What does a car service include?

Thursday 13th December 2018

Here at Formula One Autocentres, we offer two types of car service: Full Service and Interim Service.

We recommend that a Full Service is completed every 12,000 miles or every 12 months (whichever comes first) and a Interim Service is completed every 6,000 miles or every 6 months. To help you keep track, why not sign up to our handy reminder service. We'll remind you of your key motoring dates via email or SMS.

We break our Full Service down in to four categories: Road Test, Vehicle On Floor, Vehicle On Ramp and Service Tasks. Our servicing is carried out by fully trained technicians using only parts that match the quality of the manufacturer's original equipment. We'll also stamp your service logbook so that your vehicle's service history is maintained.

What's included in an INTERIM Service?

Our Interim Service includes oil and oil filter changes, fluid level checks and top ups and a variety of vehicle condition checks both on floor and on ramp.

Vehicle On Floor

Check exterior lights operation
Check wipers condition and operation
Check front washer operation and top up
Check rear washer and wiper for condition and operation
Check condition and tension of fan / aux. belt where visible
Check instrument panel for warning lights and report

Vehicle On Ramp

Check and report Wheel Alignment or Geometry
Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise
Check tyres size, condition, tread depth and fitment included spare
Check shock absorbers and spring condition (where visible)
Check all road wheels for correct balance (including spare)
Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare)
Check condition of brake pads and shoes
Check condition of brake discs and drums
Check exhaust system

Service Tasks

Replace engine oil and engine oil filter
Check coolant level and top up if required
Check brake fluid level and top up if required
Check anti-freeze strength (minimum of 20)

Road Test

Road test

What's included in a FULL Service?

The 40-Point Full Service is a more comprehensive inspection of the vehicle than a 20-Point Interim Service and includes checking the battery and timing belt plus maintenance of spark plugs, pollen and air filters, bonnet and door catches. The Full Service also checks the condition of steering-related items such as wheel cylinders, callipers, adjusters, power steering and gaiters. It also starts with a road test to assess the steering, clutch and brakes first-hand.

Road Test

Check steering for pull/vibration/travel
Check clutch for slip/judder
Check brakes for pull/judder

Vehicle on floor

Check exterior lights operation
Check seat belts (excluding any child seats if fitted and report)
Check wipers condition and operation
Check front washer operation and top up (adjust washer jets if required)
Check rear washer and wiper for condition and operation
Check condition and tension of fan / auxiliary belt where visible
Check instrument panel for warning lights and report
Check / top up power steering reservoir (if applicable)

Vehicle on ramp

Check and report Wheel Alignment or Geometry
Check steering gaiters, joints and dust covers
Check propshaft, suspension joints and grease nipples where fitted
Check wheel bearings for excessive play or noise
Check inner and outer driveshaft gaiters
Check tyres size, condition, tread depth, and fitment included spare
Check clutch operation and top up fluid if applicable
Check shock absorbers and spring condition (where visible)
Check all road wheels for correct balance (including spare)
Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare)
Check condition of brake pads and shoes
Check condition of brake discs and drums
Check condition of brake discs and drums
Check handbrake linkages
Check exhaust system
Check any items reported by customer

Service Tasks

Replace engine oil and engine oil filter
Replace air filter
Check coolant level and top up if required
Check brake fluid level and top up if required
Check anti-freeze strength (minimum of 20)
Check battery condition and grease terminals if accessible
Lubricate accessible door hinges
Lubricate bonnet catch

Scheduled Service Tasks

Check for timing belt replacement interval and report if due according to mileage or age
Check for Pollen Filter replacement interval and report if due according to mileage or age
Report if Spark Plugs are due to be changed according to mileage or age
Reset vehicle service light where applicable / subject to data and tooling availability

Is it time for your car's next service? Why not book a service online here at Formula One Autocentres, Or simply call in to your local Formula One Autocentre and we'll happily help. We won't carry out any extra work without your approval.