Need further assistance?
What is car servicing?
Car servicing is a fundamental part of keeping your vehicle in top condition, ensuring your car remains a safe and reliable companion on the road. Regular car servicing is not just about ticking a box—it’s an investment in your car’s health, performance, and longevity. By scheduling routine maintenance, car owners can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and maintain a strong resale value.
A comprehensive car service covers a wide range of essential checks and maintenance tasks, from oil changes and brake servicing to exhaust system inspections. These services are designed to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, catching potential issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Car servicing is typically divided into different types, such as interim service, full car service, and major service, each tailored to the specific needs and usage patterns of your vehicle.
Prioritizing regular servicing means you’re less likely to face unexpected breakdowns or major repairs, saving you money and stress in the long run. A thorough inspection by a skilled mechanic can spot early warning signs, ensuring your car’s performance and safety are never compromised. Ultimately, car servicing is about more than just maintaining your vehicle—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and your investment, while enjoying peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
What are the benefits of regular Car Service?
Staying on top of your car service schedule brings a host of benefits that go far beyond simply keeping your vehicle running. Regular car servicing can significantly improve fuel efficiency, helping you save money at the pump and reduce your environmental impact. By keeping your car well maintained, you also lower the risk of unexpected breakdowns and the costly repairs that often follow.
A well-serviced vehicle is less likely to suffer from major repairs, as routine checks can catch issues with key components like brake pads and spark plugs before they escalate. This preventative approach not only keeps your car running smoothly but also extends its lifespan, meaning you can enjoy your vehicle for longer without the need for premature replacements.
Safety is another major advantage of regular servicing. Comprehensive checks ensure that critical systems—such as brakes and steering—are functioning correctly, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping you and your passengers safe. Additionally, maintaining a full service history can boost your car’s resale value, making it more attractive to potential buyers and ensuring a higher return on your investment.
Ultimately, regular car servicing provides peace of mind for car owners, knowing that their vehicle is less likely to let them down and more likely to deliver a comfortable, efficient, and safe driving experience.
What does a full car service include?
It depends where you take your car to have it serviced as to exactly what you’ll get for your money, but rest assured, every full car service will include an abundance of checks, replacements, refills and adjustments aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency. A full car service typically includes a comprehensive check up and engine diagnostics as part of the process. Car services at professional garages include these comprehensive checks to ensure your vehicle's safety and longevity.
The full service makes sure your car is in optimum health, has a solid service history, and is prepared for another year of roadworthy use.
We’ve compiled this comprehensive list of what’s likely to be included in your comprehensive service and annual car service checks.
Engine servicing
Draining and refilling the engine oil and replacing the oil filter
Replacing the air filter
Checking and replacing the fuel filter
Replacing spark plugs where required
Examining lines and seals for oil leaks
Examining the radiator, hoses and the header tank for wear, corrosion and leaks
Checking the antifreeze strength, the amount of engine coolant and topping up levels where required
Check all drive belts and tensions
Checking the fuel lines and petrol tank for signs of leaking
Check the timing belt and consider the time since its previous replacement
Examine the AdBlue levels on diesel engine cars
Brake servicing
Check brake pads and disks for signs of wear and damage
Check all brake pipes and hoses for corrosion and deterioration
Make sure the brake fluid is at the correct level, and the condition of the fluid is good
Test the handbrake and make any necessary adjustments for its ideal operation
Make a visual check of the brake callipers for apparent signs of wear or damage
Wheel and tyre servicing
All tyres are checked for roadworthiness, including legal tread depth, and a visual inspection is performed to identify any damage, punctures, or signs of wear. Tyres are also checked to ensure they’re running at the correct tyre pressure.
Steering and suspension servicing
Check the condition of the suspension springs and associated components
Make sure the power steering fluid reservoir is at the correct level – top up where required
Check the condition of the shock absorbers
Inspect all steering components for wear or damage
Examine the steering and the state of the steering rack gaiters
Exhaust system servicing
Check the condition of the exhaust system for visible signs of wear, damage and corrosion
Examine the smoke levels exiting the exhaust
Clutch and drive system servicing
Examine the drive system for any transmission oil leaks
Where appropriate, check the clutch fluid level
Check the drive shaft for leaks and stability
Internal vehicle servicing checks
Make sure all windscreen wipers and washers operate correctly, aren't worn or damaged, and screenwash levels are at an appropriate level
Check pollen filters where appropriate
Examine the windscreen for chips and cracks
Check internal and external mirrors for damage
Examine all seat belts for correct operation
Make sure both number plates are clean, free of damage, and secured in place correctly
General servicing checks
Examine all external and internal lights for correct operation – including:
Headlamps
Brake lights
Indicators
Fog lights
Check the horn operation
Test dashboard warning lights for full functionality
Perform a road test to assess the vehicle's overall performance and safety
If you want to find out what's included in Fixter's full service, checkout out our car service page.
Importance of Using Genuine Parts
When it comes to car servicing and repairs, the quality of the parts used can make a significant difference in your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Opting for genuine parts is essential for maintaining engine health, ensuring your car runs smoothly, and protecting your investment from costly repairs down the line.
Genuine parts are specifically designed to meet your vehicle manufacturer’s exact specifications, guaranteeing a perfect fit and optimal function. This not only helps maintain your car’s resale value but also reduces the risk of premature wear and tear, which can lead to expensive repairs or even major failures. Using genuine parts also ensures that critical safety features—such as airbags and brake systems—work as intended, providing maximum protection for you and your passengers.
Another key benefit is that genuine parts are typically backed by the manufacturer’s warranty, giving car owners added peace of mind and protection against defects. By choosing genuine components during your car service, you’re investing in the long-term reliability and safety of your vehicle, helping to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and maintain a well maintained vehicle for years to come.
What is the average cost of a full car service?
The typical full car service cost averaged out through the UK, currently stands at around £165.
The cost of car services can vary depending on the vehicle make, model, and the specific needs of the car owner, as different cars may require different maintenance routines and parts.
If you choose Fixter to organise the work for you, you can expect to receive the best care and attention for you and your car, and, of course, the most competitive rates on the market.
How to Choose the Right Garage
Selecting the right garage for your car servicing needs is crucial to ensuring your vehicle receives the best possible care. A reputable service provider will have experienced, skilled mechanics who use genuine parts and follow manufacturer guidelines, giving you confidence that your car is in safe hands.
When searching for a garage, look for one with a strong reputation and positive customer reviews. A clean, well-organized workshop equipped with modern tools and technology is a good sign of professionalism and attention to detail. It’s also important to check for relevant certifications and licenses, which indicate that the garage meets industry standards for quality and safety.
A trustworthy garage should offer a comprehensive service, including thorough inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs, all delivered with transparency and clear communication. Make sure you understand their pricing structure upfront, with no hidden costs or surprises. Asking for referrals from friends or family can also help you find a service provider committed to customer satisfaction.
Finally, choose a garage that offers a wide range of services—from routine maintenance to diagnostics and repairs—so you have a one-stop-shop for all your car servicing needs. This ensures your vehicle remains well maintained and ready for the road, no matter what comes your way.
Here at Fixter, we take the hassle out of finding the best local garages. We have a network of garage partners that have passed a rigorous vetting process. We then factor in your location, make and model of vehicle and the work that needs doing. Then, we cross-reference the garages near you with your chosen date to secure the best possible appointment. See our garage network locations here.
What's the difference between a full service, an interim and a major service?
Depending on how you use your car and how often, you should be able to make a sensible decision into which of the three main types of vehicle service your car will need based on your driving habits at any given time. Routine service plays a significant role in preventative maintenance and overall vehicle maintenance, helping to prevent costly repairs and maintain your vehicle's reliability.
A full service is recommended at yearly intervals or around 12,000 miles to ensure optimal engine health. However, for exceptionally low or high-mileage drivers, that might not always be the best option for your situation.
Basic or interim service
A basic or interim service is a type of routine service, acting as a stopgap or quick-check service designed to keep high-mileage drivers safe and their vehicles roadworthy. Those of us who regularly drive long distances, whether for work or play, know that these cars are going to be subject to more wear than a car carrying out a more conventional driver’s mileage.
Your interim service will feature the more basic checks: oil and filter changes, a top-up of all the essential fluids, and visual inspections of 30 or 40 of the components that are subject to typical regular wear and tear. So if you’re the type of driver who regularly covers 6,000 miles in less than 6 months, then this is a good option for you as part of your routine service and maintenance.
Full service
We don’t need to explain the depth of detail covered during a full car service given the list of checks we’ve detailed for you. Despite the recommendation into carrying out a full service every year, if you drive more than 12,000 miles before the year is up, we’d suggest getting yourself booked in early. Your car will be ready for it.
A full service is essential for maintaining your car's performance and reliability, helping to ensure efficiency and minimize the risk of breakdowns.
Major service
If you thought the full service was pretty all-inclusive, then a major service takes the operation a step further, helping to prevent costly major repairs. A major service doesn’t just check each of the components but replaces almost all of your consumables to provide the optimum of care for your vehicle. The most attentive drivers will book their cars in for a major service every couple of years, to guarantee the peak performance of their vehicle.
A major service is a comprehensive form of preventative maintenance, helping to avoid costly repairs.
DIY Car Servicing vs Professional Car Service
For some car owners, the idea of tackling car servicing themselves can be appealing, offering a sense of accomplishment and potential cost savings. However, DIY car servicing often lacks the expertise and thoroughness that a professional car service provides, which can lead to costly repairs or even major repairs if issues are missed.
A professional car service offers a comprehensive inspection by skilled mechanics, who can identify potential problems early and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. This level of attention helps improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend the lifespan of your car—benefits that are hard to match with DIY efforts.
While DIY servicing can be a rewarding hobby for those with the right skills, it may not provide the same level of safety and reliability, potentially putting you and your passengers at risk. Professional services also come with warranties and guarantees, offering protection and peace of mind that DIY work cannot match.
Ultimately, a professional car service is a convenient and comprehensive option for car owners, covering everything from routine maintenance to diagnostics and repairs. By entrusting your vehicle to experts, you reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your car remains a reliable companion on the road.
Finally—don't skip your service, you could be asking for trouble
We get asked all sorts of questions and from every type of driver. Is an oil change included in a service? Do they check the spare tyre? Will a sticking seatbelt fail an MOT? Yet one of the most popular is still “Does a service really make much difference to my car?”
We believe we believe regular maintenance is one of the most important parts of car maintenance. Regular servicing for your vehicle helps to catch all kinds of problems before they escalate into much bigger ones. A service makes sure your car is operating at its best, and by doing so, is less prone to issues and failures.
We've seen it time and time again, just how important a service it. Your car service will save you money in the long-term by preventing costly repairs . We think it's one of the best value checks you'll ever receive as a driver.
Need further assistance?
