What Happens During a Full Service?

The oil and filter change

Nearly every service begins with fresh engine oil and a new oil filter. Oil lubricates, cools and cleans the engine, and over time it breaks down and collects contamination. Changing it is the single most useful job in routine maintenance.

The correct grade and type of oil matters, particularly in modern engines. The handbook or the manufacturer data gives the specification, and it should be followed rather than guessed.

Drain plug washers and seals are normally renewed at the same time so the sump does not weep. A good technician will also look underneath for leaks while the car is raised, which is a useful check in itself, since a small seep found early is much easier to deal with than one found at the roadside.

Oil is also the reason service intervals have a time limit as well as a mileage limit. Even if the car sits on the drive, oil absorbs moisture and fuel residues, particularly after many short trips, so it is not something to stretch out.

Other filters and replacement items

A full service usually adds other replacement items on top of the oil change. The air filter is commonly checked and replaced when needed, because a clogged one restricts airflow and can affect economy. The pollen or cabin filter may also be done where fitted, and the fuel filter is replaced on schedule on some cars.

Spark plugs are changed on petrol cars at the intervals the manufacturer sets, and diesel vehicles have different items to consider. What gets replaced depends on the car, the age and the mileage, so ask for the list at the estimate.

It is also worth knowing that the wording on an estimate can hide differences. One garage may include plugs in a full service while another treats them as an extra, so compare what is listed, not just the heading.

• Engine oil and oil filter
• Air filter, where due
• Pollen or cabin filter, where fitted
• Fuel filter, where due
• Spark plugs on petrol engines, where due

Fluids and a full set of checks

The technician also checks and tops up the main fluids: brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid where fitted and screenwash. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and coolant protects against freezing and corrosion, so both have recommended renewal intervals.

Then comes the inspection. Brake pads, discs and lines are looked over, along with tyres, suspension components, steering joints, the exhaust, lights, wipers, the battery and the belts. Anything worn or about to fail is noted, and you are told what is urgent and what can wait.

How full differs from interim and major

An interim service is a lighter check, often done between longer services or by drivers who cover high mileage or make many short trips. It typically covers the oil and filter and a set of basic checks.

A full service is more comprehensive, with more replaced items and a wider inspection. A major service goes further still, adding items that are only due at longer intervals, such as certain fluids, belts or plugs depending on the car. The names vary between garages, so ask exactly what is included instead of relying on the label.

If your car is still under manufacturer warranty, manufacturer-schedule servicing may be the way to follow the book. Check your warranty terms.

Getting the record and asking questions

Once the work is done, you should get a record of what was carried out. That might be a stamp in the service book, an invoice listing the work or a digital entry. Keep it, because a clear service history helps when you sell and helps the next garage know where to start.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we carry out interim, full and major servicing as well as oil and filter changes. If we find extra work, we will explain it before going ahead, and you decide what happens. The cost depends on the vehicle and what is due, so ask for an estimate.

Frequently asked questions