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What Does a Full Car Service Include & Service Cost

Written by Paul Marles
Full car service refers to an intensive maintenance procedure performed on a vehicle to ensure its optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Inspection, maintenance, and potential repair of various components and systems within a vehicle comprise this service. Manufacturers and professionals often suggest this service at regular intervals – usually annually or after covering a set amount of miles – in order to keep a car running efficiently and prevent potential issues from turning into major issues.
when you go for full car service, mechanics will check all components of a vehicle such as its engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, fluids, and fluid levels in detail to identify any issues and replace worn-out components as necessary. Their main motive is to increase vehicle reliability, fuel economy, and driving experience while upholding safety standards.

What is a Full Car Service?

Full car services are comprehensive maintenance procedures performed on vehicles to ensure their proper functioning, safety, and longevity.
They involve inspecting, servicing, and potentially replacing various components or systems within it – often recommended by manufacturers and automotive experts at regular intervals.
The average tenure for full car service recommended by the manufacturer is from 10,000 to 12000 or after the interval of One Year, because the adhesive or molecule of engine oil is degraded over time, they are not much effective.

What Process included in a Full Service ?

A full car service typically involves a range of inspections and maintenance tasks that are designed to ensure optimal performance as well as safety and the longevity of a car. The specific tasks that are included in the service may vary according to the make and model of the vehicle as well as the provider’s practices. Here’s an overview of what a complete service might comprise:

Engine System

  • Oil and oil filter change.
  • Air filter replacement.
  • Fuel filter replacement (if applicable).
  • Spark plug replacement.
  • Timing belt or timing chain inspection/replacement (if due).

Fluid Checks and Changes

  • Transmission fluid check and change (if necessary).
  • Coolant check and top-up or replacement.
  • Brake fluid check and potential replacement.
  • Power steering fluid check and potential replacement.
  • Windshield washer fluid top-up.

Brake System

  • Brake pads and brake discs inspection.
  • Brake fluid condition and potential replacement.
  • Brake lines and hoses inspection.

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Suspension and Steering

  • Suspension components inspection (shocks, struts, springs, etc.).
  • Steering components inspection.
  • Wheel alignment check.

Tire Maintenance

  • Tire tread depth measurement.
  • Tire pressure check and adjustment.
  • Tire rotation.

Electrical System

  • Battery voltage check.
  • Charging system inspection (alternator, belts, etc.).
  • Lighting system inspection (headlights, taillights, signals, etc.).
  • Electrical wiring and connections inspection.

Safety Systems

  • Airbag system inspection.
  • Seatbelt functionality check.
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration (if equipped).

Exhaust System Check

  • Exhaust emissions inspection to ensure compliance with emissions standards.

Benefits of Full Car Service

Enhanced Performance

Regular servicing ensures that your vehicle’s engine and components are in optimal condition. This results in smoother acceleration, improved power delivery, and overall better performance.

Improved Safety

A comprehensive service includes checks on vital safety components such as brakes, tires, suspension, and steering systems. Addressing any issues in these areas can significantly enhance the safety of your vehicle and its occupants.

Optimized Fuel Efficiency

A well-maintained engine and properly inflated tires contribute to better fuel economy. Over time, this can lead to significant savings on fuel costs..

Higher Resale Value

 A documented history of regular maintenance can increase the resale value of your vehicle. Prospective buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a well-maintained car with a complete service record.

Cost Savings

Addressing minor issues during routine servicing prevents them from developing into major, more expensive problems. Regular maintenance is often more cost-effective than dealing with breakdowns

How much Cost a Full Service ?

The cost of full car service packages varies considerably based on multiple factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, location, service provider selected, and services included in the package.
A comprehensive full car service should include inspections, maintenance tasks, and potential parts replacement as part of its comprehensive approach to servicing.
In my analysis the rough estimate, as of my last update in June 2023, a basic full-car service could range from around $200 to $400 or more.
However for luxury cars, larger vehicles, or specialized service centers, the cost could be higher. Additionally, if your vehicle requires specific maintenance tasks or replacement parts, the cost can increase accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a basic service and a full service?

Basic Service:- With its aim of maintaining optimal car health in mind, basic services offer an efficient solution. Like visiting your doctor for regular checks, basic services will change oil, and inspect fluid levels and tires/brakes/lights as part of a health check for your car – acting like a quick health exam with which any small issues can be quickly detected and addressed.

Full Service:-An exhaustive car check-up that ensures it runs at its optimal performance is known as a full service, similar to visiting the doctor for more detailed examination. At a full service, they do everything covered in basic service as well as taking a closer look at engine, cooling system, steering, brakes and many other parts. Sometimes replacement parts might even be installed. 

How long does a full car service take?

The duration of a full car service can vary based on several factors, including the specific tasks included in the service package, the make and model of your vehicle, the service provider’s efficiency, and any additional work that might be needed. On average, a full car service can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.

How often should you have a full service?

The recommended frequency for a full car service can vary depending on factors such as your vehicle’s make and model, its age, usage patterns, and the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Although, a general rule of thumb is to have a full service performed at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

What gets checked in a full car service?

An extensive service involves nearly every component of your car being examined; from its engine and fluids to brake system, suspension, drivetrain, exhaust system, and steering system. If there are any problems discovered by the mechanic, they will notify you and provide a cost estimate to rectify them.
 

About the author

Paul Marles

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