A full car service is a detailed inspection and maintenance session designed to check the major systems of your vehicle, replace routine service items and identify developing problems before they become expensive repairs.
It is more comprehensive than simply changing your engine oil. The exact checklist varies between vehicles, manufacturers and garages, so it is worth confirming what is included before booking. (The AA)
Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Engine oil is normally drained and replaced with the correct specification for your vehicle. The oil filter is also commonly replaced during a full service.
Fresh oil helps lubricate and protect internal engine components, while the filter removes contaminants from the oil.
Air and Other Filters
The air filter is usually inspected and may be replaced according to its condition and the manufacturer’s service schedule.
Depending on the vehicle, the service may also include checking or replacing the cabin filter and fuel filter when they are due.
This can be particularly useful in dusty driving environments where filters can become dirty more quickly.
Brakes
A full service normally includes an inspection of the braking system, including:
- Brake pads
- Brake discs
- Brake lines
- Brake fluid level and condition
- Handbrake
- General brake operation
If worn brake pads or discs are discovered, replacement is normally an additional repair rather than something automatically included in the service price.
Tyres and Wheels
The tyres should be checked for:
- Correct pressure
- Uneven wear
- Tread condition
- Cuts and cracks
- Sidewall damage
- General tyre condition
The spare tyre can also be checked where one is fitted.
This is especially useful before long journeys between Nigerian cities, where a tyre problem can quickly become a major inconvenience.
Fluids
The mechanic will usually check important fluid levels and top them up where appropriate.
These can include:
- Engine coolant
- Brake fluid
- Windscreen washer fluid
- Power steering fluid on applicable vehicles
- Other manufacturer-specified fluids
A fluid being checked does not necessarily mean it will be completely replaced. Some fluids have separate replacement intervals.
Battery and Charging System
The battery and charging system may be inspected or tested to identify signs of weakness.
The mechanic can check the battery condition, terminals and charging performance. This is useful if your vehicle has recently been slow to start or has experienced electrical problems.
Steering and Suspension
The steering and suspension system should be inspected for signs of wear or damage.
This can include checking components such as:
- Shock absorbers
- Suspension bushes
- Ball joints
- Steering components
- Driveshaft or CV joint areas
- Other visible suspension components
Unusual knocking, excessive bouncing or changes in steering feel should be reported to the mechanic rather than ignored.
Lights, Wipers and Electrical Components
A full service commonly includes checks of the vehicle’s lights and other basic electrical equipment.
Headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, hazard lights, horn, wipers and washers may all be inspected.
These simple checks can identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed until you are driving at night or in heavy rain.
Exhaust and Visible Leaks
The exhaust system can be inspected for visible damage, corrosion or leaks.
The mechanic may also look underneath the vehicle for signs of oil, coolant, fuel or other fluid leaks.
Finding a leak during a routine service can help you deal with the problem before it develops into a larger repair.
Diagnostic Checks
Some garages include an electronic diagnostic scan as part of a full service, while others charge separately for diagnostics.
A scan can identify stored fault codes from the vehicle’s electronic systems, but it does not automatically mean every fault has been diagnosed or repaired.
If a warning light is already showing, tell the mechanic before the service begins.
Does a Full Service Include Repairs?
Not necessarily.
A full service is primarily an inspection and routine maintenance procedure. If the mechanic discovers worn brake pads, damaged suspension components, a weak battery or another fault, the repair will often be quoted separately.
Items such as timing belt replacement, clutch replacement, major suspension repairs, gearbox servicing and air-conditioning repairs may also fall outside a standard full service unless specifically included.
Full Service vs Basic Service
A basic or interim service generally concentrates on essential maintenance such as oil and filter changes and a smaller number of safety checks.
A full service goes further, covering more components and inspections. The exact difference depends on the vehicle and garage.
Before paying, ask for the garage’s checklist so you know exactly what you are getting.
When Should You Get a Full Service?
Your vehicle manufacturer’s service schedule should be the main reference because service intervals vary between cars.
Mileage, vehicle age, engine type and driving conditions can all affect when maintenance is required.
If you regularly drive in heavy Nigerian traffic, cover long distances or use your vehicle for business, keeping up with scheduled servicing is particularly important.
Prepare Your Car Before a Long Journey
A full service can be useful before an interstate journey because it gives a mechanic an opportunity to identify problems with the brakes, tyres, fluids, battery, suspension and other important systems.
However, don’t wait for a service appointment if your car is already showing serious symptoms such as overheating, brake problems, unusual engine noises or major fluid leaks.
For travel planning, transport coordination and other journey-related services, Travo.ng can help you prepare for your trip after your vehicle has been properly checked.
