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What's included in a car service?

And why regular servicing is important​​

A hand using a locking wheel nut tool on a car alloy

By Tia Harrison-North

If you’re doing your research on what does a car service include, it’s likely you’re due for some car maintenance.

If you’d like to service your car (which is recommended at intervals depending on the type of service) you’ll need to book in for a service and take it to the centre.

Expertly trained technicians will then give your car a thorough check over and will carry out maintenance tasks such as filter and oil changes.

Car servicing is not a legal requirement in the UK, like an MOT is, but it will ensure your car stays in the best possible condition throughout ownership.

This also means it stays in the safest possible condition, as any potential hazards such as worn tyres will be spotted.

What does a car service include?

What’s included in a car service will differ depending on the type of service and what the garage or servicing centre offers.

As standard, a service will include things such as:

  • A comprehensive vehicle check, including brakes, tyres and steering
  • Engine maintenance such as spark plug changes
  • Oil and filter changes
  • Fluid top ups for brakes, steering, coolant and washer fluid
  • Light and electrical checks

What’s included with an electric car service?

An electric car service includes the same fundamentals as a standard petrol or diesel car service, just with some different elements to maintain and inspect.

For an electric car service, you can expect:

electric car service, you can expect:

  • A full diagnostic inspection, including any software updates
  • Essential car health checks such as tyre and brake checks

  • EV component inspection to check cables, socket, battery and charging status, plus high-voltage components

There are also a few things that an EV service may do without – engine oil changes, for example, aren’t needed because there’s no engine.

What is an interim car service and what’s included?

An interim service is a ‘mini’ service option that’s usually recommended at the six-month or 6,000-mile mark since your last full service.

It will ensure any minor issues that might have cropped up since the last service are taken care of, and acts as a buffer into your car’s next full service.

Depending on where you choose to have your service carried out, it may include:

  • Oil change
  • Oil filter change
  • A thorough car health inspection

What is a full car service and what’s included?

A full service is one of the more comprehensive servicing options on the market and is recommended annually or every 12,000 miles.

These typically include:

  • Oil and oil filter change
  • Refill screen wash and coolant
  • A full, in-depth car inspection


What is a major car service and what’s included?

A major car service is the most in-depth service option on the market. It’s recommended every 24-months or 24,000-miles and is best suited to motorists that cover a lot of mileage or if it’s been a while since your last service.

These can include:

  • Everything from a standard/full service
  • Clutch fluid top-up
  • Brake fluid change
  • Power-steering fluid top-up
  • Cabin air filter change
  • A full diagnostic scan of the car and a fault report


Interim vs. full vs. major servicing

What's included?InterimFullMajor
Oil and filter change
In-depth inspection
Brake fluid change
New spark plugs
Cabin filter change


What do they do in a car service?

Although different car servicing types offer different types of maintenance, the process is still similar.

You’ll drop your car off at a service centre or garage, and the expert technicians will get to work inspecting your car.

They’ll check areas such as your tyre tread and brake condition, as well as run diagnostic scans to find any faults.

The technician will also carry out any fluid or filter changes, depending on the service type you’ve picked.

Once the service has been completed, you’ll receive feedback from the technician on any issues or maintenance recommendations they have.


How long does a car service take?

A car service can take between 90 minutes and four hours, depending on the level of servicing you’ve booked in for.

Of course, an interim service is going to be much quicker than a major service, so you’ll want to plan ahead for leaving your vehicle at the service centre for quite a few hours.

You’ll typically get a phone call once your service has been completed, and the technician will update you on anything you need to know.


Why regular servicing is important


It can be tempting to avoid car servicing as it isn’t a legal requirement for driving on UK roads. It’s another thing to add to your car maintenance calendar, but it’s really very important.

Car servicing is important because:

  • Improved safety - the service will spot any issues with your vehicle that could be a safety concern
  • Better fuel efficiency - fuel efficiency is improved when all elements of the vehicle are in the best condition. This can save you money on running costs
  • Longer vehicle lifespan - you can extend the lifespan of your car by keeping it well maintained. Oil and filter changes are important for keeping your vehicle in the best condition for years to come
  • Maintaining resale value - you'll get a service stamp with each service, and these tell future buyers that your car has been well maintained and cared for. This can help you maintain resale value

Book your car service with Marshall

Car servicing is an important part of maintaining your vehicle, keeping it safe, and ensuring it’s on the roads for years to come.

Every car service is slightly different depending on where it’s carried out. Visit out page on Marshall Vehicle Servicing to book your expert service with us and see what is included.

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What's included in a car service?

And why regular servicing is important​​

A hand using a locking wheel nut tool on a car alloy

By Tia Harrison-North

If you’re doing your research on what does a car service include, it’s likely you’re due for some car maintenance.

If you’d like to service your car (which is recommended at intervals depending on the type of service) you’ll need to book in for a service and take it to the centre.

Expertly trained technicians will then give your car a thorough check over and will carry out maintenance tasks such as filter and oil changes.

Car servicing is not a legal requirement in the UK, like an MOT is, but it will ensure your car stays in the best possible condition throughout ownership.

This also means it stays in the safest possible condition, as any potential hazards such as worn tyres will be spotted.

What does a car service include?

What’s included in a car service will differ depending on the type of service and what the garage or servicing centre offers.

As standard, a service will include things such as:

  • A comprehensive vehicle check, including brakes, tyres and steering
  • Engine maintenance such as spark plug changes
  • Oil and filter changes
  • Fluid top ups for brakes, steering, coolant and washer fluid
  • Light and electrical checks

What’s included with an electric car service?

An electric car service includes the same fundamentals as a standard petrol or diesel car service, just with some different elements to maintain and inspect.

For an electric car service, you can expect:

electric car service, you can expect:

  • A full diagnostic inspection, including any software updates
  • Essential car health checks such as tyre and brake checks

  • EV component inspection to check cables, socket, battery and charging status, plus high-voltage components

There are also a few things that an EV service may do without – engine oil changes, for example, aren’t needed because there’s no engine.

What is an interim car service and what’s included?

An interim service is a ‘mini’ service option that’s usually recommended at the six-month or 6,000-mile mark since your last full service.

It will ensure any minor issues that might have cropped up since the last service are taken care of, and acts as a buffer into your car’s next full service.

Depending on where you choose to have your service carried out, it may include:

  • Oil change
  • Oil filter change
  • A thorough car health inspection

What is a full car service and what’s included?

A full service is one of the more comprehensive servicing options on the market and is recommended annually or every 12,000 miles.

These typically include:

  • Oil and oil filter change
  • Refill screen wash and coolant
  • A full, in-depth car inspection


What is a major car service and what’s included?

A major car service is the most in-depth service option on the market. It’s recommended every 24-months or 24,000-miles and is best suited to motorists that cover a lot of mileage or if it’s been a while since your last service.

These can include:

  • Everything from a standard/full service
  • Clutch fluid top-up
  • Brake fluid change
  • Power-steering fluid top-up
  • Cabin air filter change
  • A full diagnostic scan of the car and a fault report


Interim vs. full vs. major servicing

What's included?InterimFullMajor
Oil and filter change
In-depth inspection
Brake fluid change
New spark plugs
Cabin filter change


What do they do in a car service?

Although different car servicing types offer different types of maintenance, the process is still similar.

You’ll drop your car off at a service centre or garage, and the expert technicians will get to work inspecting your car.

They’ll check areas such as your tyre tread and brake condition, as well as run diagnostic scans to find any faults.

The technician will also carry out any fluid or filter changes, depending on the service type you’ve picked.

Once the service has been completed, you’ll receive feedback from the technician on any issues or maintenance recommendations they have.


How long does a car service take?

A car service can take between 90 minutes and four hours, depending on the level of servicing you’ve booked in for.

Of course, an interim service is going to be much quicker than a major service, so you’ll want to plan ahead for leaving your vehicle at the service centre for quite a few hours.

You’ll typically get a phone call once your service has been completed, and the technician will update you on anything you need to know.


Why regular servicing is important


It can be tempting to avoid car servicing as it isn’t a legal requirement for driving on UK roads. It’s another thing to add to your car maintenance calendar, but it’s really very important.

Car servicing is important because:

  • Improved safety - the service will spot any issues with your vehicle that could be a safety concern
  • Better fuel efficiency - fuel efficiency is improved when all elements of the vehicle are in the best condition. This can save you money on running costs
  • Longer vehicle lifespan - you can extend the lifespan of your car by keeping it well maintained. Oil and filter changes are important for keeping your vehicle in the best condition for years to come
  • Maintaining resale value - you'll get a service stamp with each service, and these tell future buyers that your car has been well maintained and cared for. This can help you maintain resale value

Book your car service with Marshall

Car servicing is an important part of maintaining your vehicle, keeping it safe, and ensuring it’s on the roads for years to come.

Every car service is slightly different depending on where it’s carried out. Visit out page on Marshall Vehicle Servicing to book your expert service with us and see what is included.

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