Full or Interim Car Service: Which One Is Right for Your Car?

Drivers have busy lives. They use their vehicles to travel to their office, attend parties during weekends at touristic locations and so on. However, a question that often comes up is: Do they have a preventive vehicle maintenance schedule? In most cases, there are no plans for the vehicle that is working hard. Only when there are major issues such as engine breakdowns or roadside emergencies do drivers think about servicing their vehicles.

In fact, a number of drivers do not know the different types of car servicing offered. Car experts emphasise that drivers should understand the basic differences between a full and an interim car service. This educational blog explores the vital differences between a full and interim car service.  

Interim Car Service

An interim car service is a standard service plan created to keep the vehicle running effectively between full services. Vehicles can take an interim service once every six months or after six thousand miles travelled. The main objective is to discover minor problems that may become costly repairs over a period of time.

An interim service has the following features:

  • Brake inspection
  • Battery examination
  • Engine oil replacement
  • Fluid level inspection and refill
  • Exterior and interior light check
  • Oil filter replacement
  • Tyre health and pressure check
  • Windscreen washer refill
  • Windscreen wiper check

An interim service helps the vehicle to perform efficiently as minor issues get resolved easily.

Full Car Service

A full service can be compared to health check-ups people take once a year. The vehicle goes through an extensive inspection, and issues are solved immediately. Car-certified professionals will recommend a full service once a year or after every twelve thousand miles travelled. The manufacturer’s manual specifies the period when the vehicle needs a full car service. A full service includes the basic features of an interim service. A full service has the following features:

  • Air filter replacement
  • Testing battery performance
  • Cabin filter replacement
  • Engine oil and filter replacement
  • Inspecting the exhaust system
  • Extensive brake inspection
  • Fuel system examination
  • Cooling system check
  • Drive belt examination
  • Exhaust system inspection
  • Suspension and steering system check
  • Spark plug examination
  • Underbody inspection; wheel bearing checks
  • Full vehicle safety examination

Expert car technicians performing car servicing Swindon often use manufacturer-approved procedures and diagnostic instruments to ensure every vehicle part is inspected thoroughly.

What Are the Differences?

The major difference lies in the level of inspection. An interim service has the main goal of offering routine vehicle maintenance and checking critical parts to maintain vehicle safety. Experts feel it helps the vehicle to function effectively between full car services. A full service is extensive and checks every part of a vehicle thoroughly. It replaces filters and vehicle parts that wear off with time.

When Is an Interim Service Needed?

An interim service is recommended by a technician when it has the following features:

  • The vehicle has been driven for ten thousand miles on a yearly basis.
  • The vehicle is used every day for commuting
  • It is regularly driven on motorways.
  • The vehicle is used for business travel.
  • Frequently, the vehicle travels long distances.

Vehicles with high mileage are exposed to the maximum level of wear and tear. Thus, they should take an interim service once every six months.

When Is a Full Car Service Needed?

A vehicle has a full car service when it meets the following criteria:

  • The vehicle is due for its annual car servicing.
  • The vehicle has travelled over twelve thousand miles on a yearly basis.
  • The vehicle has a long road journey ahead.
  • The vehicle is being prepared for resale.

Can a Full Car Service Replace an MOT?

The answer is no. One of the biggest misconceptions among drivers is that a full car service and an MOT Swindon are interchangeable. However, the truth is both have different objectives to achieve.

An MOT test is a legal requirement for vehicle owners who have vehicles that are three years old or more. The MOT examines the vehicle and checks if it complies with safety and environmental standards established by the UK government. The vehicle will pass or fail the MOT exam. The MOT does not at any point carry out preventive maintenance care for the vehicle.

On the other hand, a full car servicing is a health check-up for a vehicle. It checks the vehicle thoroughly and takes the necessary steps to replace or repair worn-out vehicle parts. A full car servicing is not mandatory. However, it helps a vehicle pass the MOT test well.

Conclusion

An interim and a full car service help the vehicle improve its overall performance considerably. Neither service is a legal obligation for vehicle drivers to fulfil like an MOT test. However, they protect the vehicle and keep it in top shape to pass the MOT exam effortlessly.

A smart driver will combine car servicing before his MOT test so that he can clear the MOT test without any hassle. Thus, he will be able to drive his vehicle confidently on a daily basis.

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