Interim, Major & Full Service

Car Servicing FAQ

What is a car service?

A vehicle service is a series of car maintenance checks and tests after a certain mileage, or predetermined length of time, to check that your car is functioning efficiently.

Why should I service my car?

Regularly servicing your car is vitally important, as it can be the difference between your car running smoothly and with its best fuel efficiency, or being hit with an expensive, unexpected repair bill. Car servicing is necessary to check fluid levels, tyre pressure, and any other expected wear and tear.

How often should you service my car?

As a driver you may wonder, “when is my car service due?”. As a rule of thumb, car manufacturers recommend that drivers should service their car every 12 months or every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first – depending on what type of service you require. You will also receive a stamp or signature in your service book to show that the vehicle has been properly maintained.

What is the difference between the different types of service?

A Full Car Service is a series of comprehensive tests on both the inside and outside of the car. As well as oil changes, it includes a far more extensive investigation of what is going on under the bonnet.

A Major Car Service contains all the checks of the Full Car Service, but also includes replacements for your pollen filter and spark plugs. We recommend a Major Car Service at least every two years, however many vehicles will need a full service more frequently.

A lighter variation of a Full Car Service is known as an Interim service. What is an Interim Service? It contains many of the checks carried out during a Full Service, but does not include much of the inspection under the bonnet and on the underside of the car (i.e. Auxiliary drive belt, battery level and air filter checks).

What does a Full Service include?

A Full Car Service checklist includes:

• Engine oil, oil filter and air filter
• Top-ups for anti-freeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid
• Battery fluid, transfer box oil and manual transmission oil
• Timing belt replacement interval check
• Suspension check
• Cooling system check
• Auxiliary drive belt check
• Battery level check
• Spark plug condition check (petrol only)
• Brake pipe check
• Fuel line check
• Tyre check
• Brake discs check
• Clutch check
• Road test
• Car upholstery check
• Service book stamp

Do I have to go to a garage to have my car serviced? Can I get a mobile car service?

You don’t have to take your car to a garage for a service – we have hundreds of mobile mechanics on the network with the capacity to carry out a mobile car service at your address.

How much does a car service cost?

The cost of your car service will vary depending on the make and model of vehicle as well as the labour rate in your area. On average, a major service costs £200, with a full service costing £151 and an interim service priced at £123.

How long does a car service take?

A car service typically lasts 1-2 hours. The exact time depends on both the vehicle model and the level of service being carried out, with interim services at the bottom of the range, full services around the middle, and major services close to the top of the time range.

Should I have an MOT and service done at the same time?

While you are not obliged to do so, it is a good idea to have both an MOT and service carried out at the same time. A service is often annual, so coupling it with an MOT will allow you to keep track as to when your car’s service is due. Additionally, there is the benefit of highlighting any repairs that may be needed from the MOT, reducing the amount of time that your vehicle is off the road. ClickMechanic also offers a discounted MOT when booked in with a service too!