.
Whoever you decide to book your service with, ask how long they need to have the vehicle for to complete the job. They may suggest you leave your vehicle with them for the full day and they’ll give you a call when it’s ready, or they may ask if you want to sit at their garage whilst they do the job. Either way they should be able to give you a clear idea of how long you will be without your vehicle.
How long does a car service take?
An interim service can take around 1.5 hours to complete, whereas a full service can take around 3-3.5 hours. A major service can take around 4-4.5 hours. These times are estimates and each garage and job will vary slightly depending on how much work needs to be done.
Whoever you decide to book your service with, ask how long they need to have the vehicle for to complete the job. They may suggest you leave your vehicle with them for the full day and they’ll give you a call when it’s ready, or they may ask if you want to sit at their garage whilst they do the job. Either way they should be able to give you a clear idea of how long you will be without your vehicle.
For a better road ahead
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Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
