An interim service is a lighter service for the gap between main services. A full service, which some garages call a major service, is the thorough one, with more checks and more parts replaced. Which you need depends on how much you drive and what your manufacturer recommends.
The names are not standard across the trade, so the useful question is not what it is called but what is actually done. Here is how to compare.
Interim service
Typically an oil and oil filter change plus a set of safety checks on things like the lights, tyres, brakes, fluids and steering. It is meant to keep the car in good order between full services.
It suits drivers who cover a lot of miles, or do lots of short stop-start trips, where six months is a long time for the oil to work. It is not a replacement for a full service.
Full or major service
Everything in an interim service, plus a longer list of checks and the replacement of filters and parts that are due, such as the air filter, and often the pollen filter, fuel filter and spark plugs, depending on the car and its schedule.
This is the one most cars need once a year or every 12,000 miles. It is the thorough look that catches wear before it becomes a breakdown.
Manufacturer-specific service
Some cars have their own schedule with specific jobs at set points, such as brake fluid at two years or a gearbox oil change at a given mileage. A manufacturer-specific service follows that schedule exactly, which keeps the history and the warranty clean. See our manufacturer-specific servicing.
Which one do you need?
- Under about 6,000 miles a year: one full service a year.
- Over about 12,000 miles a year: a full service once a year and an interim service in between.
- Car under warranty: follow the manufacturer's schedule.
- Not sure: ask us, and we will tell you what the car actually needs.
A tip on comparing prices
Two quotes for a full service can describe very different amounts of work. Ask what is replaced and what is only inspected, and whether the oil and filters are included. A clear list is a good sign.
Quick answers
Is an interim service worth it?
For high mileage or short-trip driving, yes. If you do a low mileage and one service a year, you can skip it.
Is a full service the same as a major service?
Often it is. The names are used differently by different garages, so ask what is included.
Do you do fixed price servicing?
Yes. We offer fixed price labour servicing, with the parts and oil added for your vehicle. See our fixed price servicing page.
Will servicing at your garage keep my warranty?
Yes, as long as the work follows the manufacturer's schedule and uses suitable parts. See our block exemption guide.