The different types of car service
There are 3 types of car service – oil change, interim service and full service.
As a general rule, you should service your vehicle annually or at 12,000 miles, whichever is sooner and alternate the car service from Interim Service to a Full service over the years. Our customers have the option of choosing an oil change, interim service or full car service.
Car Servicing proactively maintains your vehicle. It is an integral aspect of car maintenance, which helps to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle, reducing the risk of a breakdown. Even if servicing is irregular, it can prevent incurring expensive and unexpected car repair which in turn will help maintain your car’s value for the future.
Engine Oil Change
Changing the oil in your car is key to maintaining a healthy and reliable engine. Oil plays a crucial role in your engine, helping to lubricate key components and maintain operating temperatures. An engine oil and filter change although not classed as a service is essential and the benefits in doing so are in abundant.
Interim Car Service
An interim (small) car service is the same comprehensive check list as a full service, just without as many filters changed. We believe every vehicle should undergo the same checks yearly. An Interim service consists of the following checks below, along with an oil change, oil filter and replacement air filter. Fundamental lights, levels such as anti-freeze (coolant), screen wash and brake fluid are also checked along with batteries and tyres. A courtesy service wash is carried out to the vehicle on completion.
Interim Car Service Checks:
Parts Included:
- Engine Oil
- Oil Filter
- Air Filter
- Stamp Service book
Top-ups included:
- Windscreen Additive
- Coolant
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- AdBlue (Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if required
General Checks:
- External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation
Internal/Vision:
- Door, bonnet and lock operation
- Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers
- Air conditioning system operation
- Pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
- Windscreen for cracks and chips
- External and internal mirror condition
- Number plate condition
- Seat belt operation
Engine:
- General oil leaks and advice
- Antifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed
- Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank)
- Radiator cap
- Electrical coolant fan (if applicable)
- Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tension
- Fuel system and tank (if visible)
- Timing belt replacement intervals and advise
Brake:
- Brake fluid condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
- Visual check of brake pads for wear
- Visual check of brake disks for wear
- All visible brake pipes and hoses
- Hand brake operation
- Brake callipers for leaks and security
Wheels and Tyres:
- Condition & tyre depth
- Tyre pressure and adjust
- Road Springs
Steering and Suspension:
- Steering/ suspension components
- Steering rack gaiters condition
- Shock absorber condition
- Wheel bearings
Exhaust:
- Exhaust condition and advice
- Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)
Drive System:
- Clutch Fluid level
- Clutch Operation
- Transmission oil leaks
- Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks
Full Car Service
A full service (large) is the same comprehensive check list as below but we replace, Oil, Oil Filter, Air Filter, Pollen Filter, Fuel Filter and possible Spark plugs (depending on age milage and engine). Fundamental lights, levels such as anti-freeze (coolant), screen wash and brake fluid are also checked along with batteries and tyres. A courtesy service wash is carried out to the vehicle on completion.
Parts Included:
- Engine Oil
- Oil Filter
- Air Filter
- Pollen Filter
- Fuel Filter (if fitted externally)
- Change spark plugs dependent upon age, mileage an engine (extra cost)
- Stamp Service book
Top-ups included:
- Windscreen Additive
- Coolant
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- AdBlue (Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if required)
General Checks:
- External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation
Internal/Vision:
- Door, bonnet and lock operation
- Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers
- Air conditioning system operation
- Pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
- Windscreen for cracks and chips
- External and internal mirror condition
- Number plate condition
- Seat belt operation
Engine:
- General oil leaks and advice
- Antifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed
- Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank)
- Radiator cap
- Electrical coolant fan (if applicable)
- Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tension
- Fuel system and tank (if visible)
- Timing belt replacement intervals and advise
Brake:
- Brake fluid condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
- Visual check of brake pads for wear
- Visual check of brake disks for wear
- All visible brake pipes and hoses
- Hand brake operation
- Brake callipers for leaks and security
Wheels and Tyres:
- Condition & tyre depth
- Tyre pressure and adjust
- Road Springs
Steering and Suspension:
- Steering/ suspension components
- Steering rack gaiters condition
- Shock absorber condition
- Wheel bearings
Exhaust:
- Exhaust condition and advice
- Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)
Drive System:
- Clutch Fluid level
- Clutch Operation
- Transmission oil leaks
- Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks
Car Service vs MOT Tests
Many people mistakenly believe that a vehicle service is the same as the MOT test, however, it performs a different function. An MOT test is an annual inspection that is undertaken to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and complies with DVSA legal requirements.
A vehicle service is designed to inspect and replace the components of your vehicle which are subject to wear and tear, making sure that they are working effectively and are performing as they should be to keep you, your passengers and your vehicle safe at all times on the road.
About L&J Vehicle Specialist
Here at L&J Vehicle Specialist we have the knowledge and experience in offering a car service from our garage in Taplow for all makes and models of vehicles. These include light commercials, classic cars & modified sports cars. We offer our services to customers in and around Taplow including Maidenhead, Marlow, Bourne End and many more locations in the surrounding areas.
We understand the importance of keeping our customers vehicles maintained to a high standard. This is not just for safety aspects but to prevent expensive bills in the future. We pride ourselves on providing quality workmanship at affordable prices and are pleased to announce we were voted the No.1 Car Mechanics in Bucks by the public.
We appreciate that bringing your vehicle to us may disrupt your days’ schedule. That’s why we’re pleased to offer you a FREE collection and delivery service, or a courtesy vehicle to keep you on the move – whichever is more convenient for you!
Get in touch
For more information on the different types of car service, or for any questions you might have – get in touch with our team or visit us at Unit 5, The Old Station Yard, Station Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0NU.
