We all know that booking a car service is a great way to take care of your vehicle.

As part of the regular maintenance of your car, it can be helpful to know exactly which checks are included in a full service. 

A full service is more extensive than an interim service, with a major service being the most comprehensive check of the three.

The process of contacting garages, comparing quotes and inspecting service schedules can easily become frustrating and time-consuming.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide which can tell you everything you need to know about a standard full car service.

 

What Does a Full Service Include?

If you are reading this article, chances are you may have already looked around a few garages.

You have likely noticed that the checks included in a full service can vary from garage to garage. This can make it hard to visualise whether or not you are actually getting a great deal. 

BookMyGarage can simplify the process for you. All of the garages listed on our site price their car services against our industry-standard service schedule, meaning you always compare prices ‘like-for-like’.

With thousands of independent and franchised garages to choose from on our online comparison site, you are sure to find an excellent deal on the right garage for you.

In the tables below, you will find an exhaustive list of every check included in a BookMyGarage full car service.

 

Full Car Service Checklist

 

General Checks

External lights (Headlights, brake lights, indicators)

Instrument warning lamps

Horn

 

Internal / Vision

Condition of windscreen wipers and washers

Pollen filter condition (extra cost if replacement needed)

Windscreen integrity (cracks and chips)

Condition of all mirrors

Number plate condition

Seat belt condition 

 

Engine

Replace oil filter

Replace air filter

Report on any oil leaks

Advise on antifreeze strength

Radiator and coolant hoses for condition and leaks

Condition and tension of auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt)

Inspect fuel system + tank (if visible)

Check timing belt replacement intervals and advise

 

Fluid Top-ups (if required)

Screenwash

Coolant

Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid

AdBlue (diesel only; extra cost for top-up)

 

 

Brakes

Advise on brake fluid condition and report if replacement needed (extra charge)

Inspect brake pads for wear

Inspect brake discs for wear

Visual check all visible brake pipes and hoses

Check operation of the hand brake

Visual check brake callipers for leaks and security

 

 

Wheels & Tyres

Tyre condition and tread depth

Check and adjust tyre pressures

 

Steering & Suspension Checks

Condition of road springs

Steering/suspension components

Steering rack gaiters condition

Shock absorber condition

Wheel bearings

 

 

Exhaust

Visually check exhaust smoke (diesel)

Advise on the condition of the exhaust

 

Drive System Checks

Security of gaiters and report any leaks

Clutch fluid level (if applicable)

Any leaks of transmission oil

 

Following a full service, your chosen garage will fill out a printout of the BookMyGarage service schedule.

In some cases, the garage may stamp your service book or provide their own paperwork with any suggested repairs or other work completed highlighted.

 

What Is a Full Car Service?

Whilst there is certainly value in both an interim and a major service, these checks tend to cover too few or too many components to be reliable car maintenance.

If you can only afford to book one car service a year - both in terms of time and money - a full service is a great option.

When you book through BookMyGarage, a full service includes 40 useful checks.

Covering everything from your car’s fluid levels, to the health of your tyres, brakes and timing belt, a full service is sure to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

A BookMyGarage full service will include the following checks:

  • Replacement of the oil and air filters
  • A check of the coolant levels
  • A check of the suspension
  • A check of the operation of the lights, exhaust, brakes and steering

There are plenty of other useful checks included in a full service, which we will cover later in this article. 

 

How Much Does a Full Service Cost?

The average cost for a full car service in the UK is £182.40, according to BookMyGarage data.

Generally speaking, most garages will charge anywhere between £140 - £280 for a full service but the price depends on your car's engine size. Larger engines need more engine oil and bigger filters, which can increase the cost.

This means if you drive a car with a 1litre engine, you can expect to pay a lot less for a full car service than someone with a car that has a 3litre engine.

When you compare garages through BookMyGarage, you can save up to 70% when you choose one of the lower cost options. You can also book a main dealer service for less than booking direct through SecretServiceTM.

The average price of a full service booked through SecretService is £146.82.

 

How Long Does a Car Service Take?

A full service will typically take around 3 hours to complete. An interim service takes between 1 and 2 hours on average, and a major service usually takes more than 3 hours.

In such a small space of time, a car service can get your car running to its full potential when you book with a professional garage.

Choose the right garage to perform your car service, and experience quality car care today.

 

Don't know your vehicle registration?
Full Service

 

Be sure to book a full service when needed to keep your car running as efficiently as possible. 

 

FAQs

Why Do I Need a Car Service?

What Is a Car Service Book?

Can You Get a Car Service at Home?