If you want to ensure your car stays in good shape for as long as possible, then you’ll want to take it in for regular servicing. Not only will this ensure your car stays on the road for a long time, but it will also help ensure your safety and your car’s performance remain optimal. With a range of car service options available, it’s essential for drivers to understand what each one offers. From interim services designed for high-mileage drivers to comprehensive full and major services, each type of service plays a specific role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of car services, outlining their unique features and benefits. Whether you rack up miles commuting or prefer an annual check-up, knowing your options can help you make informed choices about your car’s maintenance schedule. After all, being proactive about servicing not only enhances your driving experience and ensures safety and reliability on the road but it may even save you money in the long run. So let’s dive in and see how you can keep your car in optimal condition for years to come!
Different types of car service
There are a number of different types of car service available, serving different purposes. Below we outline each type, so you can get an idea of which service is best for your specific needs.
nterim car service
Up first is an interim car service. This is a more streamlined version of the full service (more about that later) and is designed to be carried out every six months or after 6,000 miles of driving, whichever occurs first. An interim service caters primarily to high-mileage drivers, which is people who cover 20,000 miles or more each year. These drivers will require more frequent maintenance than a single annual service can provide to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely. Which is where an interim service comes in. Before we outline what an interim service offers, it is worth noting that it should not replace a full service. The purpose of this type of service is to address minor wear and tear, identifying and resolving smaller issues before they have a chance to develop into serious and costly problems. For high-mileage motorists, this can mean the difference between consistent performance and unexpected breakdowns.Typically, the service includes an oil and oil filter change, which is crucial for keeping the engine in good condition. In addition, mechanics conduct a visual inspection of essential exterior components such as the tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers. These parts undergo significant wear, especially in vehicles that see extensive use, so catching any damage early is essential for safety on the road. The interim service will also cover the topping up of key fluids, including engine oil, brake fluid, and other important systems that require maintenance to prevent any potential failure. Mechanics will often check for fluid leaks, which can be a sign of underlying issues, and ensure all moving parts are properly lubricated to reduce friction and prevent excessive wear over time. In short, the interim car service offers a necessary mid-point between full annual services for those who put their vehicles through heavy use. By including vital inspections, fluid checks, and component maintenance, it helps keep cars in roadworthy condition, minimising the risk of major faults and ensuring that all systems remain properly functional until the next comprehensive service.
Full service
Up next is the most common type of service out there. The full service. This type of service is sometimes referred to as an intermediate service and is typically carried out every 12 months or after 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. A full service is designed for drivers with a lower annual mileage, who require just one comprehensive check-up per year to keep their vehicle in optimal condition. The full service offers a broader range of checks and replacements compared to an interim service. While an interim service focuses on essential fluids and basic wear-and-tear of components, a full service delves deeper into the vehicle’s overall health, ensuring more thorough upkeep. Key steps include replacing fuel and air filters, changing spark plugs, and carrying out detailed inspections of the brakes. The air conditioning system, radiator, and coolant hoses are also checked to ensure they are functioning efficiently. Additionally, bearings and shock absorbers are inspected for signs of wear, which can affect the vehicle's handling and ride comfort. Finally, the full service includes testing the car’s electrical components, such as the battery, starter motor, and alternator. These systems are crucial for a vehicle’s reliability, and catching issues early helps to avoid inconvenient breakdowns or expensive repairs later on.
Major service
A major service is recommended every 24 months or after 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your last annual check was a full service, the next one should be a major service to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition. A major service is the most thorough service package available, encompassing everything covered in a full service, while also replacing components that require attention every two years. Among these are the brake fluid and the cabin filter, both of which are crucial to the performance and comfort of your car. Brake fluid degrades over time, becoming contaminated and reducing the effectiveness of your brakes. This can increase stopping distances, posing a significant safety risk. Similarly, the cabin filter, which traps dust and debris, can become clogged, impacting the air quality inside the vehicle. Replacing it ensures cleaner, fresher air for those inside the car. In short, a major service is an essential step in long-term vehicle maintenance, addressing critical areas that might otherwise be overlooked during standard annual check-ups.
Manufacturer service
A manufacturer-approved service follows the specific maintenance schedule set out by your vehicle’s manufacturer, ensuring that your car is cared for in-line with their exact recommendations. If you opt for a manufacturer’s service you can rest assured that all of the work is being carried out using genuine parts, with qualified technicians who have been trained to work on your particular make of vehicle. In addition, the workshops used for these services are almost always equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and technology, meaning any servicing needs can be met with precision. There are no stop gaps here! Whether you're keen to maintain a full main dealer service history, or you've bought a used car and want it serviced by specialists familiar with every detail of your model, opting for a manufacturer-approved service offers clear advantages. If you decide to maintain your vehicle’s manufacturer service history you can also help preserve your car’s value as they will update digital records or place an official stamp in your service book.
How much is a car service?
The cost of a car service can vary significantly based on several factors. Factors that may impact the cost of your car’s service include:
- How old your car is.
- The make and model of your car.
- The size of your car’s engine.
- The specific type of car service you are booking.
- Your car’s current mileage.
- What specific repair works are required.
- The type and quality of parts that need changing.
According to the RAC, you can expect to pay around £200 for a full service. However, prices can vary and you can pay anywhere from £100 to £300. Generally speaking, larger vehicles tend to incur higher service costs due to the additional labour and parts required for maintenance.
What does a car service involve?
We have already outlined the different elements of each of the main types of service. However, as a general overview, a car service will usually involve the following steps:
- Oil change: This can include draining your car’s oil, replacing its filter, and refilling the car with fresh oil.
- Fluid checks: The mechanic will check and top up the following fluids:
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Brake check: They will also check your car’s brakes. This will involve inspecting the vehicle’s:
- Brake pads
- Discs
- Callipers
- Battery check: The mechanic will inspect your vehicle’s battery checking the terminals and connections.
- Tyre check: They will then check the condition and pressure of your tyres. They will also check the depth of the tyres and rotate them if required to ensure even wear and tear.
- Other checks: The mechanic will check a number of other parts of your car, replacing parts that are faulty or have excessive wear. These parts include:
- Windscreen wipers
- Spark plug
- Lights
- Exhaust
- Suspension
- Steering
How long does a car service take?
As previously mentioned, a number of factors impact the cost of a car service. Well, these factors will also play a role in how long the car service actually takes. But generally speaking, an interim car service will usually take around 90 minutes and a full car service will take around three hours. Obviously, if the person carrying out the service discovers particularly complicated issues, then this can lengthen the amount of time they will spend on the service.
When should I get my car serviced?
The amount of time between car services will very much depend on which type of service you require. It’s also worth noting that most modern cars will feature an indicator which will remind you when your service is due. This will usually take into consideration the time and mileage since your vehicle was last serviced. You should also be aware that the details of your car’s recommended service schedule will often be in the handbook. Many manufacturers will suggest that you take your car for a service every 10,000 - 20,000 miles. As previously mentioned, certain service types should take place at set intervals. These are:
- Interim service: Every six months or after 6,000 miles of driving, whichever occurs first.
- Full service: Every 12 months or after 12,000 miles of driving, whichever comes first.
- Major service: Every 24 months or after 24,000 miles of driving, whichever comes first.
Book a service here at Plympton Car Centre
If your car is due for a service then why not book it in for a service at Plympton Car Centre today? If you have any questions about servicing or anything else relating to your car, then don’t hesitate to get in touch right away and one of our team will be happy to help.
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