Whether you should book a full car service or an interim car service depends on how much you’ve driven recently and when your last service was. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose a Full Car Service if:
- It’s been 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) since your last full service.
- You’re booking a service for peace of mind before a long journey or MOT.
- Your car is over 3 years old and not under a service plan.
- You’ve noticed performance issues (e.g., poor fuel economy, rough running).
- Your last service was only interim.
Includes: Engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fluid top-ups, brake inspection, suspension check, etc. (usually 50+ checks)
Choose an Interim Car Service if:
- It’s been 6 months or 6,000 miles since your last service.
- You drive a high mileage car (e.g., for work or long commutes).
- Your car was fully serviced recently, but you want to keep it in top shape between full services.
- You want a basic check-up to catch early problems.
Includes: Engine oil, oil filter, essential fluid checks, basic brake and tyre inspection (usually 30-40 checks).
Why it’s important to choose the right car service (full or interim)?
Getting the right type of car service is important for several reasons — it directly impacts your safety, wallet, and the long-term health of your car:
- Safety
- A service checks vital parts like brakes, tyres, suspension, and lights.
- Problems caught early can prevent breakdowns or accidents.
- Especially important before long trips or winter driving.
- Save Money in the Long Run
- Skipping services can lead to bigger, more expensive repairs (e.g., engine damage from old oil).
- A full service can catch issues before they turn into major faults.
- Maintaining a healthy engine improves fuel economy and lowers running costs.
- Improves Performance and Longevity
- Regular servicing keeps your car running smoothly and efficiently.
- Helps avoid early wear and tear on critical components like the engine, gearbox, and brakes.
- Can extend your car’s lifespan by years.
- Protects Resale Value
- A full service history can significantly increase the resale or trade-in value.
- Buyers are more confident when they see the car has been properly maintained.
- Maintains Warranty (if applicable)
- If your car is still under warranty, missing services could void it.
In summary
Choosing between full and interim service isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about keeping you safe, avoiding costly repairs, and protecting your car’s value. Think of it like a health check-up: the right one at the right time keeps things running smoothly.
As a general guide: If it is low mileage and the last full service was less than 12 months ago, choose an interim service. If you’re unsure or think you’re overdue, choose a full service.
We can help you to choose the best option. Contact us for more details.
