What Does a Full Car Service Include?
We all want to keep our cars in the best possible condition, and full car service is the best way to do this. However, it can be hard to follow when every time you hear “full service,” it has different inclusions. Calling garages in advance and getting quotes can be time-consuming, but that still does not give you a clear idea of what is included and what the final bill will be.
It would be easier if there were a standard checklist for a full service you could refer to ensure you are getting what you expect and not paying for anything unnecessary.
To make things easier for you, Ulmer’s Auto Care Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, will run you through what should be included in a full car service to make an informed decision next time your car is due for service.
But first, let’s take a quick glance to understand the difference between a car service and full service.
What is a Car Service?
A car service is a routine health check and maintenance of your vehicle carried out by a professional auto repair mechanic. The car manufacturer determines the service schedule and is usually dependent on the mileage or time since the last service.
During a car service, your mechanic will assess everything from the car’s wear and tear parts to its engine oil and fluids. The primary purpose of a car service is to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to identify any potential problems early on before they become more severe and expensive to fix.
What is a Full Service?
A full service is your car maintenance “Gold Standard” and is generally carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
When booked with our auto garage, your full service will include all the checks from a car service plus additional in-depth maintenance and safety checks to ensure your vehicle is running at its best.
Here’s what our full auto repair service in Cincinnati includes:
Full-Service Checklist:
General Checks:
- External lights, including headlights, brake lights, and reversing lights
- Horn
- Instrument warning lights
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid level
Internal/Vision:
- Condition of number nameplate
- Condition of Seatbelts
- State of all windows, doors (including boot/trunk), and mirrors
- The shape of wiper blades and washer jets
- Windscreen clean and free of cracks and chips
Engine:
- Level and condition of engine oil
- Replace Oil filter
- Replace air filter
- Check for any oil or fuel leaks
- Advice on anti-freeze/coolant levels
- Condition of drive belts
- Inspect fuel system for leaks and damage
Fluid Top-ups:
- Windscreen washer reservoir
- Brake fluid reservoir
- Power steering fluid reservoir
- Automatic transmission/transaxle fluid (if applicable)
- Clutch fluid (manual transmission)
Exhaust:
- Visual check for leaks
Brakes:
- Check brake pedal operation, handbrake operation
- Brake fluid level and condition
- Discs and pads for wear and damage
- Wheel cylinders, calipers, brake hoses, and pipes for leaks or damage
Tires and Wheels:
- Tire condition and tread depth
- Check and adjust tire pressure
- Wheel condition
- Spare tire condition
Steering and Suspension Checks:
- Condition of road springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms
- Steering suspension components and joints
- Wheel bearings
- Track rod ends and ball joint
Drive System Checks:
- Visual check of drive shafts, gaiters, and CV joints
- Any leaks of transmission /transaxle fluids
- Check operation of the four-wheel-drive system (where applicable)
- Clutch operation (manual transmission)
Heating and A/C Repair:
- Visual check of hoses and pipes
- Check operation of air conditioning system (including refrigerant level)
After your full service is complete, our mechanic will provide you with a report detailing the condition of your car and any areas that may need attention in the future. We will also reset your service indicator (if applicable) to help you keep track of when your next full service is due.
Now that’s all well and good, but why should you part with your hard-earned cash for a full service at a reliable car repair shop? Read on….
3 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Opt for a Full-service:
Car Service Helps Prevents Costly Breakdowns:
Wear and tear is a part of driving, but catching potential problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run. Minor issues have a way of snowballing into big ones if left unchecked.
For example, driving on dirty oil or clogged air filters can reduce the lubrication in your engine and cause it to overheat. Fresh oil and a clean air filter will cost you less than an engine repair.
By regularly servicing your car, you can identify potential problems and nip them in the bud before they turn into expensive repairs.
Your Car Can be Worth More:
We cannot prevent our cars from aging, but we can certainly slow down the process.
A full-service history usually commands a higher resale value than a vehicle with no service records. This is because buyers today are very cautious, and they want to ensure that they are getting a car that has been adequately cared for.
If you do not have a detailed service history of what maintenance your car has received over the years, potential buyers will be deterred, and you may have to sell your car for a lower price. But if you keep good records, you will be in a better position to negotiate a higher resale value for your vehicle.
Decreases Fuel Consumption:
An engine that is not running at its peak performance will use more fuel than one that is well-maintained.
If your car’s engine is not operating efficiently, it has to work harder and use more fuel to get the job done. So while you might think that you are saving money by skipping a few services here and there, you are losing a lot more at the pump.
On the other hand, a well-tuned engine will use less fuel and emit fewer harmful pollutants. So you will not only save money, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment.
Read here to learn the benefits of auto repair services
Ready to Go Full Throttle?
If you’re convinced that full service is the way, bring your car to Ulmer’s Auto repair in Cincinnati & KY. We provide complete comprehensive services that will keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Our expert auto repair mechanics will check every nook and cranny of your car to ensure that everything is in tip-top shape.
We understand that your car is a significant investment, and we want to help you protect it. Contact us today to schedule a full-service appointment.
