Why Our Car Service Is a Worthwhile Investment

• Many see an auto service as an unnecessary expenditure, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Having a full car service is a worthwhile investment as any small problems will be identified and nipped in the bud early, potentially saving you a small fortune down the line. Upon bringing your vehicle to our car service centre, a qualified team of mechanics will take the utmost care inspecting every component of your car to ensure it's running at optimum efficiency.
• Issues with mechanical and electrical components can be catastrophic if left to exacerbate, so why not err on the side of caution and take your vehicle to a car service centre? Plus, with our in-depth checks on your filter and spark plugs, we can make all the necessary changes to keep your vehicle running at its best. To learn more about our car service costs, contact us at Unit 13, Rippleside Commercial Estate, Ripple Rd, Barking IG11 0RJ.

The age-old question has been making rounds on the internet with novice drivers and car owners wanting to know more about it. Let’s get to it. 

Car Service quality and check-list vary from one centre to another with very minute differences. Largely, the services are divided into three parts:-

• Interim Service
• Full Service
• Major Service

These three broad categories are recommended for different periods estimated, taking into account the wear and tear, pressure, and mileage of the car. 

Apart from the points mentioned in the general service checklist, you can also come into the service centre for any of the listed services individually. These include:

• Air Conditioning
• Brakes 
• Clutches 
• Engine 
• Exhausts 
• Steering & Suspension 
• Tyre Puncture & Alignment
• Fuel System 
• Car Painting & Detailing
• Battery Replacement
• Gearbox Repair
• Cambelt Repairs
• Crash Repair
• Oil Changes
• Cooling System Repair

The interim service is recommended at every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever is reached first. A solid 25 point vehicle routine maintenance checklist is made for this particular service.

The basic car service checklist includes engine oil and filter replacement, which also covers top-ups like windscreen additive, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid. For the engine, the general oil leaks, antifreeze strength, and the timing belt condition are checked and advised upon. The brake pads are examined for any major wear and tear, the steering rack gaiters and exhaust condition are also serviced. The clutch fluid level and oil leaks are also scrutinised. 

Apart from the above-mentioned points, the car external lights, external lights, horn, wipers, and washers are also checked. 

Here is the routine car maintenance checklist or interim car service checklist:

Parts Included

• Engine Oil
• Oil Filter

Top-ups included

• Windscreen Additive
• Coolant
• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• AdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed)

General Checks

• External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation

Internal/Vision

• Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers

Engine

• General oil leaks and advice
• Antifreeze strength and advice
• Timing belt replacement intervals and advice

Brake

• Visual check of brake pads for wear

Wheels & Tyres

• Tyre condition & tyre depth
• Tyre pressure and adjust

Steering & Suspension

• Steering rack gaiters condition

Exhaust

• Exhaust condition and advice

Drive System

• Clutch Fluid level
• Transmission oil leaks

The full service brings 15 more points into the checklist when compared to the interim service, making a total of 40 pointers. The full car service is recommended after every 12 months or 12,000 Miles, whichever comes first.

The annual car service checklist includes all the points mentioned in the interim service. Apart from it takes care of air filter and pollen filter condition, along with the internal and external, number plate condition, and seat-belt functionality. 

When it comes to the engine, the radiant and coolant hoses are checked for leaks, the auxiliary drive belts, and fuel system and tank are also inspected.

The operation of brake disks, pipe, hand brake, brake capillaries is serviced along with the brake fluid. The wheel, shock absorber, steering, and exhaust are looked into in detail. 

Here is the full car servicing checklist: 

Parts Included

• Engine Oil
• Oil Filter
• Air Filter

Top-ups included

• Windscreen Additive
• Coolant
• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• AdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed)

General Checks

• External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation

Internal/Vision

• Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers
• Pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
• Windscreen for cracks and chips
• External and internal mirror condition
• Number plate condition
• Seat belt operation

Engine

• General oil leaks and advice
• Antifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
• Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank)
• Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tension
• Fuel system and tank (if visible)
• Timing belt replacement intervals and advise

Brake

• Brake fluid condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
• Visual check of brake pads for wear
• Visual check of brake disks for wear
• All visible brake pipes and hoses
• Hand brake operation
• Brake callipers for leaks and security

Wheels & Tyres

• Condition & tyre depth
• Tyre pressure and adjust
• Road SpringsTyre 

Steering & Suspension

• Steering/ suspension components
• Steering rack gaiters condition
• Shock absorber condition
• Wheel bearings

Exhaust

• Exhaust condition and advice
• Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)

Drive System

• Clutch Fluid level
• Transmission oil leaks
• Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks

The Major Car Service is a 50 point vehicle service checklist advised for every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

This service takes it a notch further than the full service and inspects every part and corner of the car, to make sure there is nothing out of place. After this one, your car will be as good as new.

Have a look at the major car service checklist below: 

Parts Included

• Engine Oil
• Oil Filter
• Air Filter
• Fuel Filter (if fitted externally, or else replace pollen filter)

Top-ups included

• Windscreen Additive
• Coolant
• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• AdBlue(Diesel Engines only – Extra cost if needed)

General Checks

• External lights, instrument warning lights and horn operation

Internal/Vision

• Door, bonnet and lock operation
• Operation and condition of windscreen wipers and washers
• Air conditioning system operation
•  Pollen filter condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
•  Windscreen for cracks and chips
•  External and internal mirror condition
•  Number plate condition
• Seat belt operation

Engine

• General oil leaks and advice
• Antifreeze strength and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
• Radiator and coolant hoses condition and leaks (including header tank)
• Radiator cap
• Electrical coolant fan (if applicable)
• Auxiliary drive belts (NOT timing belt) condition and tension
• Fuel system and tank (if visible)
• Timing belt replacement intervals and advise
• Change spark plugs dependent upon age and mileage (extra cost)

Brake

• Brake fluid condition and advise if replacement needed (extra cost)
• Visual check of brake pads for wear
• Visual check of brake disks for wear
• All visible brake pipes and hoses
• Hand brake operation
• Brake callipers for leaks and security

Wheels & Tyres

• Condition & tyre depth
• Tyre pressure and adjust
• Road Springs

Steering & Suspension

• Steering/ suspension components
• Steering rack gaiters condition
• Shock absorber condition
• Wheel bearings

Exhaust

• Exhaust condition and advice
• Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)

Drive System

• Clutch Fluid level
• Clutch Operation
• Transmission oil leaks
• Check drive shaft gaiters for security and report leaks

How often should I service my car?

It is recommended to put your car for service at least once a year or after 12,000 miles. This is the general advice, but the actual time also depends on your personal driving style- is it rough or smooth? It is also largely dependent on the road condition. 

Make sure you bring your car to service if the check engine light is on, or you hear any foreign sound that makes your worry about the health of your car. 

What is checked in a car service?

The checklist of a car service depends on the type of service you’re availing – Interim, Full, or Major Car Service. The interim car service has a 25 point checklist, whereas the full service has a 40 point checklist. The Major Car Service, which is the most extensive service, has a 50 point checklist. You can have a look at the checklists above. 

Should I get my car serviced every year?

Yes, ideally you should get your car serviced every 6 months or year. This also depends on the current condition of your car. We have discussed the amount of checks needed every 6 months and 1 year. Regular maintenance is the key to a prolonged car life. 

What does an annual/full car service include?

The annual car service at ASC has an extensive 40 point checklist. This includes general checks, fluid top-ups, and filter change. Along with this, the full car service also includes an extensive check of brakes and engine. Tyres, Steering, Exhaust, and Drive System are also included in the annual service. Have a look at the complete checklist above. 

What does a major car service include?

The major car service is carried out after 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. It has an extensive 50 points checklist which includes the general checks, fluid top-ops, tyres & wheels, brake, engine, steering, suspension, etc. Have a look at the complete checklist above.