What are the Different Types of Car Repair Services?

There was a time when owning a vehicle was regarded as a luxury. As technology progressed, a car became a necessity for travelling to your everyday destinations. This complicated machine cuts your travelling cost and time, and before we knew it, owning a car became as important as buying a house. However, like any other machine, your car demands regular maintenance and care to keep working as efficiently as possible. 

This brings us to today’s topic – Types of car repair service.

Maintaining your car requires in-depth technical knowledge, expert advice, and tools. This is not a DIY project that one can do at home, though you can perform some of the repair services in your garage. But when it comes to the yearly services, you have to drive down to your trusted Service Centre and allow them to carry it forward. For anxious first-time car owners and others, it is important to know what type of service your car needs, and what does it include? In this blog, we will answer all your questions related to various car services.

Let’s get started.

Why do I need to service my car?

The car goes through so much pressure, wear and tear, and friction which makes it necessary to go through a thorough check-up to ensure everything is working fine. From engine oil to coolant, there are many fluids in your car that need to be topped up or replaced. Similarly, some parts may also demand to be replaced with newer, more functional parts. With your road safety depends on your car, it is important to get it checked regularly.

Even if you’re a perfect driver, the internal functioning of your car needs inspection and changes. As you delay the maintenance, the work increases and in the end, you will be dishing out more money to repair the car which could have been avoided with regular servicing. 

What needs maintenance today will need to be repaired or replaced tomorrow. 

Another advantage of servicing your car is the increased resale value. If your car is in good condition with a solid service history, you will be eligible for a better price while selling it. 

Similarly, your insurance company also peaks at your service history to estimate the pre-accident value. Having a well-maintained car will improve the valuation figure. 

With so many advantages, car maintenance service is as important as pumping gas in your car. Before we move on to the different types of car repair service, let’s tackle another question.

Is car service the same as MOT?

Passing an MOT does not absolve you from the responsibility of getting your car services. MOT is a designated test from the DSVA that aims to check whether your car is in a condition to be on the road. It checks to ensure the car follows the safety and environmental regulations stated by the government. It does not repair or replace any part of your car. 

On the other hand, car servicing is an in-depth inspection and check of all the important components of the car which ensures it is running efficiently and safely. 

To understand the difference better, read this : What is the Difference Between a Car MOT and Service?

Types of Car Repair Service

When it comes to the types of vehicle maintenance, it is essentially divided into three types; Interim, Full and Major. You may come across the same three packages with different names, but the essence remains the same. Each service has several checks that are performed along, and as you move onto the higher services, the checklist grows. The type of service your car needs is determined by how many miles your car has run, or the duration between your previous service and present.

Interim Car Service

Interim Car Service is due every 6 months or 6000 miles, whichever comes first. With a solid 25 point checklist, it is designed to check all the important parts and components of the car, including engine oil and changing oil filters. It also tops-up the main car fluids like brake oil, power-steering fluid, coolant, windscreen additive, and AdBlue (if needed for diesel cars). 

The interim car service also includes general checks like external lights, horn, warning lights of different instruments, windscreen wipers, and washers, etc. Once the general parts are all checked and serviced, it moves on to the main parts like engine, brakes, tyres, suspension system, etc. The car service entails a check for leaking oils if any, antifreeze strength check, and timing belt replacement if needed. 

Brake pads are a crucial factor for the safety of the car and passengers, which is why the interim service includes checking the brake pads for wear and tear. The tyres pressure, condition, and depth are checked and adjusted, whereas other key components like steering, exhaust, drive system, and suspension system are checked. 

At Acton Car Service Centre, you can avail a 50% discount on your MOT with Interim Service.

Full Car Service 

Full Car Service is due every year (12 months) or after 12,000 miles, whatever comes first. It has 15 more checks than the interim service, with a total of 40 points. 

The full car service checklist includes all the points mentioned in the interim service. Apart from that, you also get a change of air filters, pollen filters are checked along with internal and external mirror check, number plate condition, and seat belt operation. 

When it comes to the engine, the radiator and coolant hoses leak and condition are judged along with auxiliary drive belts, fuel system, and timing belt. The brake checks now also include brake fluids, brake discs, pipes and hoses, hand brake operation, and brake callipers. Moving along, a more in-depth servicing and checks of tyres, wheels, steering, suspension, and drive system are performed. 

With Full car service, you can avail an MOT for £10 only.

Also Read: Car Servicing Checklist: What All Does A Car Service Include?

Major Car Service

The Major Car Service which has 50 points checklist is advised for every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is the most extensive service which inspects every part and corner of the car, ensuring everything is functioning as efficiently as possible. With Major Car Service, you can avail an MOT for free at ASC.

This brings us to the end of different types of car repair services. Hope this was helpful and if you have any doubts and questions, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below.