If you are booking your car in for a full or interim service, you’ll probably want to know how long it will take.
An essential part of routine car maintenance, a service ensures vital fluids, filters and other parts are replaced when they are needed to ensure your vehicle stays healthy.
Typically, a mobile mechanic or garage will need 45 to 75 minutes for an interim service and up to 90 minutes for a full service.
Read on to find out how long a car service will take.
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A full service should be completed within a single day. Typically, a mobile mechanic or garage will complete a full service in 90 minutes.
If the mobile mechanic or garage is busy, the full service may take longer to complete. You may also have to wait if the car requires additional repairs or replacement parts.
A full service should be carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The mechanic should check the steering, brakes, suspension, wheels and tyres.
A full diagnostic check should also be conducted, which includes a full engine management system check, looking for electrical issues and any problems identified up by the electric control units on the engine, the power steering, transmission and sensors.
Under the bonnet, the power steering fluid should be examined and topped up if required. The battery and charging system should also be checked. The engine oil, oil filter and air filter should all be replaced.
A full service should always be completed with a test drive, with the mechanic checking if anything feels or sounds unusual and to make sure there aren’t any new problems.
An interim car service usually takes 45 to 75 minutes to complete. It may take longer if your vehicle requires repairs or the mechanic is busy.
The engine oil and filter should be changed as part of the interim service. The coolant and battery should also be checked.
As with a full service, the mechanic should inspect the steering, suspension and brakes. The wheels and condition of the tyres should also be checked, along with the vehicle’s lights.
Key safety features of the vehicle – seatbelts, seatbelt mounts, windscreen wipers and horn – should be tested and the washer fluid topped up.
Finally, the mechanic must test the vehicle on the public road to detect if anything sounds or feels out of place and ensure there are no new or developing problems.
The MOT takes between 45 and 60 minutes while a full service takes up to 90 minutes.
Many drivers choose to combine a full service with an MOT to ensure their vehicle is in top condition and meets all legal safety and emission requirements.
Combining a full service and MOT could save time, as you won’t need to take your car to multiple garages.
Occasionally a problem may be found with a vehicle during its full or interim service. If this happens, the mechanic may pause the service to contact you and inform of the repairs that are required.
If the car service cannot be completed due to a serious problem with the vehicle, you may be asked to come back later so the garage can source the parts and repair the car. If a minor issue is found with your car, you may be asked to return with the vehicle later.
Follow your manufacturer’s service intervals — they’re designed to protect the engine and reduce wear. Skipping services is one of the quickest ways to turn a small maintenance task into a costly repair.
Nick Mullender
Lead RAC Mobile Mechanic
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