Car Service: What Does A Full Car Service Include And How much Does It Cost?

The current cost of living crisis has caused many car owners to reduce their expenses, often by skipping car services. However, regular car servicing is vital for improving your car's longevity and reliability. It's important to understand the costs and coverage of car services, especially in the UK. Whether you're a new car owner or an experienced driver, this blog will provide guidance on car servicing costs and what to expect.

Before delving deep into the main topic, it's important to understand the basics of a car service, including what it entails, its significance, and how it differs from an MOT.

What is a Car Service?

A car service is a regular checkup to ensure your car is running smoothly and safely. During a car service, the mechanic will inspect your vehicle thoroughly, including checking the brake system, examining oil levels and quality, replacing filters, and inspecting the engine belt. In addition to the thorough examination, the expert will also perform diagnostic tests to detect any problems that might be causing severe difficulties or system failure if left ignored.

Why Car Servicing is Important?

A car service is important as it helps keep your vehicle in top shape by doing regular inspections and maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and safely. The following are a few reasons why a car service is so essential

• Safer Driving: These include the brakes, tyres, suspensions, and engine, among others; when maintained on a regular basis, the driving experience becomes safer.
• Cost Savings: Car maintenance is crucial, and it is advised, because it allows you to detect flaws early on and save costly repairs.
• Increased Resale Value: Cars that have been serviced and maintained regularly may attract more consumers, enhancing their resale value.
• Fewer Breakdowns: Costly difficulties are eliminated with regular vehicle maintenance, eliminating as many problems as possible because the vehicle may acquire many complications.
• Increased Vehicle Life: Proper maintenance may ensure that vehicle parts perform efficiently, improving automobile efficiency and usage time.
• Improved fuel Efficiency: Well-maintained cars perform better, use less fuel, and have lower operating expenses.

What are Included in a Car Service?

As mentioned, a car service is a comprehensive plan that covers the inspection and repairs of a vehicle's parts if needed to ensure the car is in an optimal condition, below are a few detailed aspects of what is covered in a car service coverage.

• Oil and Oil Filter Change: Oil change is important for the longevity of the engine. During the process, old oil is drained and replaced with new, high-quality oil, and to keep this new oil remain clean for longer period, the oil filter is removed and replaced with a new one.
• Air Filter Check and Replacement: An inspection of the air filter is also covered in car servicing as this is another important factor which stops the dirt entering the engine, regular car servicing can check the condition of the filter and replace it if necessary for optimal performance.
• Brake Check: We all know that brakes are a critical safety feature, and this is why a brake check is a part of car servicing. During the car service, the expert will inspect the brake pads, fluid levels and discs and will replace them if the brake pads are worn or tops-up the brake fluid if needed.
• Fluid Check and Top-up: Checking and topping up the fluids are another essential requirement for a vehicle's operation and is covered during a car service, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid are also thoroughly checked and topped up, ensuring all fluids are at optimal levels to prevent any mechanical issues.
• Spark Plug Check and Replacement: Spark plugs are vital for an engine's performance and fuel efficiency. A thorough check and replacement can be done during a car service. The expert will check and replace the spark plug if needed to maintain engine efficiency.
• Belt and Timing Check: Belt and Timing Chain inspection and replacement is another important factor that is covered in a car service to ensure the engine runs smoothly. The thorough inspection includes the condition of belts for signs of wear, cracks or looseness and will get them replaced if required to prevent from potential engine damage.
• Fuel Filter Check and Replacement: A clean fuel filter ensures the engine receives clean fuel. This is why inspecting the blocked fuel filters and replacing if necessary is done during a car service.
• Tyres Check and Rotation: Tyres need to be in good condition for safety and performance. A car service includes checking car tyre pressure, deep checking of tyres for any signs of damage and rotating the tyres to ensure their longevity.
• Battery Check: A reliable battery is essential for starting your vehicle and powering electrical systems. A battery check in a car service includes inspecting and replacing a battery if it is not charging properly.
• Light Inspection: Light check and replacement are other important factors covered in car servicing where the thorough inspection of headlights, brake lights, indicators and interior lights are checked and replaced if any light is not working.

Also Read: what are car dashboard lights?

Types and Cost of Car Services

Generally, there are 3 types of car service which are designed around various car servicing needs and schedules. Whether it's a simple routine maintenance or unexpected repairs, understanding these types can help you take an informed decision for your car's health and your wallet's wellbeing. Below is a detailed breakdown of these types, and how much you can expect to pay for a car service.

1. Interim Car Service

Interim service is the basic type of vehicle service which is recommended every 6 months, or 6000 miles (about 9656.06 km) and the checks and changes are mostly focused only on daily driving.

How Much is Interim Car Service?

The Average cost of interim car service in the UK would be near to £110 to £170 and below are a few details of what's included in this cover

What is Covered in Interim Car Service

• Oil Change
• Oil filter change
• Lights
• Tyres
• Windscreen wipers
• Thorough inspection of engine, brake, other fluid leaks

2. Full Car Service

A full service is more detailed when compared to an interim vehicle service, this type of service is recommended every 12 months or 12000 miles.

How Much is A Full Car Service?

The cost of full car service ranges from £170 to £395 and covers a comprehensive range of checks and replacements including oil filter, air filter and spark plugs to ensure the car is in top condition.

What is Covered in A Full Car Service?

• Air filter change
• Fuel filter
• Spark plugs
• Extensive brake inspection
• Electrical components including battery, alternator, etc.
• Thorough inspection of air conditioning system
• Radiator and coolants
• Tyres
• Alternator hose and vacuum hose inspection

3. Major Car Service

A major service is the third type of service and an extensive type that ensures the car is widely checked and maintained. This type is mostly recommended every 24 months or 24000 miles

How Much is Major Car Service?

The cost of major car service in the UK starts from £259 to £400 covering full service along with brake fluid and cabin filters.

What is Covered in A Major Car Service?

• Includes complete Interim service and full-service cover
• Replacement of brake fluid and cabin filter

What is the Cost of an Oil Change in UK?

The cost of oil change in the UK usually costs around £113, with prices ranging from £60 to £190. The change in this cost depends on several factors and below are a few.

• Location: The location of where you live is the main factor that affects the cost.
• Size of Engine: Larger engines will require more oil, affecting the cost of oil change
• Quality: The quality of oil and oil filters is another factor affecting premium oils and filters to cost more.
• Additional Work: Additional repairs required for oil change can also be a reason for the cost to be affected.
• Type of Garage: Different service centres may have different pricing based on their location, reputation, and expertise levels.

Factors Affecting Car Service Prices

There are several factors that influence the car service cost and below are the few most common factors affecting the cost of servicing a car in the UK.

• Location: The location of where you are in the UK is one of the most common factors that affect a car service cost, for instance if you are in London or Southeast this can be more expensive due to higher operational costs, whereas West Yorkshire can be cheapest areas for car servicing.
• Car Make and Model: Luxury cars like Bentley, BMW, Porsche, etc..., usually cost more to car service as the parts of these cars are more expensive and might require specialised knowledge and tools.
• Service Type:Another factor that affects the vehicle service cost is the type of service. As mentioned above there are 3 types of a car service including interim, full, and major service these cost differently for each type, where an interim is the cheapest and a major is the most expensive.
• Garage Type: For instance, independent garages charge cheaper than dealership garages with higher expertise and dealership garages might use the original parts.
• Age and Condition of the Vehicle: Servicing new cars will be cheaper in comparison to older vehicles as these cars will require extensive replacements and repairs.
• Parts and Labour: Parts and labour is also another factor that affects the cost, as the quality parts, service time and the amount of the labour naturally increases the cost.

Is a Car Service Different to an MOT?

Yes, a car service is different from an MOT. Both play a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle and serve different purposes and involve different checks. It is also common to have both at the same time and most garages in the UK do have a coverage option that includes both. Below are a few points explaining the differences.

FAQs on Car Service

Got an idea of what a vehicle service is, but still have many questions? Checkout the below common FAQs to gain a complete knowledge on car servicing.

1. Do I need to empty my car for a service?

It is a good idea to empty your car for service before giving it in the garage, as the mechanic needs to access every area of the vehicle.

2. What happens if I don't service my car regularly?

Not servicing your vehicle can lead to increased wear and tear, potential breakdown, reduced efficiency, costly repairs and more. So, it always advisable to service your car regularly.

3. Is a full car service worth it and how much for a full service?

Yes, a full car service is worth it, as it covers extensive inspection and replacements. The cost of full car service can range between £170 to £210

4. Do you need to service your car every year?

Yes, servicing your car every year is highly recommended to maintain your vehicle's performance, longevity, and safety.

5. How long does a car service take?

Usually, a car service takes around 3 hours. For instance, the interim service takes up to 90 minutes and full car service can take up to 3 hours.

6. Is the service history important?

Yes, a complete service history shows the potential buyers that a vehicle is well maintained, and it also enhances the resale value.

7. Does the engine size affect the cost of a service?

Yes, engine size affects the vehicle service cost as the larger engine takes more oil

8. What cars cost the most to service?

Luxury cars like Bentley, BMW, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar usually costs more for car servicing due to its expensive parts and high expertise.

9. Is it illegal to not service your car?

No, it is not illegal to not service your car, but it is highly recommended, as it can lead to mechanical failures which might lead to failing an MOT, which is legal.

10. Do I need to service my electric car?

Yes, just like regular fuel cars, you should consider electric car servicing at recommended intervals to maintain its safety.

Conclusion

Every car owner must understand how much it costs to service a car what is included, as a regular service not only helps to avoid costly repairs, but it also extends the life of your vehicle, preserves its market value, and encourages road safety. Whether it's an interim, full, or major service, every type comprises checks and maintenance suited to your vehicle's requirements. However, even with regular maintenance, unexpected challenges can happen, and here is where a car warranty can help provide peace of mind.

Given the significance of car maintenance, investing in a car warranty from Warranty Direct is essential, as our comprehensive plans cover a wide range of mechanical and electrical components, shielding you from unexpected repair costs and ensuring financial security. This ensures you can maintain your car functioning properly while staying within budget. Invest in a car warranty today to get the enhanced protection and the best coverage that you can get for your vehicle.