Regular maintenance and serving of any gadget, appliance, or even the human body are very important. Over time, the build-up pressure and half-working parts mess up the system, leaving you with an enormous cost and a non-functioning object. It is obvious that nobody likes to be put into this kind of situation, and for this reason and many more, servicing entails a crucial part of the working. 

Your car stands no farther away from the truth stated above. You can drive as delicately you want, but your car will still demand a professional check-up by a technician and a car service mechanic to optimally function. Here, we will explain the importance of car service along with what does a car service include?

What is a car service?

A car service is like a routine check-up but for your vehicle. It might be as intensive as a 50-point checklist or can be a simple service and repair that takes care of the things susceptible to wear and tear. Its importance stems from the fact that your safety is largely dependent on your car. While you may experience the discomfort while driving and can fix the issues like tyre puncture and oil change, it is only a professional who can actually pin-point the problem and repair it. 

So the next time the engine light flashes, bring your car to Acton Service Centre to get the help it requires.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive car servicing guide, ensuring you know everything before you drive to a service centre.

Why do I need car repair & maintenance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a fair question to ask why your car needs regular service and repair and what does a car service include. We will be talking about the different types of car services later. But first, have a look at the many advantages of servicing your vehicle.

Savings

It might seem unnecessary to bring in your car for service every now and then, especially when you’re a perfect driver. But while, on the surface, everything might look fine, the internal functioning of your car needs the inspection and changes.

If you go through the maintenance now, you will be expanding the life of your car and avoid spending a huge amount of money later on. What needs maintenance today will need to be repaired or replaced tomorrow. Moreover, a well-serviced car is more likely to be fuel-efficient. 

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Resale Value

Your car resale value is dependent on the condition of the car. Your car service history will allow you to ask for a better price while selling it. Moreover, the car condition will speak for itself. 

Insurance

During an accident, your insurance company may look at the car service history to estimate its pre-accident value. Having a well-maintained car will help to improve the valuation figure.

Is it the same as MOT?

Many car owners believe that passing their MOT absolves them from taking their car to the service centre at regular intervals. There is a huge difference between MOT and Car Servicing. 

MOT is required by the UK law to ensure that your car follows the safety and environmental regulations stated by the government. The annual inspection is limited to checking your car’s roadworthiness. On the other hand, a service goes more in-depth and checks all the major and important components of the car to make it run as safely and efficiently as possible. 

What does a car service include?

The age-old question has been making rounds on the internet with novice drivers and car owners wanting to know more about it. Let’s get to it. 

Car Service quality and check-list vary from one centre to another with very minute differences. Largely, the services are divided into three parts:-

• Interim Service
• Full Service
• Major Service

These three broad categories are recommended for different periods estimated, taking into account the wear and tear, pressure, and the mileage of the car. 

Apart from the points mentioned in the general service checklist, you can also come into the service centre for any of the listed services individually. These include:

• Air Conditioning
• Brakes 
• Clutches 
• Engine 
• Exhausts 
• Steering & Suspension 
• Tyre Puncture & Alignment
• Fuel System 
• Car Painting & Detailing
• Battery Replacement
• Gearbox Repair
• Cambelt Repairs
• Crash Repair
• Oil Changes
• Cooling System Repair
• Car Wash

 

What does a car service include? – Interim Service

The interim service is recommended at every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever is reached first. A solid 25 point vehicle routine maintenance checklist is made for this particular service.

The basic car service checklist includes engine oil and filter replacement, which also covers top-ups like windscreen additive, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid. For the engine, the general oil leaks, antifreeze strength, and the timing belt condition are checked and advised upon. The brake pads are examined for any major wear and tear, the steering rack gaiters and exhaust condition are also serviced. The clutch fluid level and oil leaks are also scrutinised. 

Apart from the above-mentioned points, the car external lights, external lights, horn, wipers, and washers are also checked. 

Here is the routine car maintenance checklist or interim car service checklist:

Parts Included	Engine Oil Oil Filter
Top-ups included	Windscreen Additive Coolant Brake Fluid Power Steering Fluid AdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed)
General Checks	External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation
Internal/Vision	Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers
Engine	General oil leaks and advice Antifreeze strength and advice Timing belt replacement intervals and advice
Brake	Visual check of brake pads for wear
Wheels & Tyres	Tyre condition & tyre depth Tyre pressure and adjust
Steering & Suspension	Steering rack gaiters condition
Exhaust	Exhaust condition and advice
Drive System	Clutch Fluid level Transmission oil leaks

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What does a car service include? – Full Service

The full service brings 15 more points into the checklist when compared to the interim service, making a total of 40 pointers. The full car service is recommended after every 12 months or 12,000 Miles, whichever comes first.

The annual car service checklist includes all the points mentioned in the interim service. Apart from it takes care of air filter and pollen filter condition, along with the internal and external, number plate condition, and seat-belt functionality. 

When it comes to the engine, the radiant and coolant hoses are checked for leaks, the auxiliary drive belts, and fuel system and tank are also inspected.

The operation of brake disks, pipe, hand brake, brake capillaries is serviced along with the brake fluid. The wheel, shock absorber, steering, and exhaust are looked into in detail. 

Here is the full car servicing checklist: 

Parts Included	Engine Oil Oil Filter Air Filter
Top-ups included	Windscreen Additive Coolant Brake Fluid Power Steering Fluid AdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed)
General Checks	External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation
Internal/Vision	Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers Pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost) Windscreen for cracks and chips External and internal mirror condition Number plate condition Seat belt operation
Engine	General oil leaks and advice Antifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed (extra cost) Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank) Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tension Fuel system and tank (if visible) Timing belt replacement intervals and advise
Brake	Brake fluid condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost) Visual check of brake pads for wear Visual check of brake disks for wear All visible brake pipes and hoses Hand brake operation Brake callipers for leaks and security
Wheels & Tyres	Condition & tyre depth Tyre pressure and adjust Road SpringsTyre
Steering & Suspension	Steering/ suspension components Steering rack gaiters condition Shock absorber condition Wheel bearings
Exhaust	Exhaust condition and advice Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)
Drive System	Clutch Fluid level Transmission oil leaks Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks

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What does a car service include? – Major Service

The Major Car Service is a 50 point vehicle service checklist advised for every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

This service takes it a notch further than the full service and inspects every part and corner of the car, to make sure there is nothing out of place. After this one, your car will be as good as new.

Have a look at the major car service checklist below: 

Parts Included	Engine Oil Oil Filter Air Filter Fuel Filter (if fitted externally, or else replace pollen filter)
Top-ups included	Windscreen Additive Coolant Brake Fluid Power Steering Fluid AdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed)
General Checks	External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation
Internal/Vision	Door, bonnet and lock operation Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers Air conditioning system operation  Pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)  Windscreen for cracks and chips  External and internal mirror condition  Number plate condition Seat belt operation
Engine	General oil leaks and advice Antifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed (extra cost) Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank) Radiator cap Electrical coolant fan (if applicable) Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tension Fuel system and tank (if visible) Timing belt replacement intervals and advise Change spark plugs dependent upon age and mileage (extra cost)
Brake	Brake fluid condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost) Visual check of brake pads for wear Visual check of brake disks for wear All visible brake pipes and hoses Hand brake operation Brake callipers for leaks and security
Wheels & Tyres	Condition & tyre depth Tyre pressure and adjust Road Springs
Steering & Suspension	Steering/ suspension components Steering rack gaiters condition Shock absorber condition Wheel bearings
Exhaust	Exhaust condition and advice Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)
Drive System	Clutch Fluid level Clutch Operation Transmission oil leaks Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How often should I service my car?

It is recommended to put your car for service at least once a year or after 12,000 miles. This is the general advice, but the actual time also depends on your personal driving style- is it rough or smooth? It is also largely dependent on the road condition. 

Make sure you bring your car to service if the check engine light is on, or you hear any foreign sound that makes your worry about the health of your car. 

What is checked in a car service?

The checklist of a car service depends on the type of service you’re availing – Interim, Full, or Major Car Service. The interim car service has a 25 point checklist, whereas the full service has a 40 point checklist. The Major Car Service, which is the most extensive service, has a 50 point checklist. YOu can have a look at the checklists above. 

Should I get my car serviced every year?

Yes, ideally you should get your car serviced every 6 months or year. This also depends on the current condition of your car. We have discussed the amount of checks needed every 6 months and 1 year. Regular maintenance is the key to a prolonged car life. 

What does an annual/full car service include?

The annual car service at ASC has an extensive 40 point checklist. This includes general checks, fluid top-ups, and filter change. Along with this, the full car service also includes an extensive check of brakes and engine. Tyres, Steering, Exhaust, and Drive System are also included in the annual service. Have a look at the complete checklist above. 

What does a major car service include?

The major car service is carried out after 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. It has an extensive 50 points checklist which includes the general checks, fluid top-ops, tyres & wheels, brake, engine, steering, suspension, etc. Have a look at the complete checklist above.

Does car service include wheel alignment?

Yes, car service includes alignment and tyre treads.

This brings us to the end of the question – what does a car service include? Hope this was helpful and if you have any doubts and questions, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below. 

Tags: car maintenance, car repair, car service, MOT