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 includes?
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 discomfort while driving and can fix the issues like tire puncture and oil change, it is only a professional who can actually pinpoint 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 center.
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 includes. 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 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 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.
Be smart about your car checks!
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’s condition will speak for itself.
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 checklist vary from one center to another with very minute differences. Largely, the services are divided into three parts:-
- Interim Service
- Full Service
- Major Service
What does a car service include? – Interim Service
The interim service is recommended 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 scrutinized.
Apart from the above-mentioned points, the car external lights, external lights, horns, wipers, and washers are also checked.
Here is the routine car maintenance checklist or interim car service checklist:
| Parts Included | Engine OilOil Filter |
| Top-ups included | Windscreen AdditiveCoolantBrake FluidPower Steering FluidAdBlue(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 adviceAntifreeze strength and advice timing belt replacement intervals and advice |
| Brake | Visual check of brake pads for wear |
| Wheels & Tyres | Tire condition & tire depth type pressure and adjust |
| Steering & Suspension | Steering rack gaiters condition |
| Exhaust | Exhaust condition and advice |
| Drive System | Clutch Fluid level transmission oil leaks |
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 the tank is 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 OilOil FilterAir Filter |
| Top-ups included | Windscreen AdditiveCoolantBrake FluidPower Steering FluidAdBlue(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 washes pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)Windscreen for cracks and chipsExternal and internal mirror condition number plate conditioner belt operation |
| Engine | General oil leaks and adviceAntifreeze 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 tensionFuel 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 wearVisual check of brake disks for wearAll visible brake pipes and hoses and brake operation broke calipers for leaks and security |
| Wheels & Tyres | Condition & tyre depthTyre pressure and adjustRoad SpringsTyre |
| Steering & Suspension | Steering/ suspension component steering rack gaiters conditionShock absorber condition wheel bearings |
| Exhaust | Exhaust condition and adviceExhaust Smoke (Diesel) |
| Drive System | Clutch Fluid level transmission oil leaks check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks |
| Top-ups included | Windscreen AdditiveCoolantBrake FluidPower Steering FluidAdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed) |
| General Checks | External lights, instrument warning lights, and horn operation |
| Internal/Vision | Door, bonnet, and lock 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 conditioner belt operation |
| Engine | General oil leaks and adviceAntifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank)Radiator capElectrical coolant fan (if applicable)Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tensionFuel system and tank (if visible)Timing belt replacement intervals and adviseChange 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 wearVisual check of brake disks for wearAll visible brake pipes and hoses and brake operation broke calipers for leaks and security |
| Wheels & Tyres | Condition & tire depth type pressure and adjusted Springs |
| Steering & Suspension | Steering/ suspension component steering rack gaiters conditionShock absorber condition wheel bearings |
| Exhaust | Exhaust condition and adviceExhaust Smoke (Diesel) |
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 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 you 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 number of checks needed every 6 months and 1 year. Regular maintenance is the key to 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 engines. Tires, Steering, Exhaust, and Drive systems 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, tires & 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.
Resources: www.actonservicecentre.co.uk