Types Of Car Services: A Guide For New Owners

The thrill of buying a new car cannot be compared to anything. For new car owners, this is not just a mere investment but the promise of making new memories. But, without timely car servicing, you could be facing more hassles than enjoying your new car. Hence, maintaining your car with regular services is a necessity. It ensures each and every part of your vehicle is in proper working condition, including your Car Tyres Basingstoke. For new car owners, choosing the right type of servicing is important. Find out in this guide the different types of services you can choose for your car. Learn how they can benefit you and your vehicle. 

What Is A Car Service? 

First, let’s learn about the basics of car servicing. A service is a routine check-up of your car that occurs at specific time intervals or after the car has traveled a certain distance of miles. It is a necessity for the maintenance of your car and to ensure it remains in top condition. Typically, the car manufacturer specifies the time intervals for a car’s service through a service schedule. As a new car owner, you should aim to follow this schedule for a smoother driving experience. 

A service usually includes replacement of worn-out parts and contaminated fluids, along with visual inspections of the major components. There is a difference between a service and an MOT test. The MOT is a legal test to confirm that your vehicle is roadworthy and safe for the roads of the UK. Unlike a servicing, the test has a strict list of inspections and criteria, based on the rules of the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). 

In the UK, there is always a three-tiered structure for car servicing packages. Regardless of what the dealer names them, the packages usually include similar checks and services. Find out more about the three types of car services in the next section. 

What Are The Types Of Car Service?

As mentioned above, in the UK, there are three types of car services. Different dealers might name them to put their own stamp on them; however, they will essentially follow a pricing structure: 

Interim Car Service

An interim car service is often called a ‘basic’ or ‘bronze’ service. This entry-level package is designed for those drivers who cover more than 20,000 miles a year. Such high-mileage drivers need more than one annual service and hence require interim service for their cars. An interim service can also be completed every 6 months or 6000 miles, whichever comes first.  

In an Interim service, you will typically get an oil change, oil filter change, and other inspections of the major components of your car. Typically, the checks will include that of the tyres, lights, windscreen wipers, and many more. Besides these, it includes lubrication of all moving parts and top-up of the brake fluids, engine fluids, and other fluids that ensure the smooth functioning of your car. 

Full Car Service 

Every 12 months or after 12,000 miles, you will need to invest in a full car service, depending on whichever comes first. A full car service is often known as an ‘intermediate’ or ‘silver’ service and is an ideal one for low annual mileage drivers. Such drivers use their car less often and hence, only have their car serviced once a year. 

A full service includes a wider range of inspections and checks, along with replacement of parts, in addition to what is usually carried out in an interim service. The following is a list of services you can expect during a full-service package. However, it may not be strictly limited to these: 

• Filter changes, including oil, air, and pollen.
• Sparks plug change for petrol-type cars and fuel filter for diesel-type vehicles.
• Inspection of the shock absorber and wheel bearings.
• Testing of electrical components, such as the battery, starter motor, alternator, etc.
• An extensive inspection of the braking system.
• Maintenance checks of the air conditioning system.
• Check for the radiator and coolant hose. 

A full service for your car, therefore, covers head-to-toe of its maintenance. This is why a full service is a necessity for car owners. 

Major Car Service 

Major car services are also known as ‘master’ or ‘gold’ services and are the most comprehensive service package for car owners. A major car service is best recommended after every 24 months or 24,000 miles. Experts also suggest getting a major service if your last one was a full service. 

A major service will include everything from a full service. Along with the replacement of parts and change of fluids, such as the cabin filter and the brake fluid. A contaminated brake fluid leads to an inefficient braking system, while a clogged cabin filter can reduce the air quality inside the cabin. Hence, a major car service is useful for car owners to keep their car efficient in the long run. 

The three major types of car services are an essential part of maintenance that every vehicle owner should know. Besides them, one of the most convenient and important services is Mobile Tyre Fitting Basingstoke. For tyre replacements and other services according to your ideal time and location, mobile services are the best ones for emergency situations. However, avoid such sudden breakdowns with routine servicing and enjoy a confident driving experience.