What does a Car Service include?

This ultimate guide to car servicing covers everything you need to keep your vehicle in top condition—from what a car service includes to how often you need one. With over 120 HiQ centres across the UK, expert car servicing is always nearby, so you can feel confident when booking your next service.

What is a car service and what does it include?

Regular car servicing is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and reliably to help prevent costly repairs and ensure it stays in optimal condition for the future. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what is included in a car service, the types of car services available and how often a car should be serviced to maintain its performance. Whether you’re driving a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle, understanding the ins and outs of car servicing is key to ensuring long-term safety, efficiency and value.

What is a car service?

Car servicing is a routine maintenance process that helps keep your vehicle in optimal condition by addressing wear and tear and ensuring all components function efficiently. It involves thorough checks of essential parts and the replacement of key fluids. The goal is to identify and address any issues before they develop into costly problems, extending the life of your vehicle and improving its resale value. Regular servicing ensures your car runs safely and efficiently, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns.

What does a car service include?

A car service involves a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of key components to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Depending on the type of service chosen, tasks can include replacing the engine oil and oil filter, topping up fluids, and inspecting the brakes, suspension, tyres, exhaust and other vital systems. More comprehensive services may involve replacing spark plugs, filters and checking components like wheel alignment and suspension. Electric and hybrid cars may also have checks for charging ports and cables. Additionally, minor repairs such as tightening belts or adjusting timings can be included. It is worth noting that a car service is not the same as an MOT, which is a legal requirement and focuses solely on road-worthiness.

How long does a car service take?

The duration of a car service varies depending on the type of service required: an interim service typically takes about 90 minutes, while a full service can last up to 3 hours. The service is focused on maintaining your car's performance, with checks that include the body, wheels, brakes and gearbox, and may involve some dismantling for tasks like fluid replacement or filter changes. The exact time needed depends on the garage and type of service, but you can generally expect to pick up your car the same day.

Types of car services and what they include

Interim car service

An Interim Car Service includes oil and filter replacement and checks on key vehicle systems such as suspension, brakes and fluid levels. This type of service is recommended for high-mileage drivers or those who take frequent short, urban trips, to offer peace of mind between annual services.

Full car service

A Full Car Service is a detailed inspection that includes a 53-point check of your vehicle, covering everything from essential fluids and brake pads to the exhaust system and suspension. It’s recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles, depending on your manufacturer’s schedule.

Major car service

A Major Car Service offers a comprehensive inspection with more extensive checks and replacements than Full Service. It’s especially recommended for older vehicles or those driven frequently, helping to ensure long-term reliability and safety.

Electric vehicle servicing

Electric vehicles (EVs) have fewer moving parts than traditional cars but still require regular servicing and maintenance. Common tasks like checking tyre wear, replacing windscreen wipers and changing brake fluid are still necessary.

How often should a car be serviced?

Regular car servicing is essential for identifying potential issues early, helping to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs down the line. Keeping up with routine services also helps extend the lifespan of your car and can increase its resale value by showing a well-maintained service history. It’s generally recommended to service every 12,000 miles or once a year, depending on your driving habits. For those who drive more frequently, especially those covering over 2,000 miles per month, an additional interim service every six months may be beneficial to address any signs of wear and tear.

The difference between a car service and MOT

While both a car service and MOT are important, they serve different purposes. An MOT is a legal annual check to ensure your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards, focusing on roadworthiness. On the other hand, a car service is a routine checkup that addresses wear and tear, ensuring all components function efficiently. While not legally required, regular servicing helps prevent issues not detected in an MOT. Scheduling both together can save time, reduce unexpected problems and prevent expensive repairs, helping to save money in the long run.

Looking for a car service near me? With over 120 HiQ centres across the country, you're never far from expert car servicing and advice. From Aberdeen to Bristol, Northampton to Peterborough, you can find a HiQ centre near you to provide the same great service no matter where you're located.

Visit Car Servicing for more information and to book a car service today.