What Does a Full Car Service Include?

Wondering what does a full car service include? At CabCo Garage in Aylesham, we follow your manufacturer schedule with the correct oil spec and approved parts. Below is the full UK checklist, how it differs from Interim/Major, realistic timings and when we’ll recommend extras like brake-fluid or pollen filters.

What a “full service” means in the UK

A “full service” is a comprehensive inspection and routine maintenance of your car, covering core safety and reliability items (engine oil and filter, fluids, brakes, steering/suspension, tyres and lights). It’s not a legal requirement (unlike an MOT) and the exact checklist can vary by garage and manufacturer schedule. Most manufacturers recommend a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Service vs MOT (quick recap): an MOT is a statutory roadworthiness test; a service is preventative maintenance to keep the car running safely and efficiently. They’re different, and most drivers should do both.

What’s included in a Full Service (typical UK checklist)

Below is a practical list of what most UK garages include in a Full Service. We follow manufacturer schedules and use approved parts and the correct oil spec.

Fluids & filters

• Engine oil & oil filter : replaced (correct grade/spec for your engine).

• Air filter : replaced or inspected (depends on interval).

• Key fluid levels checked & topped up as needed: coolant/antifreeze, screenwash, power steering (where applicable), brake fluid (condition/level), AdBlue on modern diesels.

  
  

Braking, steering & suspension

• Brake system safety check: pads/discs condition, hoses, lines, handbrake/parking brake operation.

• Steering & suspension: visual checks for play/leaks/wear in joints, bushes, shocks/struts.

  
  

Wheels & tyres

• Tyre tread depth/condition & pressures; TPMS status. Rotate if specified.

  
  

Electrics & visibility

• Lights: headlamps, indicators, brake/reverse, fogs.

• Wipers/washers & windscreen condition.

  
  

Under-bonnet & under-body

• Belts & hoses: visual condition (aux/drive belts), leaks, mounts.

• Cooling system: hoses, radiator, expansion tank checks.

• Exhaust system: mounts, leaks, obvious faults.

  
  

Diagnostics & road test

• Battery/charging health & fault code scan (where part of the garage’s service).

• Road test before/after to confirm operation.

  
  

Items sometimes excluded or charged separately (common add-ons)

Some components are interval-based or model-specific and may not be included in a standard Full Service price:

• Spark plugs (petrol) : mileage/age dependent.

• Fuel filter (especially on diesels) : interval-based.

• Pollen/cabin filter : interval-based.

• Brake fluid replacement : often part of a Major (24-month) service rather than a standard Full.

• Automatic transmission oil/filter : manufacturer-specific.These are routinely inspected during a Full Service and recommended if due, but the actual replacement may be quoted as an extra.

  
  

  Full vs Interim vs Major: what’s the difference?

  
  

• Interim (~6 months/6,000 miles): essential checks + oil/filter; good for high-milers or between annual services.

• Full (~12 months/12,000 miles): everything in Interim plus more detailed safety checks and additional filter replacements as per schedule.

• Major (~24 months/24,000 miles): Full plus time-based replacements (e.g., brake fluid, pollen filter, spark plugs on many models).

  
  

How long does a Full Service take and when should you book?

Plan for around 3 hours for a Full Service, depending on the car’s age/condition and any issues found. Interim services are shorter; Major services can take longer. If you need the car back the same day, book an AM drop-off so we can contact you quickly if anything extra is needed.

Book a Full Service in Aylesham (CabCo Garage)

Servicing your car in Aylesham shouldn’t be a faff. We’re based on the Intex Industrial Estate (CT3), a few minutes from the A2 and B2046, with easy parking for drop-offs. Our Full Service follows your manufacturer’s schedule using the correct oil spec and approved parts, and most cars are turned around the same day. If you need more information fell free to contact us.