An interim service, a full service and a major service differ in what gets checked and replaced. Here's what each one covers, and how to choose.
Garages use these three names for different levels of service, but they don't always mean the same thing from one garage to the next, and they're not the same as your manufacturer's schedule. Here's how to tell what you're actually paying for.
The short version
| Service | Typically every | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Interim | 6 months or around 6,000 miles | Oil and filter, fluid levels and essential safety checks |
| Full | 12 months or around 12,000 miles | Everything in an interim service, plus filters and a far more thorough inspection |
| Major | 24 months or around 24,000 miles | Everything in a full service, plus longer-interval parts such as spark plugs, fuel filter and brake fluid, as the car's schedule requires |
These intervals are common guidelines, not rules. Your car's own service schedule always comes first.
Interim service
An interim service is a mid-year check for cars that cover a lot of miles, or are driven hard. It usually includes:
- engine oil and oil filter change;
- checks and top-ups of coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and screenwash;
- brakes, tyres, lights, wipers and suspension checked for obvious wear or damage;
- a check for leaks underneath the car.
It suits drivers doing high mileage, a lot of towing or short stop-start journeys, or anyone who wants a check between annual services.
Full service
A full service is the annual, all-round service most cars need. On top of the interim items, it typically adds:
- air filter replacement, and pollen (cabin) filter where due;
- a detailed inspection of brakes, including disc and pad measurements;
- steering, suspension, exhaust, driveshafts and bodywork inspected;
- battery and charging system tested;
- a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes on modern cars;
- the service record updated.
Major service
A major service is usually done every other year, or at higher mileages. It includes everything in a full service, plus the parts that wear more slowly. Depending on the car, that can mean:
- spark plugs on petrol engines;
- the fuel filter, particularly on diesels;
- brake fluid replacement, which most manufacturers set on a time basis;
- coolant replacement where the schedule calls for it.
Some items, such as a cambelt or gearbox fluid, have their own intervals and are quoted separately. Our guide to automatic gearbox servicing explains why gearbox fluid often gets overlooked.
Garage service or manufacturer schedule?
Most modern cars have a manufacturer's schedule, and many show the next service due on the dashboard. Following that schedule, with parts and oils that meet the manufacturer's specification, is what protects your warranty and resale value. A good garage uses the interim, full and major structure to fill the gaps, rather than to replace your car's schedule.
For premium cars, the schedule is especially specific. Our guides to Land Rover and Range Rover, Jaguar, Porsche and Bentley servicing cover the details.
Is a service the same as an MOT?
No. An MOT is a legal inspection of roadworthiness and emissions on the day of the test, and nothing is replaced as part of it. A service is maintenance that keeps the car running well. Many people book both together to save a trip. See our guide to why cars fail their MOT.
Which should you choose?
- Low mileage, mostly longer journeys: a full service every year, with a major service when the schedule calls for one.
- High mileage, towing or lots of short trips: add an interim service between annual services.
- Just bought a used car with an unclear history: start with a major service, so you know where you stand.
Servicing at Mitsiland
We carry out interim, full and major car servicing, often alongside on-site MOT testing, for all makes, and we specialise in Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Mitsubishi. We'll always explain what's due, and what it costs, before any work starts.
Mitsiland is an independent specialist at Tameside Business Park, 4 Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester M34 3QS. Call 0161 320 7788 or book online.
