A full car service checklist should include all the components that need an inspection for a safe and hassle-free journey. You can create your own list by consulting your car’s owner manual or rely on our general advice. Here’s a sample car service checklist.
A full service of a car often entails changing the oil and filter, visually inspecting the fluid levels and parts, checking the wheel alignment, checking the brakes, and checking the air filter and other filters.
Pre-engine inspection
- Car history
- Timing belt replacement interval
- Damage to bodywork, lamps and trims
- Condition of all seat belts
- Working of interior and exterior lights
- Working of ABS and airbag warning lights
- Windscreen washers and wipers
- Horn
- Working of suspension dampers
- Oiling all door hinges, locks, and bonnet catches
- Fuel cap
Inspect under the bonnet
- Cooling system
- Anti-freeze protection
- Brake fluid boiling point
- All auxiliary drive belts
- Engine breather system
- Vacuum pipes
- Power steering operation and fluid condition
- Full throttle settings and lubricate the linkage
- Battery level and lubricate terminals.
- And fill up all under bonnet fluid levels.
While raising the vehicle
- Fuel lines and brake pipes
- The condition and security of the exhaust
- And top up the rear axle and transfer box oil levels.
- And top up gearbox oil level.
- All steering and suspension connections, mounting, and gaiters
- Tyre’s condition
- All-wheel bearings for excessive ‘play’ and noise
- Clutch adjustment and adjust.
- Working and condition of front brakes
- Working and condition of rear brakes, including handbrake
- And change oil, filter and fit new sump plug washer.
- And grease all greasing points.
- And do a brake report.
With the vehicle in a lowered state, the mechanic should refill engine oil and check torque wheel nuts/studs.
Car servicing during the third Covid-19 lockdown
Car service departments across the United Kingdom are an essential-retail, so the authorities permit them to operate normally. Therefore, you can take car service during the third Covid-19 lockdown.
Most garages are working in full capacity right now to clear the backlog of vehicles they missed servicing or MOT for half a year during the last year’s first lockdown. Therefore, it is better to contact your chosen garage before the due date of your service or MOT
Like most other corporations, car workshops follow Covid-safe protocols set last year. Customers can have peace of mind with no-contact handovers and getting their vehicle completely clean after the service or MOT. The same guidelines will follow this year, as well.
Please note the government does not intend to offer MOT extension in the third lockdown. The only time they suggested it was in the first lockdown.
However, car sales will purely be an online affair now, as was the case in the previous lockdowns. For this reason, you might have to face a delay in the delivery if you have booked a new vehicle.
What is the cost of a basic car service in the UK?
You may have to spend up to £150 for a basic car service in the UK. However, you can save money if you shop around. Understand that, the basic or full, the car service never incorporates the cost of repairs, replacements, or parts.
A basic car service includes oil change, tyre pressure check, car fluids replacement (such as screen wash fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid), spark plug check and replacement, and air filter change
What does a major car service include?
- According to Money Advice, a major car service may include inspection of up to 50 or more parts, systems examinations, and adjustments. A few of the checks involve:
- Engine oil change and filter replacement
- Inspection of lights, tyres, exhaust and workings of brakes and steering
- Making sure your mill is in its optimal condition to offer maximum efficiency
- Examining hydraulic fluid and coolant levels
- Probing the cooling system (from radiators to pumps and hoses)
- Suspension assessment
- Steering alignment
- Looking at the vehicle’s battery condition
How often do I need a car service?
Most manufacturers recommend putting your car in for a service at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, but this will depend on your car and your driving style. Some vehicles also operate with extended mileage between services using high-quality lubricants.
If you plan on selling your car, a complete service history can add value as buyers will be more confident in what they’re buying.
What happens if a car is not serviced on time?
A regular service is not only crucial to keeping a healthy running vehicle without posing any issues but is also good to retain your manufacturer’s warranty. Whenever you plan to sell your vehicle to a dealer or an individual, they surely want to see car service history and may run a service history check as well.
If you fail to maintain your vehicle regularly, you have to face serious trouble so often. Missing a car service isn’t just a simple miss but big trouble, specifically if your car has an underlying problem.
If you only have been late to a service for a few miles and the vehicle is well cared with water and oil levels checked routinely, and no evident leaks or squeaks, you should book a service as quickly as possible.
If you have failed multiple services or just delaying it to save some money while thinking the vehicle will keep running smoothly without trouble. You are mistaken! The longer you will postpone the services, the more issues can arise, and higher will be the bill to fix and replace the problems. If you are thinking about keeping your vehicle’s warranty and sell it at a price you like, a delay is never a good idea.
Conclusion
Either you are in the UK or any other part of the world; you must be vigilant about the routine car service. It will ensure your vehicle’s safety, retain its warranty, help pass your MOT test, and sell your car at a good price.
Answering your questions
What is included in a full-service vehicle?
A full service of a vehicle typically includes:
An oil and filter change.
A visual inspection of fluid levels and components.
A wheel alignment check.
A brake inspection.
An assessment of the air filter and other filters.
Additionally, it may include a tire rotation, a spark plug replacement, a fuel filter check, a cooling system check and a check of the battery, charging system, electrical connections, and belts. A mechanic will also check the suspension, exhaust system and steering components. Other services that may be included are a transmission service, a windshield wiper replacement, and a flush of the brake, power steering and cooling systems.
How does full service work?
A full car service is a thorough inspection and maintenance of a vehicle that comprises a number of chores to keep the car in the best possible working condition. A qualified mechanic does this type of maintenance, which is frequently combined with changing the oil and fixing general wear and tear. The comprehensive automobile service includes an overall safety inspection as well as checks for the brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, oil, fluids, and lights.
