Guide to Car Servicing

We are all told that servicing our car is important, but do we all actually know what happens in a car service? 

Unlike MOTs, car servicing is not a legal requirement so there can be some confusion over how often you should have your car serviced and which type of service you need.

Alex Taylor, founder of AutoAdvisor.co.uk, covers the most common questions such what happens in a car service, what does a car service include and what is the difference between an interim, full or major car service?

What’s included in a car service?

This very much depends on what level of service it is – whether it’s an interim, full or major service. 

•           An interim service is for every 6,000 miles and covers all the major fluids – including brake fluid, screen wash and coolant. 

•           A full service, or annual service, is recommended every 12,000 miles or every year; whichever comes soonest. This is often what people mean when they refer to a car service. The checks are outlined by vehicle manufacturers so is specific to your make and model of car. 

•           A major service is recommended every 24 months or every 24,000 miles and is essentially a complete check of the vehicle.

What does a full car service include?

Full car services are tailored to the individual make and model of the vehicle, but there are some standard elements included in most full car services covering general checks, internal and visual elements, engine checks, brakes, wheels and tyres, steering and suspension. 

Examples include changing the air filter, draining engine oil, replacing the filter and refilling with fresh oil, a visual inspection of the radiator and coolant pipes, checking wheel bearings and checking for transmission oil leaks.