What does a full vehicle service include?

It’s important that we service our cars regularly, as not only does it extend the lifespan of our vehicles but it will make your car easier to sell with a full history of services. But what does a full vehicle service include? Well, it’s recommended that after every 12,000 miles you have a service, this could average around once a year, but every manufacture is different, so checking your manual for guidance is vital.

It’s also recommended that when you send your car in for an MOT that you get it serviced at the same time, so you can keep your vehicle safe and fit for the roads, whilst protecting yourself and other vehicle owners.

That’s also why we at ECU believe in ECU Testing, as this will not only help your car to run better but it will also increase its lifespan.

How much will a service cost?

When it comes down to cost it will ultimately depend on where you are taking your vehicle. Taking it to the garage of the manufacturer can most often be the more expensive option, whereas using a local garage will still do the job, whilst saving you some pennies.

A full service can cost anywhere up to £125, but this will be excluding repairs, replacements or new parts. Also, the price will depend on what vehicle or manufacture you have.

It’s always worth having a look around to get the best price and service. It’s also a good idea to combine your service and MOT together, as financially it will be cheaper.

How long can a service take?

The time of a service is all dependent on if they find any issues with your vehicle. If they do, it will take much longer to hand your vehicle back. If you have no issues then you can expect a full service to be done within 3 hours, but it’s also good to keep in mind that the garage may be busy.

Usually, when you take your vehicle to any garage they will give you an estimated time of completion or you can ask for a call for when your vehicle is ready to be picked up.

So, what’s included in a car service?

Basic Service

When it comes to a basic vehicle service, this may be someone who doesn’t drive as much but would like to keep their vehicle safe. This service will often be an oil and filter change, and will help to keep your vehicle reliable and improve your fuel efficiency. When it comes to the safety elements of your vehicle, all garages have a duty to complete visual safety inspection, even if you are just having a basic check. Remember with a basic service that they don’t have to legally check your breaks, so either pay a little extra to have them checked or book for a different time.

It’s also important to remember that if you do need any work within a basic service then you will have to pay that cost on top.

Interim Service

If you find that you are exceeding 2000 miles per month, then having the interim service will be worthwhile every 6 months.

You will gain everything from the basic service – so an oil and filter change and a visual inspection – but also included in your interim service, you will usually have a top-up of your key fluids within your engine:

• Washer Fluid
• Brake Fluid
• Antifreeze
• Steering Fluid

They will also check up to 35 key elements to make sure your vehicle is in its best condition. Some garages may also go the extra mile to check your brakes or manufacture guidelines, to where they will recommend any extra work, but not all garages will do this.

Full Service

A full service is necessary either once a year or every 12,000 miles.

Within a full service, you will get all the elements from the basic and interim service:

• Oil and filter change
• A visual inspection
• Top-up of key fluids within your engine

But to make it a full service you will gain an extra 15-30 checks on your vehicle. This will be on top of the additional 35 you gain through an interim service.

Major Service

For a major service, this is only necessary either every 2 years or if you are exceeding 24,000 miles.

You have probably caught on that every service type builds on the previous level, so with a major service you will gain:

• Oil and filter change
• A visual inspection
• Top-up of key fluids within your engine
• Up to 50 checks on your vehicle

But a major service will include a change on spark plugs, a change of fuel filters and some other service/wear items that are recommended by the manufacturer’s schedule. However, it’s important to know any additional repair or maintenance will not be included in the price for your major service.

Manufacturers service

This is most definitely going to be the more expensive service for your vehicle, but it will be with the manufacturer of your vehicle, meaning they will know the ins and outs of your specific vehicle.

There is a wide range of checks included in the manufacturer’s service including:

• Antifreeze coolant check and top-up
• Brake fluid check and top-up
• Windscreen wash check and top-up
• Oil and oil filter check and replacement
• Tyre tread and pressure check.
• Power steering fluid check and top-up
• Steering check
• Shock absorbers check.
• Exhaust check
• Light check
• Windscreen wipers check
• Wheel alignment check
• Charging systems check
• Full brake check
• Battery check
• Charging system check
• Suspension check

It’s important that when you are deciding on your service that you take it to a trusted garage that you know will do the work properly, make sure to check reviews or ask a friend on where they might take their vehicle. If you would like more information then please get in touch or check out the official guidelines for vehicles.