What Is A Full Car Service? Your Frequently Asked Questions
Designed for convenience, a car can be an excellent addition to any household. However, as with all belongings, cars do require looking after to work properly. One great way to ensure your vehicle is always operating at its best is to employ a garage to perform a full car service.
Full car services are often surrounded by myths and questions, with many people needing clarification on their purpose and what checks are included in the process. In this article from Acorn Tyres, you can learn everything you need to know about full car services while we answer some of our most frequently asked questions.
What is a full car service?
A car service generally refers to a procedure offered by garages, carried out by experts to check the overall condition and health of a vehicle. Essentially, the service will be a series of checks on different components of your vehicle. This service is not a legal requirement, however, it is typically recommended by car manufacturers.
Each garage will have its own version of a full car servicing, meaning that individual businesses will choose to check different parts. What happens during a full car service will also depend on the make, model, and age of your car. If you have any particular concerns about your car, it’s best to raise these with your garage too.
What is included in a full car service?
Generally, car services come in a few different forms, depending on the service offered by the garage itself. Many offer simple vehicle testing services, also known as intermittent car services, which will include a brief check over the most important parts of your vehicle. Mostly, however, it is more beneficial to have a full car servicing, which will have the professionals check your car in its entirety to make sure no hidden issues go undetected.
In a full car service, our experts at Acorn Tyres will make sure your car is operating properly. We will check the following parts of your vehicle:
- Warning lights
- Horn
- Seat belts
- Engine diagnostic codes
- Fuel cap
- Tyres
- Battery and wiring
- Power steering
- Brakes

Is a service different from an MOT?
While many garages offer both services, an MOT and a full car service do differ. As seen above, a full car service is not a legal requirement, however, it is recommended by many experts thanks to its range of benefits. An MOT, on the other hand, is a legal requirement. Your car cannot be driven without a passed MOT, making it essential. This test must be carried out annually for cars over three years old to ensure it is continuously roadworthy.
What are the benefits of a full car service?
Full car services are recommended by car manufacturers for a reason. Car servicing is typically viewed as a worthwhile investment, thanks to its many advantages. Read on to discover what they are in depth.
Reduced Chances of a Breakdown
Breaking down is never preferable. Finding yourself at the roadside during a long trip is inconvenient, delaying your journey often by several hours to wait for a car repairs company to help you. The best thing to do to avoid this from happening is to take preventative measures in getting a full car service. The professionals will let you know if anything seems awry with your vehicle before you take it on a long journey.
Appeals to Buyers
If you’re looking to sell your car sometime in the future, keeping your car in its best condition is a great way of thinking ahead. Car servicing will help to both prevent and detect any long-lasting issues, meaning your car will be in its best possible condition when you choose to sell it. Many buyers purposefully look for cars that have been regularly serviced and may even be willing to pay higher prices for the resulting great condition.
Improved Car Lifespan
Looking after your car by regularly employing full car services can help to extend the life of your vehicle itself. Similar to taking yourself to the doctor for routine checkups and visits, your car will benefit from being looked after by professionals at least once a year. Detecting and addressing issues quickly will also prevent long-lasting damage from occurring, keeping your car in good health.
Safety on the Roads
Driving a vehicle with undetected issues can be dangerous, particularly if it’s impacting your ability to safely drive. Steering issues, for example, can lead to veering out of your lane, leading to a higher potential for accidents. To keep you and your family safe, get thorough checks on your car with a full car service.
Prevents Costly Repairs
Should a problem within your vehicle go unchecked for long periods, the resulting damage can often lead to expensive repair costs. To save money in the long run, it can be beneficial to check over your vehicle routinely and carefully with the assistance of a team of experts. Any underdeveloped problems can be addressed quickly, keeping your car costs low overall.
When should I book a service?
As full car servicing is not a legal requirement, it can be difficult to determine when you need to get your car checked. At Acorn Tyres, we would recommend booking a full car service at least once a year to ensure your car is working as it should. You can usually arrange a test to take place before your MOT, helping you to prepare early on for any issues you may have.

If you notice any specific issues while waiting for your next car service, it’s important not to wait. As mentioned, issues with your car can put you at risk. Take your vehicle to the garage as soon as possible for car repairs if you’re concerned about driving the vehicle in between routine servicing appointments.
How long does a full car service take?
A full car service will typically last three hours, however, it will depend on the unique requirements of both the business and your vehicle. The length can be extended, of course, should any serious problems be encountered which need to be addressed. Before carrying out major work or changes to your vehicle, the business should always speak to you first.
How do I book a service?
Booking a service in this age of technology has never been easier. Few companies require you to book in person today, instead preferring booking options such as telephone conversations or email requests. A simple phone conversation with our team at Acorn Tyre is all you need. We offer free quotes for full car servicing, so phone us at 01296 612 075 for yours today.
How can Acorn Tyres help?
At Acorn Tyres are experts in full car servicing, helping our customers to ensure that their vehicles are healthy and safe to drive. We offer a range of services to help address any issues we find too, from checking brakes and exhausts to tyre sales and fittings. In addition, our team is dedicated to ensuring your vehicle can be driven legally with our MOT testing services.
Please visit our website to learn more about Acorn Tyres and the services we offer. Alternatively, to speak to our friendly staff directly, get in touch with us today.