Regular car servicing is crucial to maintaining your vehicle and ensuring it runs safely and efficiently. But what exactly is involved in a car service? This article will unveil what typically goes into a car service. From checking the oil changes to inspecting the various parts of your engine, we will explain everything that should normally occur during a full car service.
Key Takeaways
- Regular car servicing is essential for maintaining vehicle safety and efficiency, typically including checks such as oil changes, fluid levels, and inspections of various engine parts.
- Ivydene Garage Ltd offers comprehensive car services in Ashford, including MOT testing, engine diagnostics, and air conditioning services, ensuring customer satisfaction with top-quality care.
- Understanding the different types of car services—interim, full, and major—helps car owners make informed decisions about their vehicle maintenance needs.
What Exactly is a Car Service?
A car service is a series of expert maintenance checks and procedures performed on a vehicle to ensure it is safe, efficient, and reliable for use. The frequency of getting a car service differs according to the make and model of your car. Depending on the type of service and your car needs, it generally includes an engine inspection, oil change and other fluid levels, tyre pressure checks, and replacement of worn parts.
During the service, qualified mechanics will assess all parts of your vehicle and identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed.
Types of Car Services
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, understanding the different types of car services available is essential. There are three main categories: interim, full, and major services. Each type serves a specific purpose and is designed to keep your car running smoothly and safely. Let’s explore what each service entails and what’s typically included in each package.
Interim Service
An interim car service is a fundamental maintenance check usually recommended for vehicles that cover higher mileage or are driven frequently. This service is designed to keep your vehicle in good working order between full services, addressing essential aspects of your car’s performance.
It is often conducted every six months or after approximately 6,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
What’s Included in an Interim Service
- Filter and engine oil change
- Fluid checks
- Tyre inspection
- Brake inspection
- Wiper blade check
- Lights and indicators check
Full Service
A full service is a more comprehensive maintenance check designed to provide a thorough inspection and maintenance of your vehicle. Typically performed annually or after 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, this service covers everything included in an interim service, plus additional checks and replacements. It helps to ensure that your car is in top condition and can prevent potential issues from arising.
What’s Included in a Full Service
- Everything from the interim service.
- Air filter replacement
- Spark plug replacement (if applicable)
- Brake fluid replacement
- Battery health check
- Exhaust system inspection
- Detailed fluid checks
Major Service
A major service is the most extensive type of maintenance, typically performed every two years or after around 24,000 miles. A major car service includes everything from a full service and dives deeper into the vehicle’s mechanics.
This service is crucial for maintaining the longevity and reliability of your vehicle, especially for those who want to keep their car in optimal condition over the long term.
What’s Included in a Major Car Service
- Everything from the full service
- Comprehensive engine inspection
- Fuel filter replacement
- Cooling system service
- Transmission fluid change
- Suspension and steering inspection
- Detailed road test
By understanding the different types of car services and their components, you can make informed decisions about maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. Regular servicing extends the life of your car and enhances your driving experience.
Can I Service My Car Myself?
You are not recommended to service your car unless you are a qualified mechanic. Car servicing and maintenance can be complex, so it’s best to leave the job to professionals with the right tools, knowledge and experience.
Additionally, certain tasks like changing brake fluid change require specialist equipment that you may not possess. Moreover, if a mistake is made during the servicing, you may void your warranty and put yourself at risk of further damage or, even worse – an accident.
Consulting a qualified mechanic for your car service needs is important.
How Long Does a Car Service Take?
The time an individual car service takes to complete depends on the type and size of your vehicle, the make and model, and any additional work required. As a rule of thumb, you can expect it to take between one and three hours.
How Often Should I Have My Car Serviced?
As mentioned earlier, the frequency of car services depends on the make, age and model of your vehicle. Most manufacturers recommend servicing your car approximately every 6 months or 5,000 miles, 12 months or 12,000 miles, or 24,000 miles—whichever comes first.
To ensure you’re adhering to the right schedule for your specific vehicle, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual or reach out to your local mechanic for tailored advice. This proactive approach helps quickly identify and address any underlying issues, keeping your car in optimal condition.
Additionally, if you notice any unusual noises or changes in performance between scheduled services, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Regular maintenance and inspections are vital for preventing unexpected breakdowns and prolonging the life of your car.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Garage
You want to take your car to the right place when servicing it. With so many garages offering car servicing, making the right choice is key. Here are some tips that will help ensure you get quality work done at a good price:
- Check if they use genuine or OEM parts.
- You can check the ratings on their website and read customer reviews to get an idea of what others have experienced with them.
- Make sure you are clear about the cost before you book the service.
- Consider the location and accessibility of the garage.
Following these steps will help you to make an informed decision and choose a reliable service provider to maintain your vehicle.
Ivydene Garage Ltd: The Premier Choice for Comprehensive Car Services in Ashford
Ivydene Garage Ltd delivers top-notch car services tailored to meet customers’ needs in Ashford and beyond. As an authorised Bosch Car Service provider, we offer a wide range of services, including:
- MOT Testing: Our Class 4 MOT tests cover cars, small vans, and motor caravans, ensuring your vehicle meets safety and emissions standards.
- Comprehensive Car Servicing: We provide manufacturer-equivalent services based on your vehicle’s age and mileage, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Engine Diagnostics: Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to pinpoint vehicle faults quickly, delivering electronic read-outs of errors and detailed reports for necessary repairs.
- Clutch Replacements: Whether your clutch is slipping or failing, our skilled technicians are ready to assist with replacements and repairs.
- Tyre and Wheel Services: We conduct thorough visual and mechanical checks of your brakes and tyres, ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road.
- Air Conditioning Services: Our team performs a full service of your vehicle’s air-con system, including efficiency checks and re-filling the system.
With a focus on quality, we guarantee that each service we provide meets the highest standards, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Why Choose Us
We are a family-run business established in 1981, fully dedicated to customer satisfaction. At Ivydene Garage Ltd, we utilise the latest diagnostic and service equipment, ensuring that we can handle specialised services for all makes and models, including light commercial vehicles.
Choosing Ivydene Garage Ltd means entrusting your vehicle to experienced professionals who care about your safety and satisfaction.
With over 32 years of experience as Bosch agents, we are recognised as a centre of excellence in automotive service. Our technicians are equipped with extensive training and access to Bosch’s leading automotive technologies.
So, if you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy garage in Ashford, schedule your car service with Ivydene Garage today. We look forward to serving you and keeping your vehicle in top condition.
Is MOT Test Different from Car Service?
Many car owners are often confused about the difference between a car service and an MOT test. A car service is a routine check-up of all vehicle components, while an MOT is a legal requirement to ensure your vehicle conforms to safety standards set out by the UK government.
An MOT is required for vehicles over 3 years old annually, whereas a car service needs to be carried out regularly, as at when due. Getting your car serviced at least once a year would be best to ensure its ongoing safety and reliability. However, it will depend on your vehicle type and how often these should be conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car service cost?
The cost of a car service varies depending on the type and complexity of the work required. Usually, an interim service will be cheaper than a full or major service due to fewer checks and replacements.
Should I get my car serviced every year?
Yes, getting your car serviced once a year is usually recommended – or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What is a full-service history?
A full-service history records a vehicle’s servicing and maintenance work. It often includes an oil and oil filter change as a central component of both full and major car services. The complete service history log typically includes the type of service (interim, full, or major), date of service, mileage at the time of service, and other repairs or replacements done.
Conclusion
When it comes to servicing your car, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What needs to be done depends on the vehicle’s make, model, and age, as well as your planned usage. Therefore, conducting regular servicing checks and searching for the right service station to properly care for your car is important. This way, you can keep your wheels healthy and running at peak performance.
If you want professional, reliable car servicing in Ashford, visit Ivydene Garage Limited. Our experienced team can provide comprehensive services to help you stay safe on the road and keep your vehicle in good working condition.
So don’t delay: contact Ivydene Garage Limited today to get a service so you can drive with peace of mind.