Car servicing - What does a car service include?

Why do I need a car service?

There are many different reasons why car servicing is an essential part of owning a car. The main reason is that it helps to keep your vehicle in good working order and makes sure it runs efficiently and safely. While an MOT is a legally required test for your vehicle that determines its roadworthiness, a service will help keep your car in its best condition.

Types of car services explained

There are four main types of car services in the UK: a regular service, interim service, a full service and a manufacturer service. The type of service is usually dictated by the annual mileage. The below table breaks down each type of service and the subsequent servicing interval:

What type of car servicing does Arnold Clark offer?

At Arnold Clark, we offer various service packages, whether you're needing a full service as part of an annual servicing schedule or a smaller check-up. Whichever servicing package you opt for will be carried out by our highly trained service technicians who will ensure your vehicle is kept in top condition with optimum performance and efficiency.

We have two Value Servicing options - a Standard Service and Major Service - which we explain in depth later in the article. Both options use parts that match the quality of the manufacturer's original equipment. With over 160 branches across the UK, we're never far away either.

What does a full car service include?

What a full car service includes is dictated by the type of service you choose when you book your car in. With our Value Servicing, you can choose between a yearly Standard Service for £199 or a Major Service, which is recommended every two years for £249.

Standard Service from Arnold Clark

Some areas we check during a Standard Service are:

Tyres

The car's tyres will be checked for any punctures or cracks to make sure there isn't any obvious damage to them. Tyres are also checked to confirm they meet the minimum legal required tread depth. As a driver, you should also be able to check your tyre tread depth in-between car services to ensure you are well within the legal limit. Additionally, tyre pressure levels are checked and inflated if necessary.

• How to check tyre tread

Brakes

It's important that a car's braking system is checked during a service. If there's an issue with the braking system, this could lead to the car failing its MOT and could result in costly repairs or replacements.

A car's braking system consists of rotors, brake pads and brake fluid. All brake components, including your handbrake, will be checked to ensure they are in proper working order and good condition.

Oil

During a full service at Arnold Clark, our technicians will drain and refill your engine oil and fit a new oil filter. During this process, they will check for any excessive oil leaks and repair if necessary. As part of general car maintenance, it's also extremely important that you keep your oil levels topped up in-between services, too.

• How to check and top up your car engine oil

Steering and suspension

We also carry out road test operation checks on your steering and suspension to ensure they are in good working order. Our technicians will check your level of power steering fluid and carry out a general steering safety check. Shock absorbers and springs are also inspected and checked.

A service can detect if there are any other potential issues with the car's steering or suspension. For example, a power steering fluid leak, which is often due to faulty seals or joints. Our technicians will check your steering and suspension systems, so nothing is missed, and you have complete peace of mind.

Windscreen wipers and washers

A car's windscreen wipers and washers are vital in helping a driver's visibility while on the road. They will be checked during a service to ensure they are working at their full capacity.

Lights

Lights are another thing we will check during a full service. Our technicians will check that all lights illuminate in proper working order and that they are in good condition.

If there are any warning lights on your dashboard, our technicians will often check these and provide you with an explanation for them at the end of the service.

• Car dashboard symbols and meanings explained

Major Service from Arnold Clark

We would also recommend carrying out a Major Service every 24 months. A Major Service includes checks that are not covered in a Standard Service, such as:

Air con

An essential component which aids visibility in a vehicle is the air con unit. This can help demist your windscreen in bad weather. Our servicing technicians will check your air con works effectively during a Major Service for this reason.

Wheel alignment

The alignment of the car's wheels will be checked. Misaligned wheels can result in a car pulling to one side, which compromises both safety and comfort when driving. Properly aligned wheels can improve fuel efficiency, which is why our technicians will check the wheel alignment during a Major Service.

New air filter, spark plugs and fuel filter

Where applicable, during a Major Service, our technicians will fit a new air filter in the engine bay, a new fuel filter and new spark plugs.

How often should a car be serviced?

It's generally recommended that cars should be serviced once a year or every 12,000 miles. However, every car is different.

All manufacturers have a recommended service schedule for their cars, so it's best to check your owner's manual for guidance. Within the manufacturer's manual guide, there will also be advice on things like oil changes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, car servicing is an extremely important part of being a car owner. When a vehicle is regularly serviced and maintained, you get more from the vehicle in terms of performance, efficiency, and most importantly, safety.

At Arnold Clark, we offer affordable servicing plans to tailor the needs of every driver. Expect reasonable pricing, stress-free servicing and even a complimentary wash and vac, so your car leaves our service sparkling!

We welcome every make and model of car for servicing, simply pick a time and date which suits you! For even more convenience, we offer courtesy cars which you can use while your car is at its servicing appointment - just let us know beforehand and we'll take care of it for you!

We have expert technicians based at over 160 branches across the UK. You can choose a branch nearest to you to take your car to be serviced. Plus, with convenient weekend opening hours, it's easy to find a time that suits you.