What Does a Full Car Service Include?

Full Service vs Interim Service — What's the Difference?

An interim service covers the basics: oil change, oil filter, and a shorter safety inspection. It's designed for high-mileage drivers who need a mid-year check between full services, or for lower-mileage drivers who want an annual health check without the full cost.

A full service goes much further — it replaces more filters, checks more components, and includes a comprehensive inspection of your car's condition. It's the service your car manufacturer recommends at each annual service interval.

What's Included in a Full Service?

At Salek Tyre & Mechanic, our full service includes a 60-point inspection covering:

Fluids

• Engine oil drained and replaced with fresh oil to manufacturer specification
• Coolant (antifreeze) level and concentration checked
• Brake fluid level and condition checked (replacement recommended every 2 years)
• Power steering fluid (where applicable) checked
• Windscreen washer fluid topped up

Filters

• Oil filter replaced
• Air filter inspected and replaced if needed
• Cabin (pollen) filter inspected and replaced if needed
• Fuel filter checked (replacement intervals vary by vehicle)

Brakes

• Brake pad thickness measured at all four wheels
• Brake disc condition inspected (thickness, scoring, corrosion)
• Brake calliper operation checked
• Handbrake operation and adjustment checked

Tyres & Wheels

• Tyre tread depth measured at all four tyres
• Tyre condition inspected (sidewall damage, bulges, uneven wear)
• Tyre pressures checked and corrected
• Wheel nut torque checked

Steering & Suspension

• Steering play and responsiveness checked
• Suspension joints, bushes and dampers inspected
• CV joint boots inspected for cracks or leaks

Lights & Electrics

• All exterior lights tested (headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights)
• Horn tested
• Battery voltage and charging system checked
• Windscreen wipers and washers checked

General Safety Check

• Exhaust system inspected for leaks and corrosion
• Fuel system visual inspection
• Underside inspection (corrosion, fluid leaks)
• Seat belts checked for condition and function

What Isn't Included?

A service includes inspection and replacement of consumable items (oil, filters). If the inspection reveals worn parts that need replacing — brake pads, discs, tyres — these are quoted separately. We'll always tell you what we've found and what's urgent versus what can wait, so you can make an informed decision.

We never do work you haven't agreed to.

How Long Does a Full Service Take?

A full service typically takes 2–3 hours. If additional work is identified (for example, brake pads that need replacing or a cabin filter that's blocked), we'll call you to discuss before starting — and that may add time. We recommend dropping your car off in the morning so we have the full working day if needed.

Does a Full Service Include an Oil Change?

Yes — the oil change is the foundation of every service. We drain the old oil completely, replace the oil filter, and refill with fresh oil to your manufacturer's specification. We use the correct viscosity grade for your engine (for example, 5W-30 or 0W-20) and never substitute a cheaper alternative.

If your car specifies synthetic or long-life oil, that's what we use. It's included in the service price — no surprises.

Does Servicing Affect My Car's Resale Value?

Yes, significantly. A full service history — documented in your car's service book — is one of the most valuable selling points when you come to sell. Buyers and dealers pay more for cars with a complete record of regular servicing. Skipping services or going too long between them not only risks mechanical problems but also makes your car harder to sell and worth less when you do.

We stamp and sign your service book at every visit so your history is always up to date.

Full Service Pricing in Ashford

Our pricing is fixed and transparent — no hourly rates, no surprises:

• Interim service — from £59 (oil, oil filter, safety inspection)
• Full service — from £89 (everything above, including all fluid and filter checks)

Parts costs (pads, discs, air filter etc.) are quoted separately if found to be needed. We'll always get your approval before proceeding.