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Full Car Service Guide
A full
car service is best carried out once a year or once every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first.
The full car service is a good way to keep your car in peak performance for as long as possible. But it’s more than just routine maintenance.
A full car service is key in prolonging the longevity of your vehicle.
A well-looked-after car which has been serviced on a regular basis has a better chance to deliver a fuel-efficient performance and is less likely to hit you with some unexpected repair bills out the blue.
Full Service Checklist
A full car service is an extensive range of checks and inspections. It covers more than an interim service and is best carried out once a year.
Below we have broken down what you can expect from a full car service. Categorising it by the different car components and listing what type of check will take place on the different car parts.
Engine & Cooling System
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Engine for oil leaks |
| Check | Condition & tension of fan / alternator |
| Check | Condition & tension of auxiliary belts |
| Inspect & Top Up | Anti-freeze (as required) |
| Check | Timing belt schedule & report (as required) |
| Other Action | Drain and change oil and filter |
Electrics & Lighting
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Interior and exterior lights |
| Inspect | Warning lights |
| Inspect | Battery charge and terminals |
| Inspect | HT leads, distributor cap (as required) |
| Check | Horn |
Transmission & Drivetrain
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Driveshaft, joints, gaiters and boots |
| Check & Top Up | Clutch & axle oil |
Steering & Suspension
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Check & Top Up | Power steering reservoir (as required) |
| Check | Steering components for wear and corrosion |
| Check | Condition of steering rack gaiters |
| Inspect | Wheel bearings |
| Inspect | Shock absorbers |
| Inspect | Suspension |
Visibility & Mirrors
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Vehicle windscreens & mirrors |
| Check | Windscreen washers, wipers, & function |
| Top Up | Windscreen wash (as required) |
| Check | Windscreen security & any chips / cracks |
| Inspect | Mirrors (interior and exterior) |
Brakes
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Check | Brake pads for wear or damage |
| Check | Calipers for leaks and security |
| Check | Brake shoes for wear or damage |
| Inspect | Operation of wheel cylinders & report links |
| Check | Brake discs / drums for cracks & corrosion |
| Test | Brake fluid boiling point |
| Inspect | Brake hydraulic system |
| Inspect | Handbrake |
| Inspect | ABS warning light |
| Check | Brake fluid & replacement schedule & report |
Tyres & TPMS
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| General Action | Tyre inspection |
| Check | Tyre tread depth |
| Check | Tyre pressures |
| Check | General tyre condition |
| Check | Tyres for uneven wear |
| Check | Tyre age |
| Check | Spare tyre |
| Inspect | TPMS valves |
| Inspect | TPMS warning light / sensor |
Final Steps
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Other Action | Reset vehicle service light as appropriate |
| Other Action | Lubricate door hinges, bonnet catch & locks |
| Inspect | Seatbelts front & rear |
| Other Action | Update service book |
| Other Action | Full health report |
Should I Have Full Service Before MOT?
It is a good idea to book a car service before your MOT inspection.
A full car service will check many of the same components that are tested during the MOT.
Therefore, any issues which could lead to an advisory or even a failure can be spotted before the MOT, and then you have time and the means to fix it before the MOT takes place.
You will find that many UK garages will offer an MOT & Servicing package. It is a good way to save time and money by getting both of these tasks taken care of at the same time.
How Long Does A Full Service Last?
The time it takes to complete a full car service will vary slightly depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Other factors such as the age of your car and the general condition of it will also need to be taken into account.
On average, however, you can expect a full car service to take around 2 – 3 hours.
It’s always best to double-check the length of time that a full car service will take with the garage when you drop it off. They will be able to provide a more accurate time.
Full Car Service Benefits
A full service is important in maintaining your car. Keeping it reliable and performing at its best.
It is also another way to identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Regular car servicing at a set schedule is a great way to improve your car’s efficiency. Replacing the engine oil, air filters, and spark plugs will help your engine to run smoothly. All of which can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Finally, regular servicing works to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. By properly maintaining the parts and replacing anything that is worn and torn.
Keeping up with full services can also improve resale value, as a car with a complete service history is more attractive to buyers.