Serviced247

Full car service

Published by the Serviced247 editorial teamLast reviewed 24 October 2026

A full service is the annual benchmark most UK independent garages work to: an oil and filter change plus a substantial inspection of the car's safety, wear and fluid items.

There is no legal definition of "full service", so the content varies between garages. Below is what is commonly included and what to confirm before booking.

What a full service usually includes

  • Engine oil and oil filter replacement to the specified grade
  • Air filter, and often pollen/cabin filter, replaced or checked to schedule
  • Fuel filter on some diesels, where the schedule calls for it
  • Brake inspection - pads, discs, lines and handbrake operation
  • Tyre condition, tread depth and pressures, including the spare where fitted
  • Steering, suspension and exhaust visual inspection
  • Fluid levels topped up: coolant, brake fluid, screenwash, power steering where applicable
  • Lights, wipers, horn and battery condition check
  • A written report of anything needing attention now or at the next service

Ask for the garage's checklist. If an item matters to you - spark plugs, brake fluid, gearbox oil - confirm in advance whether it is in scope.

What is normally not included

  • The MOT test itself (a separate legal test, often bookable at the same visit)
  • Cambelt or chain replacement
  • Brake fluid or coolant change unless the schedule falls due
  • Gearbox, DSG or transfer-box oil
  • Air-conditioning regas
  • Any repair work identified during the inspection

How long does a full service take?

Workshop time for a routine full service is commonly around 1.5 to 3 hours, but garages usually ask for the car for half a day or a full day so they can fit it around other work and order any parts the inspection turns up.

How often

Typically every 12 months or around 12,000 miles, whichever comes first - unless your manufacturer schedule or service indicator says otherwise, in which case follow that.

Cost

Price depends on engine size, oil specification, parts choice and local labour rates.

Price ranges on this page are Serviced247 editorial estimates of typical UK independent-garage pricing. They are not quotes, no garage is bound by them, and they vary by vehicle, parts and location. See our methodology for how we produce them.