Regular car servicing is essential to keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and running smoothly. Understanding the components of a full car service will help you take a proactive approach to its maintenance and avoid costly breakdowns.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what a full car service entails and why it’s vital for your car’s health.
What Is a Car Service?
A car service is a routine maintenance procedure aimed at keeping your vehicle in optimal condition. Unlike an MOT test, which focuses on legal safety checks, a full car service examines your vehicle’s health by inspecting various components such as the engine, suspension, brakes, tyres, and fluids. Frequent maintenance avoids costly repairs and enables early identification of potential problems.
What Does a Full Service Include?
A full car service typically includes up to 80 checks and adjustments, ensuring your vehicle stays in optimal condition. Below are the key components involved:
General Checks
- External Lights: Checking the visibility and functionality of the headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights.
- Windshield Wipers & Washers: Testing wipers and checking the washer fluid to ensure they function properly.
- Tyres: Checking tyre pressure and tread depth for even wear to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Engine Oil: Verifying oil level and condition to prevent engine damage.
- Coolant Level: Ensuring the engine works smoothly without overheating issue by checking the coolant levels.
- Brake Pads & Fluid: Inspecting brake pads for wear and checking brake fluid levels to ensure effective braking.
- Battery: Checking the battery’s charge and condition, ensuring no corrosion on terminals.
- Air Filters: Examining and changing air filters as needed to keep engines running at their best.
- Suspension System: Checking for shock absorbers or struts issues to ensure smooth driving.
- Belts & Hoses: Inspecting for any wear or cracks that may cause leaks or malfunctions.
- Fluid Levels: Confirming that the levels of all required fluids—power steering, brake, gearbox, and windscreen washer fluid—are at their ideal levels.
- Exhaust System: Inspecting for leakages or other damage to ensure the car runs efficiently and safely.
- Illuminated Warning Lights: Checking for any illuminated warning lights on the dashboard indicating potential issues.
Internal or Vision Checks
- Windscreen Wipers and Washers: Examining wipers for wear and tear and ensuring washers are functioning correctly; topping up the screen wash if necessary to maintain clear visibility.
- Pollen Filter: Assessing the condition of the pollen filter and replacing it if it shows signs of clogging or damage to ensure proper air circulation.
- Windscreen and Mirrors: Inspecting the windscreen for chips or cracks and check the mirrors for any damage or distortion that could impair vision.
- Number Plate and Seat Belts: Ensuring number plates are securely attached and visible. Check seat belts for functionality, ensuring they latch and retract properly for safety.
Engine Checks
- Oil Drain and Replace: Drain old engine oil and add with fresh, premium-quality oil to ensure proper engine lubrication and performance.
- Oil Filter: Replace the oil filter to ensure clean oil circulates through the engine, preventing contaminants from causing damage.
- Air Filters: Assess and replace the air filters to maintain airflow and engine efficiency.
- Fluid Levels: Top up all fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and AdBlue, to maintain efficient vehicle performance.
- Radiator and Hoses: Inspect the radiator and hoses for signs of leakages, cracking, or damage that could be a cause of overheating or fluid loss.
- Belts and Timing: Check the condition of engine belts for wear and tear and advise on timing belt replacement intervals to avoid potential engine damage.
Brake System
- Brake Fluid: Check and top up brake fluid as needed.
- Visual Inspection: Inspect brake pads, discs, hoses, and callipers for wear.
- Handbrake: Test its operation and functionality.
Wheels & Tyres
- Tyre Condition: Check for wear and ensure adequate tread depth.
- Tyre Pressure: Adjust tyre pressures to the correct level.
Steering & Suspension
- Road Springs: Inspect for damage or wear.
- Power Steering: Check the fluid levels and add more if needed.
- Shock Absorbers and Bearings: Inspect for issues in the suspension system.
Exhaust System
- Exhaust Smoke (Diesel): Check the exhaust for smoke or unusual emissions.
- Condition Check: Inspect exhaust for damage or rust.
Drive System
- Drive Shafts and Leaks: Check for gaiter security and leaks.
- Clutch Fluid: Check fluid levels if applicable.
- Transmission: Inspect for oil leaks.
Final Checks
- Service Light Reset: Reset the vehicle’s service indicator.
- Service Book Stamp: Ensure the service book has the latest service history.
Leave It to the Professionals
While maintaining your car is essential, servicing your vehicle requires technical expertise. Attempting car repairs without proper knowledge can cause damage or injury. Modern vehicles have intricate systems that need skilled professionals to handle them.
Leave it to experts like GMP Autos to ensure your car’s service is done correctly and safely. Locate your nearest garage today to schedule your next full car service!
Winding Up
In conclusion, regular car servicing ensures your vehicle operates safely with longer while delivering efficient performance. A comprehensive service keeps your vehicle in top shape by spotting any problems before they become expensive ones.
By following a routine service schedule and staying proactive with maintenance, you can avoid breakdowns and ascertain your car functions smoothly for many years to come.
