Full Service vs Interim Service: What Is the Difference?

The short answer

An interim service is a lighter check, built around an oil and filter change and the key safety items. A full service is more thorough, covers many more checks and includes additional filters. Most cars should have a full service once a year, with an interim in between for higher mileage drivers.

What an interim service covers

An interim service normally includes fresh engine oil and a new oil filter, fluid level checks and top-ups, and a visual inspection of tyres, brakes, lights, wipers, steering and suspension.

It suits drivers who cover a lot of miles and want fresh oil every six months or so, or who want to keep the car in good health between annual full services.

What a full service adds

A full service includes everything in the interim plus a more detailed inspection of brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, cooling system and drive belts, and usually an air filter change. Depending on the car and its schedule, cabin filters, spark plugs and fuel filters may also be included.

It is the one to have every 12 months to keep the car healthy and its service history complete.

Why the service history matters

A car with a full, stamped service history is easier to sell and usually worth more. It also shows that jobs like timing belts, brake fluid and spark plugs have been done when they should have been. We follow your manufacturer's schedule so the work matches what your car needs.

Which should I book?

If you are not sure, tell us your mileage, when the car was last serviced and what was done. We will tell you which service makes sense rather than selling you the biggest one. Call us in Oldbury on 0121 544 3736 or pop in to Park Lane.