What does car servicing include?

If you’ve ever wondered what does car servicing include, here’s the clear, answer from CabCo Garage. We’ll explain the checks and replacements you can expect, how interim vs full service compares with a major service checklist, and the service intervals that keep your car safe and reliable.

What does car servicing include?

A service is a planned health check that typically includes an engine oil and filter change, multi-point safety checks, fluid top-ups, a brake inspection, tyre checks, lights and battery tests, and diagnostics. A full or major service goes deeper with air and cabin filters, spark plugs or a diesel fuel filter, more thorough suspension/steering checks and time-based items set by your manufacturer schedule.When people ask what does car servicing include, the specifics depend on your vehicle’s age, mileage and service history.

The three service levels at a glance

• Interim: Oil & filter plus core safety checks between annual services.

• Full: The annual all-rounder with extra filters and deeper inspections.

• Major: Adds time-based items (e.g., spark plugs, brake fluid where specified) and the most comprehensive checks.

  
  

What’s replaced vs inspected

• Replaced (if due): Engine oil and filter, air filter, cabin filter, spark plugs (petrol) or diesel fuel filter.

• Inspected/adjusted: Brakes, tyres, suspension/steering, belts (visual), lights, wipers, fluid levels, battery/charging, leaks, exhaust, underbody, and OBD fault codes.

  
  

Service types explained

Choosing the right level depends on how and where you drive.

Interim service : for short trips and higher mileage

• Why it matters: Short, stop-start journeys contaminate oil faster and can mask developing faults.

• What’s covered: Fresh oil and filter, essential safety checks (brakes, tyres, lights), fluid top-ups, and diagnostics.

  
  

Full service : the annual all-rounder

• Why it matters: Restores performance, reduces the chance of roadside problems, keeps records strong for resale.

• What’s covered: Everything in interim plus air/cabin filters and deeper inspections across brakes, suspension/steering and electrics.

  
  

Major service : for long-term reliability

• Why it matters: Tackles age-related items per the manufacturer schedule.

• What’s covered: Everything in full plus time-based items (e.g., spark plugs on petrols or diesel fuel filter, and brake fluid where specified)

  
  

Component checklist : what’s checked and why

Engine oil & filter

• Why it matters: Lubrication, cooling and protection; old oil accelerates wear.

• What we do: Drain/refill with correct spec and viscosity; replace filter; reset service indicator.

• How often: Commonly every 10k–12k miles or 12 months (follow your handbook).

  
  

Air filter & cabin (pollen) filter

• Why it matters: Protects the engine; improves cabin air/demisting.

• What we do: Inspect/replace if due; ensure proper sealing.

• How often: Air ~12k–24k miles; Cabin annually or sooner if musty/slow demist.

  
  

Spark plugs (petrol) / diesel fuel filter (diesel)

• Why it matters: Clean ignition/fuel delivery for smooth running and efficiency.

• What we do: Replace to schedule; torque to spec; check leads/coils or priming on diesels.

• How often: Plugs 20k–60k miles (iridium may last longer); diesel filter often 20k–40k miles.

  
  

Brakes: pads, discs, fluid

• Why it matters: Stopping distance and safety.

• What we do: Measure pad/disc thickness, inspect hoses/corrosion, assess handbrake/EPB; test brake fluid moisture/boiling point where specified.

• How often: Visual each service; brake fluid typically every 2 years (per schedule).

  
  

Fluids top-ups

• Why it matters: Low fluids reduce function or cause damage.

• What we do: Top up screenwash; check coolant expansion level; power steering (if hydraulic); gearbox/diff where applicable; check for leaks.

  
  

Coolant/antifreeze & hoses

• Why it matters: Controls temperature and internal corrosion.

• What we do: Test antifreeze strength; check level/hoses/cap; inspect for leaks.

• How often: Replace per manufacturer schedule (often ~5 years).

  
  

Belts & timing components (visual)

• Why it matters: A failed belt can cause major engine damage.

• What we do: Visual check of auxiliary belts; confirm timing belt change due date from the manufacturer.

• How often: Aux belts ~4–6 years; timing belts vary widely by model.

  
  

Tyres & wheels

• Why it matters: Grip, braking and efficiency.

• What we do: Tread depth (legal minimum 1.6 mm; 3 mm recommended for wet grip), sidewalls, pressures, valve caps, wheel condition.

  
  

Suspension & steering

• Why it matters: Stability, comfort, tyre wear.

• What we do: Ball joints, bushes, shocks for leaks, gaiters, track-rod ends, wheel bearing play.

  
  

Lights, wipers, horn

• Why it matters: Visibility and legal compliance.

• What we do: Function test, visual aim, bulb condition, wiper sweep/blade wear, screenwash jets.

  
  

Battery test & charging system

• Why it matters: Reliable starting and electronics.

• What we do: State-of-charge/health test, cranking voltage, alternator output.

  
  

OBD diagnostics & service light reset

• Why it matters: Finds stored faults early and keeps digital records up to date.

• What we do: Scan for DTCs, interpret, clear historic codes where appropriate; reset service indicator; update digital service records where supported.

  
  

What’s not typically included (and why)

A standard service won’t usually include timing belt kit replacement, clutch work, wheel alignment, tyre replacement, air-con re-gas, DPF cleaning or major repairs. These require separate approval, parts ordering and dedicated labour time. We’ll always explain findings first.

Service intervals (time & mileage)

Rules of thumb:

• Interim: about 6 months or 6,000–8,000 miles for tougher city use or higher mileage

• Full: 12 months or ~10,000–12,000 miles for most drivers

• Major: Every 24 months (or per manufacturer schedule) for time-based items

  
  

If you do low mileage, time still matters - fluids age and rubber components degrade even when the car sits. If you’ve searched what does car servicing include, the next step is choosing the interval that fits your driving.

MOT vs service. Key differences

An MOT is a legal, once-a-year roadworthiness test. It doesn’t replace oil, filters or spark plugs. A service is planned maintenance: it replaces wear items and inspects the car in detail to keep it reliable between MOTs. If you’re comparing MOT with what does car servicing include, think legal check vs preventative care.

How long does a service take?

• Interim: roughly 60–90 minutes

• Full: about 2–3 hours

• Major: around half a day, depending on access and any additional approved workTimings vary by make/model.

Signs you should book a service now

• Oil or service warning light on

• Brakes feel soft, judder or squeal

• Tyre wear on one edge or low tread

• Battery struggling on cold starts

• Coolant level dropping or overheating

• Rough idle, misfire, poor fuel economy

• Musty cabin smell or slow demisting (cabin filter)

  
  

  Still wondering what does car servicing include for your car? Let our technicians walk you through the checks that matter, the items due on time or mileage, and the smart next step for your driving. Secure a slot with CabCo Garage