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Major Car Service Guide
Although it is not a legal requirement - like the annual MOT test - a major car service is a comprehensive set of checks and replacement parts.
It goes even further than the work and checks that you can expect during a full or interim car service.
If you are interested in a major servicing, this type of service is recommended for cars once every 2 years, or 24,000 miles.
Why Book A Major Car Service?
Aside from the obvious benefits of keeping your car maintained, one key advantage of the major car service is that it is a good way to identify and fix issues early on.
Issues that are small can be fixed before they become potentially bigger problems with a higher price tag.
Regular car servicing is also important if your car is still under warranty. Many warranty agreements require regular car servicing to ensure the warranty remains valid and is not voided.
Major Car Service What's Included
A major car service is a comprehensive set of checks and replacements. It is a very thorough service, which covers a wide range of components within the car.
We have broken down each part of the car and listed the different actions and which parts are worked on during a major service.
Engine & Cooling System
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Engine for oil leaks |
| Inspect | Radiator and radiator cap |
| Inspect | Expansion bottle, tank and cap |
| Inspect | Coolant hoses |
| Inspect | HT leads and distributor cap (as required) |
| Check | Condition & tension of fan/alternator belt |
| Check | Condition & tension of auxiliary belts |
| Check | Spark plug schedule & report (as required) |
| Check | Timing belt schedule & report (as required) |
| Top Up | Anti-freeze (as required) |
| Replace | Air filter |
| 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 |
| Check | Diesel plug indicator (as appropriate) |
| Check | Horn |
Transmission & Drivetrain
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Clutch operation |
| Inspect | Driveshaft, joints, gaiters and boots |
| Check | Transmission |
| Check | Clutch oil and axle oil (top up as needed) |
Steering & Suspension
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Steering components for wear and corrosion |
| Inspect | Condition of steering rack gaiters |
| Inspect | Wheel bearings |
| Inspect | Shock absorbers |
| Inspect | Suspension |
| Check | Power steering and top up reservoir (as required) |
Brakes
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Operation of wheel cylinders & report links |
| Inspect | Brake hydraulic system |
| Inspect | Handbrake |
| Inspect | ABS warning light |
| Check | Brake pads for wear or damage |
| Check | Brake calipers for leaks and security |
| Check | Brake shoes for wear or damage |
| Check | Brake discs/drums for cracks and corrosion |
| Check | Brake fluid & replacement schedule & report |
| Test | Brake fluid boiling point |
Fuel System
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Fuel filter and caps |
| Inspect | Fuel cap and fuel lines |
| Check | Fuel filter replacement schedule & report |
Tyres & Wheels
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | General tyre condition |
| Inspect | Spare tyre |
| Inspect | TPMS valves |
| Inspect | TPMS warning light/sensor |
| Check | Tyre tread depth |
| Check | Tyre pressures |
| Check | Tyres for uneven wear |
| Check | Tyre age |
Visibility & Mirrors
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Vehicle windscreens & mirrors |
| Inspect | Mirrors (interior and exterior) |
| Check | Windscreen washers, wipers & function |
| Check | Windscreen security & any chips or cracks |
| Top Up | Windscreen wash (as required) |
Cabin & Safety
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Seatbelts front and rear |
| Check | Pollen filter schedule & report |
Exterior & Legal
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Inspect | Number plate |
| Inspect | Exhaust system & catalysts as appropriate |
Final Steps
| Action | Car Part(s) |
| Other Action | Reset vehicle service light as appropriate |
| Other Action | Lubricate door hinges, bonnet catch & locks |
| Other Action | Update service book |
| Other Action | Full health report |
How Long Does A Major Service Take
A major service typically takes around 2 to 4 hours to complete.
The exact time will tend to vary. This comes down to your vehicle's make and model. The condition of the vehicle and whether any other issues are discovered will also affect the time taken.
Being the most in-depth type of service, a major car service involves a wide range of checks and part replacements.
As we’ve seen in the above table, this will include tasks like replacing brake fluid, spark plugs, air and cabin filters, and carrying out detailed inspections of systems such as the brakes, suspension, and engine components.
If your garage spots any extra work that needs doing – such as repairs or additional parts that need replacing – it may take longer.
It’s always a good idea to check with the garage in advance to get an estimated time, especially if you need your car back by a certain point in the day