A car service is a routine check-up for your vehicle that involves inspecting, adjusting, and replacing various parts and fluids to ensure its optimal performance and safety. A car service is usually done by a qualified mechanic at a garage, and it can vary in scope and cost depending on the type of service and the condition of your car.

There are different types of car services, such as interim, full, and major, that have different intervals and levels of comprehensiveness. An interim service is recommended every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, and it covers the basic maintenance tasks such as changing the oil and oil filter, checking the tyres, brakes, lights, and battery, and topping up the fluids. A full service is recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, and it includes everything in an interim service plus more detailed checks and adjustments such as replacing the air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter, checking the wheel alignment, suspension, and steering, and testing the emissions. A major service is recommended every 24,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first, and it is the most comprehensive service that covers everything in a full service plus additional checks and replacements such as changing the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, checking the timing belt, and cleaning the fuel system.

A car service can help you extend the lifespan of your vehicle, improve its fuel efficiency, reduce the risk of breakdowns and accidents, and save you money on repairs and insurance in the long run. It can also help you comply with the legal requirements and pass the MOT test, which is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles over three years old in the UK. A car service is not the same as an MOT test, as the latter only checks the roadworthiness of your vehicle and does not involve any repairs or replacements.