If you've ever booked a service and wondered whether you need a "full" or an "interim" service, you're not alone. It's one of the questions we get asked most often at our garage in Long Eaton, and the honest answer is that it depends on your vehicle, your mileage, and how you use it.
Here's a straightforward explanation of the difference between the two, so you can make the right choice and get the best value for your money.
What is an interim service?
An interim service is a shorter check, usually recommended every six months or six thousand miles, whichever comes first. It's designed for vehicles that cover a lot of miles, or as a halfway point between full services to keep things ticking over nicely.
During an interim service, we'll typically check and top up fluids, replace the oil and oil filter, inspect brakes and tyres, test the battery, and carry out a general safety check across the vehicle.
What is a full service?
A full service is a much more thorough check, usually carried out once a year or every twelve thousand miles. It covers everything included in an interim service, plus a wider range of checks including the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, drive belts, suspension components, and more, depending on your vehicle's specific service schedule.
A full service is the best way to catch developing issues early, before they turn into something more serious or expensive.
Which service do you need?
As a general guide:
- If your car covers low mileage and you had a full service within the last year, an interim service between full services is a sensible way to keep on top of wear and tear
- If it's been close to a year, or around twelve thousand miles, since your last full service, it's worth booking one in
- If you're unsure, just give us a call. We'll check your service history and vehicle mileage and recommend what's genuinely needed, not what earns us the most money
Being honest with our customers matters to us. We'd rather explain what your vehicle actually needs than sell you something it doesn't.
We service all makes, with particular expertise in German cars and vans
Whatever you drive, our team can carry out your full or interim service to manufacturer standards, using quality parts throughout.
We have particular expertise in Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW cars, along with Ford, Mercedes, VW and Iveco vans.
Trusted by drivers across the local area
We're proud to look after cars and vans for customers throughout Long Eaton and the surrounding areas, including Sandiacre, Stapleford, Breaston, Draycott, Beeston, Nottingham and Derby. Many of our customers have been coming to us for years, and we like to think that's because we treat every vehicle, and every customer, honestly and personally.
Book your service today
Not sure whether you need a full or interim service? Get in touch and we'll happily talk you through it, or you can book online in a couple of minutes.
Safe, reliable vehicle repairs, that's our promise.
