Full Service and MOT in Birmingham

What is a 'full service' on a car?

A full service involves thoroughly checking the fluids and components in the vehicle, to determine whether they need replacing, updating, or replenishing. Getting your car serviced will also help prevent larger jobs cropping up later on, thus saving you a lot of hassle and money.

When is my car due for a service?

The recommended service schedule for your vehicle will be outlined in your owner’s manual. However, the general rule would be that a full service be undertaken at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

How often should you service your car?

Your car should receive a full service annually, and if you undertake a high mileage it should receive an interim service in between at the 6 month mark.

What is included in a full service?

A full service is a visual inspection that includes around 60-70 checks, and will include some of the following:

Checks over your:

• Battery condition
• Tyre tread and pressure
• Steering and wheel alignment
• Wheel bearings
• Brake pads and discs
• Plus many more!

Top ups and replacements on your:

• Anti freeze coolant
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Windscreen wash
• Engine oil and filters
• Plus many more!

Other comprehensively checked components are your:

• Windscreen wipers
• Door locks
• External lights
• Brake fluid condition

How long does a full service take?

A car’s full service can take around three hours to complete, if there are no significant issues encountered as they will of course lengthen the job time. You will ordinarily get your car back the same day but perhaps set a day aside for the service.

If you decide to book a major service, this can take slightly longer between three to four hours, as it essentially includes all of the checks included in with a full service, plus some extras.

What's the difference between a full and an interim service?

An interim service is less comprehensive than a full service, and is advised to be carried out every 6 months, or every 6,000 miles. Interim services focus on items that require the most regular renewal and maintenance, and in turn can help to address any problems early on to prevent the issue becoming worse later down the line. A full service covers all of the elements of an interim service, plus more.

What's the difference between a full and a major service?

Many garages won't differentiate between a full and a major service. Where they do, the major is even more comprehensive and may include items such as a full drain and renewal of brake fluid and coolant.

What are the benefits of getting a full service?

Though getting your annual full service is not a legal requirement, there are a number of safety and financial benefits to getting one. Just a few of these benefits include:

• Decreases the chance of your car breaking down
• Helps to improve fuel economy
• Getting your annual full service helps towards getting a full service history, increasing the value of your car when reselling
• Reduction of overall wear on your engine, brake pads and tyres through regular maintenance checks