If you have ever booked a service and been asked whether you want a full service or an interim one, you are not alone in being unsure of the difference. Here is a simple explanation so you can choose with confidence.
What is an interim service?
An interim service is a lighter check carried out more often, typically every six months or every 6,000 miles for drivers who cover a lot of ground. It usually includes an oil and filter change plus a safety inspection of key items such as brakes, tyres, lights and fluid levels. The idea is to catch problems early and keep the car safe between full services.
What is a full service?
A full service is more thorough and is usually done once a year or every 12,000 miles. It includes everything in an interim service plus a longer list of checks and replacements, which can cover items such as additional filters, spark plugs on some cars, a more detailed inspection and more fluids topped up or changed. It is the closest thing to a yearly health check for your car.
Which one should you choose?
- High mileage drivers often benefit from an interim service halfway through the year, then a full service annually.
- Average mileage drivers are usually fine with a full service once a year.
- Low mileage drivers still need a yearly service because oil and other fluids degrade with time, not just miles.
Is a service the same as an MOT?
No, and this catches a lot of people out. An MOT is a legal safety test with a pass or fail result. A service is preventative maintenance that keeps the car running well and is not a legal requirement, although skipping it tends to cost more in the long run. Many drivers book both together to save a trip, and a fresh service can help avoid MOT advisories too.
Does servicing protect my warranty?
Often yes. Many manufacturer warranties require the car to be serviced on schedule. A full service history also helps your car hold its value when you come to sell. You do not have to use a main dealer to keep a warranty valid, an independent garage using the right parts and stamping your book is usually fine.
Not sure which service your car is due? Tell us your mileage and when it was last done, and we will point you to the right one. See our services page or get booked in.
Book with your local Guildford garage
SMA Autos LTD is an independent garage in Normandy, Guildford, looking after drivers across Guildford, Worplesdon, Ash, Pirbright, Fairlands and the wider Surrey area. For honest advice and a clear price before any work starts, book online or call us on 07921 814250.