How Long Does It Take to Service a Car?

A car service can take anywhere from one to four hours to complete, depending on the type of service being conducted. Here’s everything you need to know about the three main types of services, what’s included in each, jobs you can do yourself to save some money and much more.

Taking your car in for a service can be a daunting task for many. For those of us with very little knowledge of cars and the process of a service, it's difficult to know how long it will take, what's involved and the things to watch out for. 

A car service is a comprehensive procedure that seeks to maintain the optimal performance of a car. It may include the engineers taking apart and moving parts of the vehicle around to assess the vehicle as best as possible. Depending on the type of service, it can take anywhere from one to four hours to complete.

A service should not be confused with an MOT, which is an inspection of your vehicle that aims to ensure all the key systems meet the safety requirements per government guidelines. An MOT typically takes 45-60 minutes to complete.

What Are Different Types of Car Service and How Long Does It Take to Service a Car?

There are three main types of service: Interim, Full and Major. The most common service taken out is a full service, which should be done every 12 months. When visiting various garages, you may find they have their own unique names for these different services but don't get confused. 

The level of service you require will depend on how many miles your car has done over the last 12 months, and the type of service your vehicle had the last time it was in the garage. If you’re the new owner of your car, you should have details of its service history in the car's service book.

These are the three types of car service available:

Interim Car Service (1 - 1.5 Hours)

An interim service is typically for those who drive their cars a lot. People who drive 20,000+ miles a year will require a regular interim service to ensure their vehicle is still operating optimally and safely. An interim service will typically involve:

• Oil change
• Oil filter change
• Inspection of main components: light bulbs, tyres and windscreen wipers
• Lubrication of moving parts (not always)
• Top-up of the engine, brake, and other oils and fluids
• Inspection for fluid leaks

An interim service at some garages may be called the "Basic", "Bronze" or "Quick" service. Ask the garage first to ensure you're getting the car service you require. 

Full Car Service (3-4 Hours)

A full car service is the most common type of service provided by a garage. It's highly recommended that you take your vehicle for a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). 

A full car service includes the checks from the interim service above plus:

• Air conditioning system inspection
• Air filter change
• Brake inspection
• Fuel filter (diesel)
• Spark plugs change (petrol)
• Radiator and coolant hose check
• Testing of electrical components (e.g. battery, alternator and starter motor)
• Wheel bearings and shock absorbers inspection

A full service is not limited to the above and may include extra work not listed here. This will depend on the garage taking out the service. 

Major Service 

A major service is often recommended by car manufacturers and your car should have a full service (above) every 12 months and major service every 24 months. So it goes full service, major service, full service, major service and so on.

A major service is the most comprehensive service you can get and includes everything from the interim and full services above plus the following:

• Check fuel cap seal condition
• Check and top up transfer box and differential oils (if applicable)
• Replace brake fluid and bleed the system
• Test alternator charging rate - check the security
• Replace cabin filter and clean out the housing

The two main tasks are replacing the brake fluid and cabin filter. Over time they both get contaminated and clogged up. Contaminated brake fluid can affect the braking time of your vehicle, which can lead to dangerous accidents on the road. Replacing the cabin filter will improve air quality inside the car.

Do You Need a Car Service? 

A car service is not a legal requirement like an MOT, so many car owners don't get their cars serviced to avoid costs, or they don't see why a service is important. But there are some substantial benefits to regularly getting your vehicle serviced.

• Resale Value — Having an up to date service book that proves the vehicle has been serviced regularly during your ownership can increase the resale value by 5-10%. 
• Safety — Regular servicing gives you peace of mind on the road, knowing that your vehicle is operating as it should.
• Reliability — Routine inspection of parts and fluids helps keep your vehicle reliable and leads to fewer break downs on the road. 
• Optimal Performance — A car is a significant investment, it's within your interest to ensure it works at its optimal performance, so you get the best out of it. 
• Better Braking — Knowing that your brakes are working as they should is worth the extra money. 

How Much Does a Car Service Cost?

Car service costs depend on the type of service you need and the garage or company you choose to do the work. The starting price of a full car service is around £200 but this can vary depending on the car that is being worked on. 

A big company does not equal a better service or job, supporting your local garage is important. We have Google reviews and Trustpilot, which can help us to determine whether a company can be trusted to do a good job and give us a fair price. Support your local garages where possible. 

Just Google "car service [your local area]" and you should get a list of local garages that offer car services near your location. 

To use Trustpilot, head to their homepage and enter the name of the company or garage in the search bar, and it will bring up their average rating and all customer reviews. 

Any business rated 4.2 stars or above is considered trustworthy. But, always do your research before committing. 

Can You Service Your Own Car?

It's still highly recommended to take your car for a full service every 12 months and major service every 24 months. Modern vehicles are mostly computerised with complex parts and systems. Most people do not have the skills, knowledge or tools to work on these cars. 

YMF Car Parts stocks a wide range of car service parts and products that will help you to complete a basic service on your car at home. Visit our online store now and get free delivery on orders over £30. Click and collect available.