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Your quick guide to what’s included in Interim, Full and Major services.
Why Should I Service My Car?
Regular servicing keeps your vehicle safe, efficient and reliable. It helps detect issues early, reduces long-term repair costs and supports the car’s value.
- ✔️ Helps prevent costly repairs by catching issues early
- ✔️ Keeps your car safe, roadworthy and fuel-efficient
- ✔️ Protects your manufacturer’s warranty (when applicable)
- ✔️ Improves resale value with a documented service history
- ✔️ Ensures vital components like brakes, filters and fluids are in good condition
What’s Checked in Each Service?
Typical inclusions shown below. Your exact service may vary by vehicle and condition.
| Component | Interim | Full | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil (drain & refill) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Oil filter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air filter | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cabin/pollen filter | ✓ | ||
| Fuel filter (if applicable) | ✓ | ||
| Coolant top-up | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Component | Interim | Full | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery health check | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drive belt inspection | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Spark plugs (if required) | ✓ |
| Checkpoints | Interim | Full | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake pads & discs (visual check) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tyre pressure & tread depth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Suspension components | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inspection | Interim | Full | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lights & horn | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wipers & washer jets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering & alignment (visual) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Service warning light reset | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
How Often Should I Service My Car?
- Interim Service: about every 6 months or ~6,000 miles
- Full Service: about every 12 months or ~12,000 miles
- Major Service: about every 24 months or ~24,000 miles
- Short trips/city driving: consider shorter intervals.
- Diesel owners: use the correct low-SAPS oil; avoid frequent short runs.
- Under warranty: follow the manufacturer schedule and keep records.
- Red oil can (oil pressure): stop the engine safely and check oil level.
- Red battery (charging): charging/alternator fault — minimise driving.
- Red exclamation (brake): possible low brake fluid or braking issue — inspect soon.
- Amber engine/EML: engine management/emissions — arrange a diagnostic.
Car Servicing – FAQs
Interim covers essentials like oil & filter and safety checks. Full adds more inspections and often an air filter. Major includes time-based items such as spark plugs, fuel filter and cabin filter.
Yes — when the schedule is followed and the correct spec parts/fluids are used. Keep invoices and a stamped record.
Yes. An MOT checks roadworthiness; a service maintains reliability and performance. They complement each other.
Find Parts by Reg
Use the VRM lookup on our homepage.