What is a Full Service for a Car?
Getting a Full Service is key to keeping your car roadworthy, reliable, and running smoothly.
What’s Included in a Full Service?
A Full Service involves a detailed inspection of your vehicle’s key systems, parts, and safety features.
This typically includes:
| Type of Service | Full Service |
|---|---|
| When | 12 months or 12,000 miles |
| Vehicle Interior | |
| Check instruments, gauges, warning lights | ✔️ |
| Check horn | ✔️ |
| Check windscreen wipers | ✔️ |
| Check Adblue/Eolys warning light | ✔️ |
| Check interior lights | ✔️ |
| Check clutch operation (manual only) | ✔️ |
| Check seat belts | ✔️ |
| Reset service light | ✔️ |
| Check climate control/ air con system | ✔️ |
| Check engine diagnostic codes | ✔️ |
| Hybrid system diagnostic check (hybrid only) | ✔️ |
| Vehicle Exterior | |
| Check exterior lights & lamps | ✔️ |
| Check doors – operation and condition | ✔️ |
| Check boot – operation and condition | ✔️ |
| Check fuel cap – operation and condition | ✔️ |
| Check mirrors – operation and condition | ✔️ |
| Pre Alignment Check | |
| Check steering, suspension linkages and ball joints for wear, damage and condition | ✔️ |
| Suspension – check shock absorbers & springs | ✔️ |
| Full tyre inspection (tread, pressure and alignment check) | ✔️ |
| TPMS inspection | ✔️ |
| Under the Bonnet | |
| Check battery | ✔️ |
| Check battery wiring | ✔️ |
| Test electrics (battery, alternator, starter motor) | ✔️ |
| Check coolant level (strength and condition) | ✔️ |
| Inverter Coolant – strength and condition (hybrid only) | ✔️ |
| Visual inspection of high voltage cables for external damage (hybrid only) | ✔️ |
| Check brake fluid (boiling point and condition) | ✔️ |
| Check bonnet catch operation | ✔️ |
| Check brake pipes & hoses | ✔️ |
| Check power steering fluid & top up (if required) | ✔️ |
| Check auxiliary drive belt and adjust (if required) | ✔️ |
| Check radiator and coolant hoses | ✔️ |
| Under the Vehicle | |
| Visual brake check | ✔️ |
| Full brake inspection | ✔️ |
| Check fuel pipes for routing, damage & corrosion | ✔️ |
| Check engine, transmission and rear axle Train Drive | ✔️ |
| Check drive shaft joints and gaiters for wear and damage | ✔️ |
| Check exhaust system and mountings | ✔️ |
| Service Item Replacement | |
| Replace engine oil and filter | ✔️ |
| Top up windscreen washer fluid | ✔️ |
| Replace air filter | ✔️ |
| Final Checks | |
| Vehicle road test | ✔️ |
| Stamp service book | ✔️ |
How often should you book a Full Service?
You should book a Full Service every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This annual maintenance is ideal for drivers who want peace of mind that every major vehicle system is inspected and running at its best.
Why book a Full Service?
A Full Service helps maintain your vehicle’s long-term health and performance by thoroughly checking key components like brakes, suspension, fluids, and filters. It reduces the risk of costly repairs, ensures better fuel efficiency, and supports your car’s resale value by keeping its service history complete and up to date.