What Is Checked in a Car Service?

More than an oil change

A service is not just fresh oil. It is a planned look over the whole car, so small problems are caught before they turn into big bills or leave you stranded.

What is checked depends on the level of service. Below we walk through what we look at, starting with the oil and working our way round the car.

Regular servicing also keeps your car running the way the manufacturer intended. Clean oil protects the engine, and a car that is looked after tends to be more reliable and easier to sell when the time comes.

Oil, filter and fluids

The heart of every service is draining the old engine oil and fitting a new oil filter. We use oil that matches your car manufacturer's specification and note the grade on your invoice.

We check and top up the other fluids too: coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid where fitted, and screen wash. Low levels can point to a leak, so we look for where it is going rather than just topping it up.

Brakes, tyres and steering

We check the brake pads and discs for wear, and look at the brake pipes and hoses. We tell you roughly how much life the pads have left, so you can plan for it.

We check the tread depth and condition of every tyre, and set the pressures. Uneven wear can point to a tracking or suspension problem, and we will let you know if we see it.

We also look at the steering and suspension for wear, play and leaks, and check the exhaust for leaks and secure mountings.

Lights, wipers and the rest

We check every light, the horn, the wipers and washers, and the seat belts. These are simple things, but they matter for safety and for your next MOT.

We look at the battery, the auxiliary drive belt and the condition of hoses under the bonnet. If anything is showing its age, we tell you and explain whether it needs doing now or can wait.

We also plug in to read any stored fault codes where the car allows it, and reset the service reminder on the dash so it counts down to your next one. You get a note of everything we checked, so you know where the car stands.

Interim, full and major

An interim service covers the oil, filter and core safety checks above. Many drivers book one halfway between full services, especially if they do a lot of miles.

A full service adds more checks across the car, and filters such as the air filter may be changed. A major service also replaces the parts your manufacturer asks for at that age or mileage, which can include spark plugs, the fuel filter or the brake fluid, depending on the car.

We stamp your service book after every service, so your car keeps a full service history.

Book a service in Pelsall

We are a family-run garage at 45 High Street, Pelsall, and Mark has been servicing cars for more than 30 years. If we find anything that needs extra work, we explain it and give you a quote first. Nothing is done without your say-so.

Call us on 01922 682200 or book online, and we will find a time that suits you, whether you are in Pelsall or elsewhere in Walsall.