Getting your car serviced is an important way to prolong the life of your vehicle and keep it in good working order.
The checks included in a car service can vary widely. They depend on the garage you choose and the type of service you book.
Car manufacturers usually recommend booking a service every 12,000 miles, as most cars will need an oil change and coolant check after covering this distance. At the very minimum, your car should be serviced annually to maintain it safely and keep it in good working condition.
If you typically cover high mileage (roughly more than 2,000 miles each month), it's also worth considering getting an interim service every 6 months.
Find out more about how often you should service your car.
Book your service with Smart Care
What kind of services can I book?
There are two types of car services: full and interim, which are sometimes also called major and minor services.
Some garages, including AA-approved garages, also offer manufacturer-recommended services tailored to your vehicle, based on its age.
What's included in an interim service?
An interim service includes a number of checks which are selected according to the manufacturer schedule, such as:
- Handbrake operation
- Brake pads
- Clutch
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Tyre pressure
- Seatbelts
- Battery
- Lights
- Exhaust system
- Steering and suspension
If you book an interim service through Smart Care, we'll check a total of 39 elements.
What's included in a full service?
A full service is a more comprehensive list of checks. It covers all the same parts as an interim service, but with a few added extras, such as:
- Air filter replacement.
- Door, hinges, catches and locks.
- Air filter replacement.
If you have an electric or hybrid car, a garage will usually check your charging port, cables and connections, too.
If you book a full service through Smart Care, we'll check a total of 43 elements.
Find out more in our complete guide to car servicing.
Car servicing from AA Smart Care
The easy way to book a car service.
- Free vehicle collection and return, subject to availability.
- Servicing at AA approved garages.
- Quick and easy online booking and payment.
- Parts and labour guaranteed for 1 year or up to 12,000 miles.
- Fair, transparent pricing, no hidden extras.
We thoroughly inspect each garage to ensure it fully meets our quality, service and training standards. We then carry out annual audits, as well as spot checks.
Author: The AA